Series 8, Episode 6 - "You can't scare me, I'm defending the Muppet episode of Strange New Worlds."

The Kobayashi Maru. The ultimate no-win scenario. But what if the real lesson isn't about winning at all? Captain Michael Wilson is joined by First Officers D.K. and Justin Avery Smith as the crew continue their journey through Star Trek's greatest holodeck adventures with one of the most beloved episodes of Star Trek: Prodigy. This time we're stepping onto the USS Enterprise-D bridge alongside some of the most iconic figures in Star Trek history as Dal attempts to conquer the legendary Kobayashi Maru test. Along the way we discuss Aaron Waltke's love letter to the franchise, the ingenious use of archive performances from Leonard Nimoy, James Doohan, René Auberjonois and Nichelle Nichols' fellow castmates, gorgeous animation, emotional character development, AC/DC, Murf eating grenades, and why this episode perfectly balances fan service with genuine storytelling. Before that, though, there's the usual madness as Hailing Frequencies Open returns, the crew tackle another round of Hit or Miss, and Poetry Corner somehow survives another week. Is Kobayashi an unbeatable triumph, or does this famous simulation finally meet its match? Join us as we find out. Live Long and Prosper... and remember: sometimes the greatest victory is learning why you couldn't win in the first place.

Links:

Follow D.K everywhere via https://linktr.ee/DannyKingdom

Follow Justin at:

justinaverysmith.com

Facebook and Instagram - Justinaverysmith

BlueSky - justinaverysmith@bluesky.social

TikTok - @justaverysmith

YouTube - @JustAVerySmith

Follow Mike and the podcast all over the internet via linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow Mike on Discord: MikeOfSteel#2913

Host /Editor/Producer - Michael K. Wilson

Co-hosts - D.K & Justin Avery Smith

Created by Michael K. Wilson

Based on a format by Michael Wilson & Will Templar

"We pick on the Oberth-class so much on this show."

In memory of those who inspire us to go boldly.

Series 8, Episode 5 - "TNG is objectively the greatest TV show that has ever been created."

Holodecks have always been one of Star Trek's greatest storytelling playgrounds, but what happens when Lower Decks decides to turn one into a full-blown movie franchise? This week on Hit or Miss Star Trek, Michael Wilson is joined once again by newly recurring First Officer Justin Avery Smith, alongside special first-time guest Jason Roy Gaston, to review both Crisis Point and Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus in one feature-length discussion. Together we explore two of the series' most ambitious episodes, packed with affectionate tributes to decades of Star Trek films, spectacular cinematic parody, surprisingly heartfelt character development, and enough meta humour to keep even the most eagle-eyed fans busy. Along the way we discuss Mariner and Boimler's emotional journeys, Lower Decks' unique approach to storytelling, George Takei's welcome return as Sulu, and whether these holodeck adventures succeed as both comedy and genuine Star Trek. As always, there's Behind the Scenes trivia, Poetry Corner, favourite moments and quotes, plenty of laughs, and our final Hit or Miss scores to determine whether these cinematic love letters truly deserve their place among the franchise's finest holodeck stories. All this plus a full interview with Jason about his Trek history and favourites. Naturally there is also a (slightly truncated) Hit or Miss section taking in two different instances of holographic relocation and two divisive starships. So get the popcorn ready, watch out for flying credits and avoid any bitey horseys as you dive into this holographic review double-bill.

Links:

Follow Jason everywhere via https://linktr.ee/jasonroygaston

Follow Justin at: justinaverysmith.com

Facebook and Instagram - Justinaverysmith

BlueSky - justinaverysmith@bluesky.social

TikTok - @justaverysmith

YouTube - @JustAVerySmith

Follow Mike and the podcast all over the internet via linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow Mike on Discord: MikeOfSteel#2913

Host /Editor/Producer - Michael K. Wilson

Co-host - Justin Avery Smith

Created by Michael K. Wilson

Based on a format by Michael Wilson & Will Templar

"What is Star Trek if not the gayest science-fiction?"

Series 8, Episode 4 - "For weeks afterwards we were going around shouting "invaders from the Fifth Dimension!" to each other."

What happens when Star Trek pays tribute to the science fiction that inspired it? This week on Hit or Miss Star Trek, Captain Michael Wilson is joined by returning First Officer DK and returning guest Mary to revisit one of Star Trek: Voyager's most gloriously entertaining adventures: Bride of Chaotica! Together we celebrate an episode that transforms the holodeck into a black-and-white movie serial inspired by the likes of Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers, complete with melodramatic villains, fearless heroes, crackling death rays and scenery-chewing performances. Along the way we discuss Kate Mulgrew's unforgettable turn as Queen Arachnia, Voyager's wonderfully theatrical embrace of classic sci-fi, the episode's remarkable production story, and why this affectionate parody has become one of the franchise's most beloved holodeck adventures. As always, there's Behind the Scenes trivia, Poetry Corner (including limericks from both DK and Mary!), favourite moments and quotes, our regular Hit or Miss section, and plenty of laughter as we decide whether this monochrome adventure deserves its legendary reputation. So fire up the rocket ship, beware the Death Ray, and don't let the photonic invaders mistake you for one of Chaotica's henchmen as you join us for one of Star Trek's most joyful celebrations of classic science fiction.

Links:

• Follow Mary on Threads - @flutemusikcosplay

• Follow Mary on BlueSky - @flutemusik

Follow DK everywhere - https://linktr.ee/DannyKingdom?utm_source=threads&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

Follow Mike and the podcast all over the internet via linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow Mike on Discord: MikeOfSteel#2913

Host /Editor/Producer - Michael K. Wilson

Co-host - D.K

Created by Michael K. Wilson

Based on a format by Michael Wilson & Will Templar

"We're right there with you Kate. We had a blast"