TrekRanks 222: Top 5 Duos

For Episode 222 we had to do something unique, since everyone knows how much we love numbers and statistics on TrekRanks. So for an episode with three "twos" in the title, we are finally doing the "Top 5 Duos" (a topic we also can't believe we haven't yet tackled). In this TrekRanks classic, our panel of host Jim Moorhouse and expert guests Kimberly Lawler and Paul Edinger list their favorite pairings and duos of characters from Trek's great history. Nothing cute here. This isn't about 'ships or bromances or a nebulous definition of "duo" – this one is about the great character pairings in Star Trek, with quite a few deep cuts thrown in, as well! Episode Rundown: Diagnostic Cycle: We define exactly what we mean by "duos." (This one is not about 'shipts or bromances or doppelgangers, we did those topics back on Episodes 21 and 50 respectively!) Prime Directive: Each guest on this week's panel reveals exactly how they narrowed down their list and made their final choices. The Order of Things: All our duos are revealed with the TrekRanks' original "Five words and a hashtag" summary, along with one episode that helps frame their choice. Secondary Systems: For a few extra picks that just missed our final list. Regeneration Cycle: The panel recaps their picks and we dissect some of the interesting statistical anomalies that arose from the discussion. Temporal Inversion: We flashback to a previous episode of TrekRanks and relay some of the feedback received from listeners, and this week we have a fantastic "Abstact Color" voicemail for you. If you have your own picks you would like to relay to us, please hail us at 757-828-RANK (7265) and record your own personal TrekRanks log to let us know your Top 5 Duos. (Or you can record it yourself and just DM us @TrekRanks.com on Bluesky.) Your comments could be used as part of a Temporal Causality Loop on an upcoming episode (and might get you a chance to be a guest on a future episode, too). And don't forget to check out TrekRanks.com for our entire back catalog of episodes and a detailed rundown on every episode of Star Trek ever.

"You can't be afraid of the wind" and you can't be afraid of the new TrekRanks as this week we salute the heroic captain of the NX-01 Enterprise with our "Top 5 Archer Episodes." It's a deep dive episode of TrekRanks that traverses the temporal cold war to bring you all of Archer's greatest moments from "Broken Bow" to "Terra Prime." Our expert panel of host Jim Moorhouse and guests Michael Angie and Melanie get deep into the defining actions and motivations of Starfleet's original captain – the one who set the standard for all who followed. This is a very special episode of TrekRanks. Don't miss it. Episode Rundown: Diagnostic Cycle: We go through our role call of past "character deep dive episodes" (this is the 21st!) and break down that it is the fifth and final episode showcasing the legacy Trek captains, coming on the heels of Kirk, Picard, Sisko and Janeway. Prime Directive: Each guest on this week's panel reveals exactly how they narrowed down their list and made their final choices, and everyone reveals their one-word to help define Captain Archer. The Order of Things: All the picks are revealed with the TrekRanks' original "Five words and a hashtag" summary. Secondary Systems: For a few extra picks that just missed our final list. Regeneration Cycle: The panel recaps their picks and we dissect some of the interesting statistical anomalies that arose from the discussion. Temporal Inversion: We reveal a secret temporal inversion hidden inside this week's episode. It's pretty cool, and pretty special. If you have your own picks you would like to relay to us, please hail us at 757-828-RANK (7265) and record your own personal TrekRanks log to let us know your Top 5 Archer Episodes. (Or you can record it yourself and just DM us @TrekRanks.com on Bluesky.) Your comments could be used as part of a Temporal Causality Loop on an upcoming episode (and might get you a chance to be a guest on a future episode, too). And don't forget to check out TrekRanks.com for our entire back catalog of episodes and a detailed rundown on every episode of Star Trek ever.      

It's another "everything goes" abstract topic on TrekRanks as our expert panel tackles "Abstract L," labeling luminous locations and lightships of all sorts that randomly begin with the letter L. This is TrekRanks at its abstract finest! Led by host Jim Moorhouse and guests Alex Perry, Claire Little and Ken Reilly, literally anything is on the table in this fun "flash ranks" episode recorded live at STLV via a temporal anomaly. Log in and let's fly! Episode Rundown: Diagnostic Cycle: We briefly go through not only our "Abstract" roll call, but our "Flash Ranks" roll call to prep for the topic. Prime Directive: Each guest on this week's panel reveals exactly how they narrowed down their list and made their final choices. The Order of Things: All the picks are revealed with the TrekRanks' original "Five words and a hashtag" summary, along with one episode that helps frame their choice. Secondary Systems: For a few extra picks that just missed our final list. Regeneration Cycle: The panel recaps their picks and we dissect some of the interesting statistical anomalies that arose from the discussion. Temporal Inversion: We flashback to a previous episode of TrekRanks and relay some of the feedback received from listeners. If you have your own picks you would like to relay to us, please hail us at 757-828-RANK (7265) and record your own personal TrekRanks log to let us know your picks for Abstract L. (Or you can record it yourself and just DM us @TrekRanks.com on Bluesky.) Your comments could be used as part of a Temporal Causality Loop on an upcoming episode (and might get you a chance to be a guest on a future episode, too). And don't forget to check out TrekRanks.com for our entire back catalog of episodes and a detailed rundown on every episode of Star Trek ever.

"Do not pass Go! Do not collect $200!" But do make sure you listen to this episode of TrekRanks covering the "Top 5 Games and Gaming References" throughout the history of Star Trek! From Kal-toh to Kadis-kot to Kotra (try to keep those three straight!), our Trek panel of host Jim Moorhouse and guests Jenn Tifft, Caleb Dorsch and Patrick Carlin have a great time spinning the wheel and rolling dice and shuffling the cards on all the fun gaming options featured in Trek. This one is a stone cold TrekRanks classic. One of our favorites! Game on! Episode Rundown: Diagnostic Cycle: A quick review of exactly why we went with the cumbersome "games and gaming references" title, and how this episode is actually a sequel to Episode 104 of Trek Ranks: the Top 5 Sports References. Prime Directive: We get into each player's strategy for game play and how they narrowed down their picks! The Order of Things: All the picks are revealed with the TrekRanks' original "Five word summary and a hashtag," along with one episode that helps frame their choice. Secondary Systems: For a few extra picks that just missed our final list. Regeneration Cycle: The panel recaps their picks and we dissect some of the interesting statistical anomalies that arose from the discussion. Temporal Inversion: We flashback to a previous episode of TrekRanks and relay some of the feedback received from listeners. If you have your own picks you would like to relay to us, please hail us at 757-828-RANK (7265) and record your own personal TrekRanks log to let us know your Top 5 Games and Gaming References. (Or you can record it yourself and just DM us @TrekRanks.com on Bluesky.) Your comments could be used as part of a Temporal Causality Loop on an upcoming episode (and might get you a chance to be a guest on a future episode, too). And don't forget to check out TrekRanks.com for our entire back catalog of episodes and a detailed rundown on every episode of Star Trek ever.      

The third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds was an incredible mix of big swings and rotating genres that now receives the TrekRanks treatment with our patented breakdown of the "Top 5 Strange New Worlds Season 3 Moments." You can rest assured that our expert panel of Jim Moorhouse, Sam Nelson and Amy Arrant loved this season's mélange of interesting styles and commentaries, and they cover it all with a range of picks including everything from Gorn body horror to Trelane the Wedding Planner to those pesky Metrons. Episode Rundown: Diagnostic Cycle: We break down the five distinct categories we use in our season recap shows. In order, this week's panelists reveal their picks in the following categories: Production Design, Behind-the-Scenes Creative, Dabo Round Wildcard, Character and Episode! Prime Directive: Our crew breaks down exactly how they defined their lists. The Order of Things: Everyone reveals their picks with the usual "Five word Summary and a Hashtag," along with one episode that helps frame their choice. Secondary Systems: Our guests each rattle off a few additional selections for the picks that just missed our lists! Regeneration Cycle: Everyone recaps their picks and we discuss some of the interesting statistical anomalies that arose from the discussion. Temporal Inversion: We flashback to a previous episode of TrekRanks and relay some of the feedback received from listeners. If you have your own picks you would like to relay to us, please hail us at 757-828-RANK (7265) and record your own personal TrekRanks log to let us know your Top 5 Strange New Worlds Season 3 Moments. (Or you can record it yourself and just DM us @TrekRanks.com on Bluesky.) Your comments could be used as part of a Temporal Causality Loop on an upcoming episode (and might get you a chance to be a guest on a future episode, too). And don't forget to check out TrekRanks.com for our entire back catalog of episodes and a detailed rundown on every episode of Star Trek ever.    

We unlock another classic episode of TrekRanks with the "Top 5 Locked-Door Moments." Whether it's a door you are trying to get through or a door you have locked behind you, this is the kind of fun, unpredictable topic you will continue to find only find on TrekRanks. Our expert panel of host Jim Moorhouse and guests Lee Hutchison and Kelli cover a ton of locked-door territory, from the literal to the metaphysical in this great topic. Episode Rundown: Diagnostic Cycle: Where we briefly get into the details of defining the show's specific topic. Prime Directive: Each guest on this week's panel reveals exactly how they narrowed down their list and made their final choices. The Order of Things: All the picks are revealed with the TrekRanks' original "Five words and a hashtag" summary, along with one episode that helps frame their choice. Secondary Systems: For a few extra picks that just missed our final list. Regeneration Cycle: The panel recaps their picks and we dissect some of the interesting statistical anomalies that arose from the discussion. Temporal Inversion: We flashback to a previous episode of TrekRanks and relay some of the feedback received from listeners. If you have your own picks you would like to relay to us, please hail us at 757-828-RANK (7265) and record your own personal TrekRanks log to let us know your Top 5 Locked-Door Moments. (Or you can record it yourself and just DM us @TrekRanks.com on Bluesky.) Your comments could be used as part of a Temporal Causality Loop on an upcoming episode (and might get you a chance to be a guest on a future episode, too). And don't forget to check out TrekRanks.com for our entire back catalog of episodes and a detailed rundown on every episode of Star Trek ever.    

We are doing it again. It's another crazy TrekRanks live show from Las Vegas, and this one is a sequel to the show we did on Episode 166 featuring "The. Best. Deaths." On this week's TrekRanks live recording it's Episode 216 and the topic is even more rowdy with a breakdown of "The. Best. (Fake.) Deaths." This is a fun one for our host Jim Moorhouse and our massive panel of eight guests, including Star Trek experts Alex Perry, Claire Little, Ken Reilly, Matt Hansen, Jamie McGregor, Thad Hait, Carl Wonders and John Krikorian, as they power through 45 rapid fire selections for "The. Best. (Fake.) Deaths." This one will keep you on the edge of your seat! Episode Rundown: Diagnostic Cycle: If this topic was Top 5 Fake Deaths, you'd have Spock from "The Wrath of Khan" and that kind of thing. It's not. It's "The. Best. (Fake.) Deaths," which is a whole other thing. (Yeah, we don't know what that means either, but just go with it.) Prime Directive: Each guest on this week's massive panel reveals exactly how they narrowed down list and made their final choices. The Order of Things: All the picks are revealed with the TrekRanks' original "Five words and a hashtag" summary, along with one episode that helps frame their choice. Secondary Systems: For a few extra picks that just missed our final list. Regeneration Cycle: The panel does not recap their picks (because there are so many of them), but we do dissect some of the interesting statistical anomalies that arose from the discussion. Temporal Inversion: We flashback to a previous episode of TrekRanks and relay some of the feedback received from listeners.  If you have your own picks you would like to relay to us, please hail us at 757-828-RANK (7265) and record your own personal TrekRanks log to let us know your picks for The. Best. (Fake.) Deaths. (Or you can record it yourself and just DM us @TrekRanks.com on Bluesky.) Your comments could be used as part of a Temporal Causality Loop on an upcoming episode (and might get you a chance to be a guest on a future episode, too). And don't forget to check out TrekRanks.com for our entire back catalog of episodes and a detailed rundown on every episode of Star Trek ever.   

It's a TrekRanks classic. This week we shine the spotlight on the "Top 5 Episodes Nobody Likes But Me." It's those episodes that you've realized over the years, "Oh, I really like that episode, but I don't think anyone else does! What's up with that?!?" It's those episodes that for some reason they've connected with you, but not the masses. Our panel of host Jim Moorhouse and Trek experts Bill Mann, Arielle K. and Beverly Falls go deep into the Trek oeuvre to pick and defend some unbelievable choices. This one you can't miss.  Episode Rundown: Prime Directive: We jump straight into our Prime Directives to see how each guest narrowed down their list and made their final choices. The Order of Things: All the picks are revealed with the TrekRanks' original "Five words and a hashtag" summary. Secondary Systems: For a few extra picks that just missed our final list. Regeneration Cycle: The panel recaps their picks and we dissect some of the interesting statistical anomalies that arose from the discussion. Temporal Inversion: We flashback to a previous episode of TrekRanks and relay some of the feedback received from listeners. If you have your own picks you would like to relay to us, please hail us at 757-828-RANK (7265) and record your own personal TrekRanks log to let us know your Top 5 Episodes Nobody Likes But Me. (Or you can record it yourself and just DM us @TrekRanks.com on Bluesky.) Your comments could be used as part of a Temporal Causality Loop on an upcoming episode (and might get you a chance to be a guest on a future episode, too). And don't forget to check out TrekRanks.com for our entire back catalog of episodes and a detailed rundown on every episode of Star Trek ever.    

On this week's TrekRanks we get up-close and personal with some of those off-beat, hard-luck, put-upon characters with a deep dive on the "Top 5 Sad-Sack Characters" in Trek. It's a celebration (mostly!) of those maybe slightly out-of-place characters who sometimes deservedly and sometimes undeservedly get a bad reputation. Our panel of host Jim Moorhouse and experts Claire Little and Rick Everson have a fun time breaking this one down with some deep cuts and top shelf choices! Episode Rundown: Diagnostic Cycle: We tell you the etymology of the terminology sad-sack before diving in the topic to get a full understanding of this topic. Prime Directive: Each guest on this week's panel reveals exactly how they narrowed down their list and made their final choices. The Order of Things: All the picks are revealed with the TrekRanks' original "Five words and a hashtag" summary, along with one episode that helps frame their choice. Secondary Systems: For a few extra picks that just missed our final list. Regeneration Cycle: The panel recaps their picks and we dissect some of the interesting statistical anomalies that arose from the discussion. Temporal Inversion: We flashback to a previous episode of TrekRanks and relay some of the feedback received from listeners. If you have your own picks you would like to relay to us, please hail us at 757-828-RANK (7265) and record your own personal TrekRanks log to let us know your Top 5 Sad-Sack Characters. (Or you can record it yourself and just DM us @TrekRanks.com on Bluesky.) Your comments could be used as part of a Temporal Causality Loop on an upcoming episode (and might get you a chance to be a guest on a future episode, too). And don't forget to check out TrekRanks.com for our entire back catalog of episodes and a detailed rundown on every episode of Star Trek ever.      

On the surface, this topic might look like a kids' game, but in practice, the "Top 5 Hiding Places" in Star Trek is one of the broadest topics you can tackle. From objects and individuals to ships and whole planets, there is no limit to the amount of things being hidden in Trek, both tangibly and metaphysically and via cloak – the hiding just never ends. Our panel of host Jim Moorhouse and experts Katharine Robinson, Todd Kehoe and Dan Briggs, definitely go deep in defining their picks and ultimately you are going to be glad you found this TrekRanks to listen to! Episode Rundown: Diagnostic Cycle: We get into the many specific details of how this broad topic can be defined, from cloaks to metaphysical hiding and everything in between. Prime Directive: Each guest on this week's panel reveals exactly how they narrowed down their list and made their final choices. The Order of Things: All the picks are revealed with the TrekRanks' original "Five words and a hashtag" summary, along with one episode that helps frame their choice. Secondary Systems: For a few extra picks that just missed our final list. Regeneration Cycle: The panel recaps their final choices and we dissect some of the interesting statistical anomalies that arose from the discussion. Temporal Inversion: We flashback to a previous episode of TrekRanks and relay some of the feedback received from listeners. If you have your own picks you would like to relay to us, please hail us at 757-828-RANK (7265) and record your own personal TrekRanks log to let us know your Top 5 Hiding Places. (Or you can record it yourself and just DM us @TrekRanks.com on Bluesky.) Your comments could be used as part of a Temporal Causality Loop on an upcoming episode (and might get you a chance to be a guest on a future episode, too). And don't forget to check out TrekRanks.com for our entire back catalog of episodes and a detailed rundown on every episode of Star Trek ever.