Vulcan Hello 108: "Beta Test" (Starfleet Academy S1E2)

It’s the second episode of “Starfleet Academy,” and things are picking up speed. Political negotiations via college debating society! Betazoid mental shields! Many, many, many robots and aliens. But is it too much, or just enough? We break it all down, reassess “Star Trek Voyager” and complain about theme songs, and ultimately make an Important Contribution To (Head) Canon with the introduction of Whale Academy. Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

After 800 episodes, we are in serious danger of repeating ourselves, but that never stopped us before. Some of our most prolific panelists fulfill the prophesy and draft Incomparable drafts. Jason begs them to give him new ideas, because after 800, he’s almost run out. And we use our powers for good and evil to mark classic episodes for deletion. Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Dan Moren, David J. Loehr, Erika Ensign, Kathy Campbell, Moisés Chiullán, Monty Ashley and Shelly Brisbin.

A new “Star Trek” series arrives! Scott and Jason discuss their expectations for this new series, then dive in and break down their (surprising?) reactions to the first episode of “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.” [We’ll cover episode 2 in a few days, in a separate episode.] Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

It’s almost time for “Starfleet Academy,” but before we sit down to watch the newest “Star Trek” series, we’ve got to wrap up our “Wreath of Khan” series with a look at “Star Trek Into Darkness.” Khan is in it (spoilers!), but should he be? What makes this movie work, and where does it fall apart? Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Premee nerds out about a beloved (and well-used!) collection. Sandra Wong with Premee Mohamed.

This action-packed episode involves one of the hardest things to do in a city without a good public transit system: get across town. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Annette Wierstra, Chelsea Hackman, Heather Berberet, James Thomson and Jason Snell.

What we assume is the first rash of trailers for the upcoming Doomsday Marvel Mega Event has just dropped so we’re on the case like Plastic Man. Captain America, Thor, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and Wakanda report for the adversiting roll call. Read along to find out what we think. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Host John Siracusa asks himself to discuss the difference between Supercars and Hypercars, while Jason looks on. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

Noah Hawley’s TV take on the Alien franchise, “Alien: Earth,” is crashing into a building near us, bringing gross aliens old and new, suspicious synths, terrified (and bloody) humans, and a new class of hybrid life forms with the minds of children and superhuman bodies. Does the show give us enough Xenomorphs? Is the eye alien a breakout fan favorite? Was replaying “Alien” on a different ship a good idea? Why is Trillionaire Island so understaffed? We break it all down. Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Brian Warren, Annette Wierstra and Sandra Wong.

We start the new year with a mission to celebrate one of our favourite Rob Reiner pictures: When Harry Met Sally. Although it’s been a while since our agents last watched this movie, it remains a strong example of a 90s romantic comedy. Join us to celebrate the fashion, the music, the supporting cast, and finally answer the question: can men and women be friends? Annette Wierstra with Shelly Brisbin and Micki Maynard.