114: "The Life of the Stars" (Starfleet Academy S1E8)

“Starfleet Academy” finishes the end of its first season with the conclusion of numerous plot lines, a lot of character moments, and some problem solving. We discuss how this episode worked, the season as a whole, and how “Starfleet Academy” builds on the shows that came before it. See you again when “Strange New Worlds” returns! Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

School’s out, but adventure is in! Scott and Jason discuss the penultimate episode of the first season of “Starfleet Academy,” including stealing shuttlecrafts, insulting your friends, hiding out in airlocks, and the perils of having to automate an entire starship! Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

From the space-time weirdness of Kasq to the stage of “Our Town,” it’s a “Starfleet Academy” episode where theater helps process trauma and a certain hologram learns to love again. Oh, and Tilly shows up, reminding us why she’s a top-tier Star Trek character. Come join us in our little one-act play, or as we call it, a podcast. Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Get out your space swiffers and prepare to visit the Dry Moon of the Fish People! It’s time to discuss the change-of-pace episode “Ko’Zeine,” which we found to be… fine. If this is the baseline for “Starfleet Academy,” that’s good news, but we do have some thoughts on all the ways this episode failed to rise above being perfectly cromulent. We do love that Warp Slug, though. Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

This one gets pretty dark, with a training mission that goes horribly wrong, leading to casualties. Meanwhile, Holly Hunter watches Paul Giamatti chew scenery (in the best possible way). Plus, don’t forget the YA-mandatory and story-arc-relevant sexy times! Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

This week the fate of The Sisko is revealed, sort of, as Sam investigates one of the great mysteries of the universe: What exactly happened in the “Deep Space Nine” series finale? More than a nostalgia trip, it’s a story that sets one of the “Starfleet Academy” characters on a new course. Plus: Our boy Kyle is back! Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

The Klingons are back, and they’re not doing so hot! We discuss debate etiquette, podiums, who writes The Doctor’s introductions, and maybe a little cultural imperialism, Federation style. Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Like a mocking plant that just keeps growing, Vulcan Hello returns to break down the latest episode of “Starfleet Academy.” Why don’t they just play basketball? Why does Holly Hunter love furniture? Why should we try French-Klingon fusion? And who’s the sweaty man in that Mugato costume? Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

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.

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.