Random Trek 268: "A Private Little War" (TOS) with Lex Friedman

Lex Friedman, the force behind Lex.Games and Strategy, joins Scott to discuss “A Private Little War” (TOS S2E19). Topics include costumes (both tiny and ridiculous), when everyone gets their wigs at the same store, and finally settling the eternal question: is Spock a robot? Scott McNulty with Lex Friedman.

It’s the thrilling conclusion to Heart of Ashes! K’ronng does his signature move - a Muppet Sword attack. Levithia marks an enemy as both prey and quarry. Tink invites a charming friend to hang out. Cherish smites divinely. Jaee walks through a bed. We’re taking next week off to prepare for SHOCKTOBER! Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Erika Ensign, Kat Griffiths, Kathy Campbell and Monty Ashley.

We’re taking a breather from Lanterns this week to cover Spider-Man: Brand New Day. When we left Peter Parker he’d had Doctor Strange erase the memory of him from all of his friends and loved ones. Can Peter cope with his isolation and lonliness without become something he’d never want to be? With a little love from his pal Frank Castle maybe things will work out. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Curiosity, c’est un robot! Robot de cuisine, ce n’est pas un robot! Thanks to Listener Erik and the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

The Summer of Sundance comes to an end with “The Natural,” a story of a legendary baseball player—no, we’re not talking about Joe Don Baker as The Whammer, or are we? It’s Bernard Malamud’s take on baseball as American mythology, filtered through the mind of Barry Levinson. Barbara Hershey shocks and confuses, Glenn Close glows, Wilford Brimley is very old and near retirement despite being younger than us, and Robert Redford is so versatile he can play a teenager and a man in his mid-thirties despite being in his late forties. Jason Snell with Philip Michaels, Micheline Maynard, John Siracusa and David J. Loehr.

Once upon a time, there was a fantasy kingdom in a “Star Trek” episode. Twice upon a time, they revisited that story and tried to bring La’An’s seasonlong struggle with herself to a conclusion. Is double the crew double the fun? Is Spock a wizard or a Vulcan, and does he wield magic or logic? We break down the penultimate episode of the penultimate season of “Strange New Worlds!” Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Lyla is the target of bullying at school, even from her so-called friends; and, Matt & Julie’s dating life makes things tough for Coach and Tami. Meanwhile, Lex nearly makes Brian spit out his coffee; but good news, you (and Brian’s computer) are safe and sound here on Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

The team is back on the pitch, and Brian, Kathy, & Chip are reunited to discuss it. Whether it’s Beard’s eyes, Boots’ truck, Ted’s profile, or Roy’s knee (and heart!); everybody seems to be going through a little bit of something this week. So, we invite you to take a sip of some spicy cognac and say “yes” to listening to this episode of Football Is Life. Chip Sudderth and Brian Warren with Kathy Campbell.

Trivia, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Random Pursuit. Its 90-minute mission: to explore Star Trek Trivial Pursuit, to seek out new answers to new questions, to boldly go where no podcast has gone before! (And where no podcast should probably go again.) Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Cicero Holmes, David J. Loehr, Heather Berberet, Jason Snell, Moisés Chiullán and Scott McNulty.

Bree gleefully shares one of her many (MANY!) special interests. Sandra Wong with Bree Bridges.