Discovery Debrief: A Star Trek Podcast

120 | He Never Really Left Us

Long ago, a wise(?) Ferengi once bid us adieu by saying, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." Nearly 27 years ago — or almost 820 in-universe — we said goodbye to the crew of Deep Space Nine and the Emissary of the Prophets, Captain Benjamin Sisko. At long last, we finally get something resembling closure to his story. Join DEBRIEF Bridge Crew members Cicero Holmes and Chris Clow, with a returning ZAKI HASAN and special guest ALI NAGIB, as we break down the fifth episode of STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY season one, "Series Acclimation Mil."
Not only do we get an incredible performance from actress Kerrice Brooks as we learn more about her photonic cadet character SAM, but we also get a shockingly emotional episode for anyone who has a place in their heart for STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE. Listen in as we break down this emotionally charged reacquaintance with characters we haven't seen on screen since 1999, as well as a return of the contemplative, quiet power of the legacy of Benjamin Sisko getting its proper due in wider STAR TREK canon.

119 | Don't Compound Tragedy with Ignorance

The DEBRIEF BRIDGE CREW — Chris Clow, Rachael Clow and Cicero Holmes — are joined once more by JAVI TRUJILLO (Batman-On-Film, The Comic Binge, The 007 Files) to break down the third and fourth episodes of STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY: "Vitus Reflux" and "Vox in Excelso."
One is something of an accessible bottle episode with little connection to prior canon to get us up-to-speed with the characters and their environment, the other is deeply rooted to STAR TREK's history and one of its most iconic peoples. And at least one member of our crew had a very emotional time getting through it! Listen for all the canonical deep dives and perspectives you can only get from the best Star Trek podcast your friends AREN'T listening to.
Plus, news returns! Check out TrekMovie's report on the latest from STAR TREK: VOYAGER — ACROSS THE UNKNOWN, and listen as we break down new Saturn Award nominations for STRANGE NEW WORLDS and a truly bizarre STAR TREK crossover with...THE MASKED SINGER? Oh, boy...
Do you want to chat with us? Join the Bridge Crew on Bluesky!

118 | Back to School

Class is in session! A new STAR TREK series on Paramount+ has reunited the DEBRIEF bridge crew! Join co-hosts Chris Clow, Rachael Clow and Cicero Holmes—with special guest JAVI TRUJILLO—to break down the first two episodes of STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY: "Kids These Days" and "Beta Test."

117 | Cerritos Strong

Our bold panel of STAR TREK franchise explorers — Chris and Rachael Clow, Cicero Holmes and Ty Monaghan — check-in with Ty as he continues to make his way through STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES, before we give our thoughts on the final season of STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS! This marks the second TREK cancellation of 2024, and we aim to say goodbye to the crew of the Cerritos with thanks and fondness.

116 | A Long Road

In this special edition of DISCOVERY DEBRIEF, three members of our bold panel — Chris Clow, Cicero Holmes and Ty Monaghan — talk about Cicero and Ty's INCREDIBLE experience at September's TREK TO CHICAGO convention. Then, the panel breaks down Ty's very first watch of the entirety of STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE...stemming from a meeting with none other than Connor Trinneer!

115 | Charting the Future

On this episode, DEBRIEF co-hosts CHRIS CLOW and CICERO HOLMES break down all the STAR TREK franchise news that came out of Comic-Con International in San Diego...and the distinct lack of franchise news that came out of the biggest, dedicated STAR TREK convention of the year in Las Vegas. Plus, a brief word about the future of DEBRIEF once the franchise returns in force!

114 | Let's Fly

It all comes down to this: DISCOVERY DEBRIEF says goodbye to the series that brought us together by debriefing "Life, Itself" — the series finale of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY.
The panel — Chris and Rachael Clow, Cicero Holmes and Ty Monaghan — are joined by special guests KYLE SULLIVAN ("Trekspertise") and JAVI TRUJILLO ("The Flash: Up to Speed with Wally West") to dive into this swan song for the show, and whether or not it delivers a substantive conclusion for Captain Michael Burnham, Ambassador Saru and all of the characters we've gotten to know since 2017.
A special thanks to everyone who's listened into our breakdowns of this eventful series, and regardless of our feelings on this finale we look forward to diving deeper into the future of the Final Frontier with you.

113 | Space in the Oil Bath

We've reached the penultimate episode of the series that kicked off the new era of STAR TREK...but does it feel like it?
After a deviation into the world of gaming (and the Wii U?!), the DEBRIEF Bridge Crew — Chris Clow, Cicero Holmes and Ty Monaghan — alongside special guest KYLE SULLIVAN break down "Lagrange Point:" the ninth episode of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY season five.
Wild opinions, service to the core characters and the impending reflection on the show's legacy are all up for debate in this episode. The end is nearly here.

112 | Blood and Mazes

The DEBRIEF Bridge Crew — Chris and Rachael Clow, Cicero Holmes and Ty Monaghan — return to break down two episodes of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY season 5: "Erigah" and "Labyrinths!"
The search is on for the Progenitor technology, as the crew of DISCOVERY contend with both couriers MOLL and L'AK as well as the re-emergent BREEN. Our panelists' investment in the story varies wildly, but there is some promise to be found in quieter character moments...but is it enough?
Listen in as we barrel toward the final conclusion of the series that kicked off the new era of STAR TREK!

111 | Compeer Commotion

Hello, compeers! Let's reignite a debate about the Prime Directive and try to fix some faulty Denobulan tech in the sixth episode of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY's fifth season, "Whistlespeak!"
Join the DEBRIEF Bridge Crew — Chris and Rachael Clow and Cicero Holmes — as we are joined by KYLE SULLIVAN to see how this character-focused detour progresses, as well as a brief discussion about the turmoil surrounding a potential acquisition of Paramount Pictures!

110 | Not Easy Being Breen

The DEBRIEF Bridge Crew — Chris Clow, Cicero Holmes and Ty Monaghan — are joined once more by special guest KYLE SULLIVAN ("Trekspertise") to break down STAR TREK: DISCOVERY season 5, episode 5: "Mirrors!"
 
Some interesting revelations, artifacts and twists to the characters all present themselves here.

109 | I Went Too Far

Our starship is piloted for this episode by two members of the DEBRIEF bridge crew — Cicero Holmes and Ty Monaghan — and they somehow managed to wrangle GREG TITO (Re-Engage Podcast) into all of the hijinks. Pop in to hear Greg's take on DISCOVERY season 5 so far, and stick around to hear all of our thoughts on "Face the Strange" — the season's fourth episode! Does it buck the trend of too much action without enough heart? Tune in to find out. 

108 | They Cloak Now

Crew connections, symbiont shenanigans and...cloaked giant insect battles? Two members of the DEBRIEF Bridge Crew — Chris Clow and Cicero Holmes — are joined by friend and pop culture archaeologist KYLE SULLIVAN ("Trekspertise") to break down STAR TREK: DISCOVERY season 5, episode 3: "Jinaal."
As the plot thickens, the pace slows in this episode that only incrementally moved things forward. Reactions from our panelists to this episode are wide-ranging, including a direct comparison to STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER and a deeper look into the structure of the season so far.
Listen in!

107 | Parade of Progenitors

Let's talk about the beginning of a new DISCOVERY season...one last time.
Welcome back to DISCOVERY DEBRIEF! In this episode, our bold panel of STAR TREK franchise explorers — Chris and Rachael Clow, Cicero Holmes and Ty Monaghan — are joined by special guest JAVI TRUJILLO to break down episodes one and two of DISCOVERY SEASON 5: "THE RED DIRECTIVE" and "UNDER THE TWIN MOONS!"
After some time away we briefly update you on what's been happening with us before we dive into the new season of the series that brought us all together. It's...a roller coaster. Listen in to find out why!

106 | He’s Got Things to Do

In a long-awaited payment of an IOU, Debrief panelists Chris Clow, Cicero Holmes and Ty Monaghan break down the first season finale of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS: "A Quality of Mercy!" But we're not leaving it there, as that episode owes a lot of its structure to an important episode of STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES: "Balance of Terror."
Listen as the trio breaks down, compares and assesses both episodes in tandem! Does the SNW episode serve as an effective homage? Does the TOS episode hold up? What do we learn about the respective captains of each show in both episodes? How much do these works ultimately "rhyme?" Check out our discussion now!

105 | Break in Case of Gorn

In a wide-ranging discussion with special guest KYLE SULLIVAN, the DEBRIEF Bridge Crew — Chris and Rachael Clow and Cicero Holmes — break down "HEGEMONY," the second season finale for STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS!
In addition to a surprising introduction of an old friend, the episode has given us a sense of open-endedness...that no one on our panel wanted! It's also colored by recent actions taken by Paramount that have our panel concerned, but also enthralled in this final stop for SNW in 2023.
Listen now!

104 | Words Won’t Suffice

Our bold panel of STAR TREK franchise explorers — Chris and Rachael Clow, Ty Monaghan and Cicero Holmes — are overcome with song along with special guests KYLE SULLIVAN ("Trekspertise") and JAVI TRUJILLO ("The Flash: Up to Speed with Wally West") as they break down the first musical episode in STAR TREK franchise history, "Subspace Rhapsody" on STRANGE NEW WORLDS!
Between the LOWER DECKS mash-up and this episode, SNW is taking some big swings this season. Does the musical swing pay off here? Is there room for musicals in the franchise? Which songs were the best, and who stole the show? Find answers to all these questions within!

103 | War is Always There

The DEBRIEF panel — Chris and Rachael Clow, Cicero Holmes and Ty Monaghan — are once again joined by special guest KYLE SULLIVAN ("Trekspertise") to break down one of the darkest episodes of modern STAR TREK in STRANGE NEW WORLDS' "Under the Cloak of War."
When a symbol of their trauma from the FEDERATION-KLINGON WAR of 2256-57 (see DISCOVERY season one) comes aboard the Enterprise, Dr. M'Benga and Nurse Chapel are forced to reckon with it and the truth of what happened during a battle on the moon of J'Gal. This leads to a character and morality study akin to episodes of STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE during the Dominion War, and our panel has a lot to say on the topic.
Check it out!

102 | Golden Age of Exploration

What happens when the Enterprise gets...Cerritos'd?
That question is answered in the seventh episode of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS' second season, "Those Old Scientists!" In an unusual crossover episode, the two principal characters from the animated series STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS arrive in the 23rd century, and the responses of our panelists are mostly pretty positive. That doesn't mean that the discussion is without spirited debate, however.
Listen in as the Debrief bridge crew — Chris and Rachael Clow and Cicero Holmes — are joined once more by KYLE SULLIVAN ("Trekspertise") and JAVI TRUJILLO ("The Flash: Up to Speed With Wally West") to break down this STRANGE NEW WORLDS/LOWER DECKS mash-up!

101 | Burn Out the Receiver

The DEBRIEF bridge crew — Chris and Rachael Clow and Cicero Holmes — are joined by special guests KYLE SULLIVAN ("Trekspertise") and JAVI TRUJILLO ("The Flash: Up to Speed With Wally West") to break down the sixth episode of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS season two: "Lost in Translation!"
In addition to being an "Uhura-sode," this episode also depicts an extremely consequential first meeting for the future of the Federation and Starfleet. To get there, however, the young Ensign Nyota Uhura will need to confront the demons of her past while also leaning on her skill in deciphering challenging communications.

100 | That Amazing Smell

In our 100th episode spectacular, we're bringing you...an episode recap!
Actually, the DEBRIEF crew —Chris and Rachael Clow, Cicero Holmes and Ty Monaghan — are joined once more by special guest KYLE SULLIVAN ("Trekspertise") to first discuss a whole host of topics. Prodigy! The WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike! Reflections on 100 episodes of DEBRIEF!
Then, we break down season 2, episode 5 of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS. In "Charades," we get to see a whole new perspective on Spock's human half as both antics ensue and character continues to be built. Rachael may have also blown the door wide open about what first got Sarek and Amanda Grayson together...
Thank you to everyone who has supported this show over the years, and we hope you enjoy DISCOVERY DEBRIEF #100!

99 | Emotions Guide Where Memories Can’t

In the return of a well-worn STAR TREK trope, we get STRANGE NEW WORLDS' take on an amnesia episode in episode four of season two, "Among the Lotus Eaters!"
Join Debrief panelists Cicero Holmes and Chris Clow, along with returning special guest KYLE SULLIVAN (Trekspertise) as we try to find an answer to an important question: does your knowledge or emotion make you who you are? Listen in!

98 | Time Itself is Pushing Back

Debrief panelists Cicero Holmes and Chris Clow are joined once more by special guest KYLE SULLIVAN (Trekspertise) to break down the third episode of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS' second season, "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow!"
A time travel jaunt focused on La'an Noonien-Singh and her name's problematic legacy, we also get to see an alternate version of James T. Kirk along with a heaping helping of a potentially seismic reshuffling of longtime STAR TREK canon. Listen in for our panelists' varied reactions to this eventful episode, as well as a reflection on the legacy of former STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE showrunner Manny Coto who passed away this week.

97 | To Be Our Better Selves

While our panel is only at partial strength, we are joined by very special guest JAVI TRUJILLO (Batman-On-Film, The Flash - Up To Speed With Wally West) to break down a fine hour of STAR TREK in the form of STRANGE NEW WORLDS' "Ad Astra Per Aspera!"
Listen in as we break down this courtroom, character-driven drama, but not before we react with incredulity at the recent cancellation — and removal from Paramount Plus — of the highly underrated animated series STAR TREK: PRODIGY.

96 | A Vulcan With a Hunch

Welcome back to the 23rd century! STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS has now returned for its second season, bringing the DEBRIEF bridge crew back to discuss it.
Listen in as we break down the second season premiere, "THE BROKEN CIRCLE." Remnants of the war with the Klingons as seen in DISCOVERY season one, the camaraderie of the Enterprise's senior staff and yet another shake-up to the effects makeup used for Klingon characters in the franchise drive the discussion here, along with some surprising callbacks to a key franchise film.
Plus, we catch up with our panelists and offer some additional thoughts on STAR TREK: RESURGENCE, which we reviewed in episode 95.
Listen in now!