Saddle Up! A Star Trek Strange New Worlds Podcast
As Captain Pike leads the ever-growing crew of the USS Enterprise on its five-year mission, Saddle Up!—TFM’s dedicated Star Trek: Strange New Worlds podcast—explores each adventure with hosts C Bryan Jones and Matt Rushing.
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31: Pike and Batel's Nexus Adventure
09/19/2025
31: Pike and Batel's Nexus Adventure
“New Life and New Civilizations” Cleared to return to active duty as director of the Starfleet Judge Advocate General's Office, Captain Batel sees a bright future ahead—at least until she learns that she is actually a statue. And not just any statue, but the one that keeps the ancient evil known as the Vezda sealed away so they can't wreak havoc on the universe. That's a job she really needs to get back to because the reconstituted body of Nurse Gamble has greeted Doctor Korby on the planet Skygowan, and things are not looking good for galactic peace. But before she can step back onto the pedestal, she has to take Captain Pike on a trip down memory lane to share their life together in a future where he was never injured while training cadets. And also, Kirk and Spock become one. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds with “New Life and New Civilizations.” We discuss the resolution to the Batel and Vezda stories, potential pathways for Pike, and look back at Season 3 as a whole. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Batel Transformed (00:02:44) A Walk Down Future Memory Lane (00:14:32) Many Pathways for Pike? (00:28:59) The Original Evil (00:34:13) The Importance of a Guiding Vision (00:39:40) Could Have Been the Series Finale? (00:43:53) Kirk and Spock Become One (00:47:48) Introducing: Plot Magic! (00:53:22) The State of Strange New Worlds (00:57:35) Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:16:06) Closing (01:18:45) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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30: This Is a Test of the Emergency Metron System
09/12/2025
30: This Is a Test of the Emergency Metron System
“Terrarium” While investigating a peculiar area of uncharted space—a region legendary for strange phenomena—the Enterprise finds it impossible to get proper reading from probes due to highly volatile gravimetric waves. Ortegas flies the shuttle Archimedes into the turmoil to gather data firsthand. But when a wormhole suddenly opens up and sends the shuttle tumbling into a moon orbiting a gas giant, Ortegas must fight to survive. She has to find shelter, food, and water, but there’s one obstacle she wasn’t counting on: the Gorn. With the clock ticking before the moon passes through the planet’s thermosphere, the two enemies find common ground. When the Enterprise finally arrives to rescue them, it is revealed that the whole situation was just a test staged by the Metrons. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds with “Terrarium.” We discuss the connection to the Original Series classic "Arena," character development for Ortegas, Uhura's stint as a scientist, the Metrons, and more. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Fixing Ortegas (00:02:57) Differing Responses (00:13:38) Seeking Understanding (00:17:49) Uhura the Scientist (00:24:08) Hey, Hey, We're the Metrons! (00:27:49) A Setup for the Finale? (00:37:00) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:44:50) Closing (00:55:03) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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29: A Shot of Silly Serum
09/03/2025
29: A Shot of Silly Serum
“Four-and-a-Half Vulcans” What’s the best way to pass as a Vulcan? Become one! That’s what Pike, Uhura, La’an, and Chapel do in order to save a pre-warp civilization without violating the Prime Directive. Doesn’t make sense? Don’t worry, it’s all just a setup for a story that aims to shed light on what goes on in the Vulcan mind. After their one-minute mission is done, the foursome is unable to transform back into humans but finds that they like being Vulcan more. This is a very troubling development for the crew as they watch Nurse Chapel shun all relationships in favor of work, Pike fall in love with 42-minute rotating shifts for more efficient operations, Uhura brainwash her boyfriend, and La’an try to take over the ship and start an interstellar war. The only hope for returning things to normal? A Vulcan called Doug. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds with “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans.” We discuss the concept, the setup, the humor, and what each character's situation reveals about Vulcans and themselves. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) First Reactions (00:02:39) All In on Silly (00:14:11) Biology Is Not Culture (00:16:24) Superficially Vulcan (00:24:43) Everyone Has a Soul? (00:29:42) Ideas Out of Focus (00:37:43) Four Facets of Vulcans (00:42:54) Una Digs Doug (00:45:23) And Kirk Shows Up (00:48:43) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:50:57) Closing (00:57:10) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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28: Mothra's Sacrifice
08/26/2025
28: Mothra's Sacrifice
“What Is Starfleet?” The long-teased documentary by Umberto Ortegas has finally been released. “Starfleet presents themselves as our quadrant’s shining example of duty, honor, peacekeeping,” says the little brother of Erica Ortegas, who flies the ship. “But what separates a federation from an empire? Both colonize. Both impose their laws and doctrines on others. Are they explorers as they claim? Or soldiers as they appear? They call their vessels starships. What distinguishes them from warships?” Filming a mission during which the Enterprise is ordered to transport cargo that turns out to be a sentient being that turns out to have been transformed into a weapon certainly begs answers to those questions. As viewers, we watch the findings of this young investigative reporter unfold and lead him down a path he may not have expected. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds with “What Is Starfleet?” We discuss the documentary concept, Beto's agenda, and pacing in short seasons as well as the big question (and whether the story answers it). Chapters Intro (0:00:00) An Age-Old Question (00:03:26) Speed Bump for the Season? (00:17:36) Journalistic Standards (00:21:49) Are We Too Impatient As Viewers Today? (00:27:46) Core Elements (00:36:43) Seeking Out New Life (00:41:04) There Be Whales Here! (00:47:57) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:51:09) Closing (01:01:57) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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27: The Monster Past the Edge of the Map
08/19/2025
27: The Monster Past the Edge of the Map
“The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail” During a survey mission to Helicon Gamma, Commander James T. Kirk of the USS Farragut thinks it would be a good idea to put boots on the ground and explore the world firsthand. Think again. Just as he pitches the idea to his Vulcan captain, the planet is vaporized by an incredibly powerful weapon fired from a ship that looks like a giant sea creature. With most of the crew, including Captain V’rel, injured, Kirk takes command of the Farragut. His first time in the chair under pressure takes a life-or-death turn when the Enterprise is captured by space pirates and swallowed by the beast. He must overcome his crisis of confidence and rise to the occasion to save both ships, a tall task aided by a group that will one day become his own trusted crew. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds with “The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail.” We discuss Kirk's backstory and evolution, bringing together the original series crew, pack rat Pelia and her '80s solution, and the story's closing twist. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Playing Kirk (00:02:12) Building Kirk (00:14:38) Bringing the TOS Crew Together (00:18:29) Pack Rat Pelia Saves the Day (00:27:29) The Twist Ending (00:32:10) When Star Trek Is at Its Best (00:42:48) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:49:00) Closing (00:52:34) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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26: Indiana Jones and the Prisoners of Azkaban
08/14/2025
26: Indiana Jones and the Prisoners of Azkaban
“Through the Lens of Time” Nurse Chapel’s new beau, Doctor Roger Korby, pays a visit to the Enterprise to get help with a dig on Vadia IX, a planet that’s home to the descendants of an ancient, highly advanced civilization believed to have been capable of traveling across multiple galaxies and to have discovered immortality. The mission quickly takes a dangerous turn when the landing party becomes trapped inside a temple—or is it a prison? The structure and technology are clearly ancient and advanced, but uncovering their mysteries won’t be easy. The team finds itself split up, trapped in different rooms—or maybe planes of existence. But they can still talk to each other and must put their noggins together and romantic tension aside to escape. Meanwhile, back on the ship, a lizard fight has broken out in sickbay. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds with “Through the Lens of Time.” We discuss the mystery and its film inspirations, AI, flying cameras, and the Q, Vezda, and Gorn. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Connecting Mysteries (00:02:49) Q Gorn Amok? (00:11:22) Ancient Evil (00:17:18) Not Relative Terms (00:24:53) Beto in the Moment (00:33:06) A Trio of Love (00:37:11) A Whiter Shade of Red (Shirt) (00:43:47) A Leap of Faith (00:48:18) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:55:00) Closing (00:57:48) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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25: Where on the Ship Is La'an Sandiego?
08/06/2025
25: Where on the Ship Is La'an Sandiego?
“A Space Adventure Hour” While studying the neutron star at the center of the Kitolian Belt, Captain Pike and Number One decide that it’s the perfect chance to test a new Starfleet innovation that should make extended missions easier: the Holodeck. What better time to push the ship’s power resources to the limit than when circling the gravitationally collapsed core of a massive supergiant? What could possibly go wrong? Well, for one thing, a burgeoning television show could be canceled. Also, La’an could get trapped in a simulation with the safeties off. And, in the worst case, the entire crew could be lost as the crushing gravity of the collapsing star pulls the ship apart. But don’t worry, Amelia Moon is on the case. But first, some diction lessons. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds with “A Space Adventure Hour.” We discuss the use of the Holodeck, La'an and Spock's tango, and the Last Frontier cold open as we also ask whether this very meta episode is really a love letter to Star Trek. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) The Holodeck before the Holodeck (00:02:35) Amelia Moon Saves the Day (00:16:17) The Spock–La'an Tango (00:22:41) Love Letter or Insult? (00:31:18) Gimmicks or Playground? (00:52:28) Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:00:12) Closing (01:04:39) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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24: Dak'Rah Part Deux
07/30/2025
24: Dak'Rah Part Deux
“Shuttle to Kenfori” With Captain Batel facing the possibility of becoming an extra in the 1980s miniseries V, Doctor M’Benga and Spock hatch a plan (no pun intended) to save her by using a rare chimera blossom to combine the residual Gorn DNA in her body with her human DNA. The catch? That very special episode of Blossom only airs in one place, a planet once disputed by the Federation and Klingons. Captain Pike, wanting to play a role in saving his girlfriend, kicks Spock off the mission and assigns himself to accompany M’Benga. When they arrive on Kenfori, they find themselves in an episode of The Walking Dead. But escaping the zombies won’t be as easy as they think, thanks to the arrival of Bytha, daughter of Klingon ambassador/mass murderer Dak'Rah, who is determined to exact vengeance on M’Benga. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds with “Shuttle to Kenfori.” We discuss the continuation of M'Benga's story, future paths for Batel, designing TOS-inspired Klingons, insubordination, and a few creative ideas we maybe should keep to ourselves. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) An "Under the Cloak of War" Sequel (00:04:25) The Walking Dead (00:08:59) No Signs of Life (00:14:36) Crafting Klingons (00:21:09) Gorn to Be with You (00:28:10) Insubordinate Ortegas (00:36:02) Trek As a YA Novel (00:41:33) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:48:03) Closing (00:57:21) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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23: Emotional Whiplash
07/24/2025
23: Emotional Whiplash
“Wedding Bell Blues” Nurse Chapel wraps up her three-month fellowship with Dr. Roger Korby by returning to the Enterprise to celebrate Federation Day with a big glass of … awkward! It’s a spirit the ship’s Vulcan bartender can work with, especially since he turns out to be none other than galactic trickster Trelane. But he’s not just a drink slinger, he’s also a wedding planner—and an Andorian. At least that’s how he appears to Spock and the rest of the crew as they prepare for a celebration of his and Chapel’s love for one another. Korby, channeling Guinan à la “Yesterday’s Enterprise,” realizes that the timeline has changed. And while he manages to snap Spock out of the delusion, they can’t get anyone else on board, at least not until the last moment when Daddy Q shows up to scold junior. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds with “Wedding Bell Blues.” We discuss Chapel's character arc, contrast her and Spock's relationship with that of Pike and Batel, question the story's tone, and, of course, delve into the return of the lonely squire of Gothos. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Chapel Don't Care (00:02:34) Wrong Focus? (00:11:01) Teeing Up TOS? (00:14:16) Mature vs. Teenage Relationship (00:19:43) Of Course He's Trelane (00:24:46) Emotional Whiplash (00:35:33) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:39:32) Closing (00:47:52) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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22: The Best of Both Gorn
07/23/2025
22: The Best of Both Gorn
“Hegemony, Part II” With part of his crew abducted in cold blood and orders to stand down and stay on the Federation side of the demarcation line, Captain Pike must balance duty as a Starfleet officer with duty as a leader responsible for the lives under his command. As La’an, Ortegas, M’Benga, and Sam Kirk fight their way out of the serpents’ den, Spock and Chapel prepare for some unorthodox surgery to save Captain Batel’s life while Uhura and Una hatch a plan to rescue their kidnapped crewmates. After preparing for ramming speed, the Enterprise punches back at the big lizards in their backyard and uncovers a surprise in another battle at the binary stars. The ultimate solution? Put the lizards to sleep and kick the can down the road. Sound familiar? In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds with the Season 3 premiere, “Hegemony, Part II.” We discuss the challenge of continuing a story after a two-year break, the character progressions, the potential end of the Gorn threat, and the familiar nature of the resolution. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Picking Up the Story (00:03:15) Gorn Your Own Way (00:12:56) Bye Bye Gornie (00:18:41) Spock and Chapel (00:27:08) Martin Quinn's Scotty (00:40:18) Done with the Gorn? (00:48:04) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:50:10) Closing (00:53:14) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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21: Break in Case of Gorn
08/18/2023
21: Break in Case of Gorn
“Hegemony” A Gorn attack on the Federation colony on Parnassus Beta threatens to turn mounting tensions into a full-blown war. When Captain Pike’s partner, Captain Batel, gets caught in the attack, he defies Admiral April’s orders and mounts a rescue mission. With Chapel also missing, Spock is happy to help, but to do so will require suiting up and flying through space. With the help of another familiar face, Pike and Spock return to the Enterprise with their lovers, but others—not all wearing red shirts—aren’t so lucky. With part of his crew abducted in cold blood, what will Pike do? A big lizard now truly is in the Federation’s backyard as the second season of Strange New Worlds wraps up with a dramatic finish manufactured just for the occasion. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds Season 2 with the season finale, “Hegemony.” We discuss the challenges of creating drama in a prequel, elements of diplomacy in Star Trek, parallels (and not) with “Arena,” and try to make sense of the Gorn. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Getting to Know the Gorn (00:03:16) Jumping the Gorn (00:09:06) Internal Consistency Matters (00:16:04) Manufacturing Drama (00:21:16) Crate 32 (00:26:24) Right Place, Right Time (00:29:06) Series Identity (00:36:15) Diplomatic Connections (00:40:46) Bye Bye Batel? (00:49:10) Spock and Chapel (00:54:03) Montgomery Scott at Your Service (00:57:29) Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:00:15) Closing (01:04:13) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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20: Fundamental Harmonics
08/07/2023
20: Fundamental Harmonics
“Subspace Rhapsody” The discovery of a naturally occurring subspace field leads Spock to speculate that the speed of communications could be tripled. And he was sort of right, at least on a personal level, when his quantum probability field experiment goes wrong and the crew breaks out into song. Again and again. As the improbability field expands, people on other ships also begin singing. And if the Enterprise crew cannot pull off a grand finale, the phenomenon could spread across the entire subspace communications network. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds Season 2 with “Subspace Rhapsody.” We discuss the concept, how they pulled it off, using the musical format to boost communications, advance storylines and clear the deck for the finale, and more. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Breaking Down Walls … and into Song (00:02:56) Say What You Need to Say (00:11:23) La'an and Kirk (00:17:02) Spock and Chapel (00:21:23) Pike and Batel (00:33:46) To Live Alone or Together (00:38:10) The Songs (00:40:28) The Source of Our Great Dishonor (00:46:07) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:47:31) Closing (00:52:24) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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19: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
08/02/2023
19: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
“Under the Cloak of War” For Doctor M’Benga and nurse Christine Chapel, the horrors of war come rushing back when Dak’Rah, a former Klingon general who defected to the Federation, comes aboard the Enterprise. Now an ambassador for the Federation, trying to bridge the two sides in the aftermath of the 2256–57 war, Dak’Rah came to be known as the Butcher of J’Gal for his brutal tactics. But for M’Benga, the actions that earned Rah that moniker hit closer to home than anyone knew. And the end game plays out in the Enterprise’s sickbay. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds Season 2 with “Under the Cloak of War.” We discuss the impact of war, atonement, responsibility for one’s actions, the DS9 feel of the episode, and more. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Inappropriately Spaced Mixtape (00:02:21) A DS9 State of Mind (00:06:44) The Impact of War (00:12:08) The Conscience of the King (00:22:07) Does the Truth Matter? (00:27:43) The Needs of the Many (00:33:15) Clint Howard Treks Again (00:42:41) Boatswain! (00:45:02) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:47:08) Closing (00:52:17) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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18: This Historical Saddle
07/30/2023
18: This Historical Saddle
“Those Old Scientists” When the USS Cerritos visits Krulmuth-B to investigate Bradward Boimler’s all-time favorite portal, to make sure the portal area is free of any portal problems, the ensign gets sucked into the portal … which is a problem. On the other side he finds himself at the feet of Una Chin-Riley, La’an Noonien-Singh, and Mr. Spock. Stardate: the past. Captain Pike (AKA funny captain) must find a way to return Boimler to his animated future before he can change history—a task that becomes more complicated when Beckett Mariner comes flying through the portal just as Boimler is saying goodbye. With the last bit of known horonium gone, can the crew of the Enterprise find a way to get the two reference-dropping misfits back home? It’s down to a coin toss. Do you feel lucky? In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds Season 2 with “Those Old Scientists.” We discuss blending live action and animation, bringing animated characters to life, poignant moments in the midst of silliness, and how the casts of Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks work together. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Bringing the Crews Together (00:03:08) Setting Up Humor (00:07:04) Boimler and Mariner Fitting In (00:15:21) Bajorans and Cardassians, Oh My! (00:22:33) Poignant Moments (00:33:01) Frakes Behind Camera (00:37:28) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:40:51) Closing (00:45:56) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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17: Schrödinger’s Mixed Bag of Story Elements
07/25/2023
17: Schrödinger’s Mixed Bag of Story Elements
“Lost in Translation” When the Enterprise arrives at Bannon’s Nebula to help get Starfleet’s newest gas station up and running. Uhura receives a mysterious signal that no one else can hear. She begins having hallucinations that include scenes of death and her old friend and mentor Hemmer. Systems failures lead to the discovery of a saboteur who is experiencing the same brain-rattling noises and unreal scenarios. As Uhura slowly loses her mind, she unravels the mystery, saving the ship and discovering an unknown life-form in the process. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds Season 2 with “Lost in Translation.” We discuss character building for Uhura, how the story could have gone from good to great, dangling threads piling up, softly pushing us towards The Original Series, and more. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Relationships Matter (00:03:22) Dangling Threads (00:14:13) An Uhura Story (00:20:13) Finding Focus (00:27:53) Forgetting the Mission (00:39:47) Piling Up (00:50:16) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:53:03) Closing (00:56:50) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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16: Mental Gymnastics
07/18/2023
16: Mental Gymnastics
“Charades” When a shuttle accident almost kills Spock, he is put back together by aliens with colorful names. There’s just one problem: they left out his Vulcan DNA. And they did so at a most inopportune time. Spock really needs to impress T’Pring’s mother if their engagement is going to continue. But how is a fully human Spock going to focus on meeting the demands of Vulcan tradition when Captain Pike is cooking up delicious bacon? It’s a most unexpected, strange new twist that only a mother could know and that ends with a kiss. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds Season 2 with “Charades.” We discuss humor in Star Trek, writing in a modern vernacular, overshadowing important commentary, character arcs, and more. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Humor in Star Trek (00:02:03) A Modern Vernacular (00:06:05) Best Use of Time? (00:12:26) Finding Balance (00:15:29) Overshadowing Commentary (00:26:44) Spock and Chapel (00:32:50) Making It All Work (00:36:33) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:49:57) Closing (00:52:12) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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15: Definitely Not the Oatmeal
07/11/2023
15: Definitely Not the Oatmeal
“Among the Lotus Eaters” Returning to Rigel VII five years after a disastrous planetary survey, the Enterprise spots the Starfleet delta from space. Pike, La’an, and M’Benga beam down to discover Pike’s former yeoman, Zac Nguyen, who was believed to have been killed in action, now ruling over the indigenous Kalar as king. Soon, due to exotic radiation, the landing party begin to lose their memories—a problem that soon extends to the ship in orbit. Only ore from an asteroid and the sheer will of Erica Ortegas can save the day. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds Season 2 with “Among the Lotus Eaters.” We discuss the story’s perhaps overlooked social commentary, connections to Homer's Odyssey and past Star Trek, the TOS feel of the presentation, Spock’s choices, and a puzzling Prime Directive moment. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Revisiting Rigel VII (00:02:52) A TOS Feel (00:05:25) The Story of Our Life Matters (00:13:00) Feeling Is Only the Beginning of Wisdom (00:18:04) Controlling the Masses (00:20:24) Romancing the Captains (00:28:48) Taking Responsibility (00:33:52) Spock’s Choice (00:36:15) A Prime Directive Moment (00:45:00) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:50:42) Closing (00:53:31) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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14: Seams in the Bunny Suit
07/05/2023
14: Seams in the Bunny Suit
“Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” While going about a routine day aboard the Enterprise, La’an Noonien-Singh encounters a strange guy who has wondered into the corridor. He’s been shot. In the past. And he needs La’an to go back in time and stop the attack or else history will be changed. Her companion for the mission? None other than James T. Kirk. But not that Kirk. Well, not exactly. The duo of officers from different timelines travel back to TV’s New York City (AKA Toronto) and figure out what event splits the timeline, track down who is responsible, and enjoy hot dogs along the way. But at the end of the journey awaits a child. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds Season 2 with “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow.” We discuss how the story evolves, La’an’s struggles with identity, Paul Wesley's Kirk, playing with history, Khan’s pivotal role, shifting the timeline, and more. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Time Travel Checklist (00:04:35) A La’an Story (00:08:38) The Khan in the Room (00:11:30) Not Just Another Time Travel Story (00:19:17) Finding Kirk (00:22:12) Temporal Interference (00:27:38) Star Trek As Inspiration (00:36:39) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:41:44) Closing (00:44:39) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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13: An Illyrian Enigma
06/28/2023
13: An Illyrian Enigma
“Ad Astra per Aspera” When Una Chin-Riley faces a court martial for concealing her identity as an Illyrian, Starfleet and the Federation itself also stand trial for the hipocrisy of their rules and how they are enforced. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds Season 2 with a discussion of “Ad Astra per Aspera.” We look at how the debate shines a light on the Federation’s failure to uphold IDIC, real-world struggles to avoid discrimination and persecution, and ask whether the appeal to emotions helps or harms the delivery of the story’s message. We also examine how the stance on genetic engineering fits into canon, the curious omission of Denobulans, the missing Vulcan backstory, and more. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) Fitting (Or Not) into Canon (00:03:35) Turning a Blind Eye (00:12:36) Denobulans Be Like Whaaaaa? (00:16:14) Intolerant of Tolerance (00:18:20) A Rule Is a Rule (Unless It Isn't) (00:21:04) The Untold Vulcan Backstory (00:24:37) To the Stars through Hardship (00:31:44) Hypocrisy and Emotion (00:35:02) A Story with No End (00:41:27) The Illogic of Judging Others (00:50:30) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:55:42) Closing (00:57:49) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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12: Kung Fu Juice!
06/20/2023
12: Kung Fu Juice!
“The Broken Circle” Assuring Spock that he’ll do fine commanding the Enterprise for three days while the ship is docked at Starbase 1, Captain Pike sets off to help Number One, who has been arrested for concealing from Starfleet that she is a genetically enhanced Illyrian. Soon after Pike leaves, Uhura receives a distress call from La’an Noonien-Singh. The crew find La’an and help uncover and stop the plot of a syndicate called the Broken Circle, who aim to restart the Federation–Klingon War so they can hike up prices and profit by selling the planet’s rich dilithium deposits to both sides. And along the way, Spock experiences emotions. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing kick off Season 2 with a discussion of “The Broken Circle.” We look at the unexpected start to the season, with Pike quickly heading off on his own mission, how the story focuses on Spock’s character development as he grapples with the emotional repercussions of Season 1’s encounter with the Gorn, plus the writers’ flirtation with canon, some confusion at the very top over where the series falls on the Star Trek timeline, and why it doesn’t really matter when you have stories that are so much fun. Chapters Intro (0:00:00) An Unexpected Start (00:04:43) Pike Has Left the Building (00:10:02) Broken Characters (00:16:33) A Vulcan Rhapsody (00:22:51) The Search for Spock (00:27:21) Playing with Canon (00:37:05) Now THAT'S What I Call Klingons! (00:48:30) Place and Time (00:50:21) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:59:54) Closing (01:02:25) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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11: The Alternate Terror
07/16/2022
11: The Alternate Terror
“A Quality of Mercy” Getting a visit from your future self is rarely a good thing, but if your future self is supposed to be dead, well, you might have hopes for positive news. That’s what Captain Pike thought when a silver fox in Monster Maroons strolled into his quarters. But soon he finds himself at the wedding of … well, he's not sure who they are … in an alternate timeline in which a famous confrontation with Romulans plays out differently, and very much the same. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “A Quality of Mercy,” the final episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ inaugural season. We explore the retelling of the classic episode “Balance of Terror,” how this new story reinforces the importance of The Original Series as the foundation of Star Trek as we know it, and how it highlights the pivotal roles which Kirk, Spock, and Pike play in history. We also debate whether the series is leading us to a soft reboot of TOS. Oh, and don't miss our Monster Maroons sidebar. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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10: Hulk Spock and Hemhura
07/07/2022
10: Hulk Spock and Hemhura
“All Those Who Wander” While on their way to Deep Space Station K-7 to deliver power cells, the crew of the Enterprise respond to a distress call from the USS Peregrine and find themselves in a fight for their lives against ferocious baby Gorn. A derelict starship on an icy Class-L planet is pretty damn creepy, as Sam Kirk put it—and he was right—but that’s just the beginning as the situation takes an Alien turn and creatures start popping out of chests. In the end, they avoid becoming lizard chow, but the victory comes at a high price as they must say goodbye to Chief Engineer Hemmer. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “All Those Who Wander,” the penultimate episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ inaugural season. We explore the reimagining of the Gorn, Star Trek as a platform for horror, the indestructible nature of Sam Kirk, and ask whether the added emotional texture in this story could be a path to Shouty Spock and an upcoming storyline with Sybok. Of course, we also discuss the departure of Hemmer and his influence on Uhura as well as the rest of the crew. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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9: A Cloud Called Debra
06/29/2022
9: A Cloud Called Debra
“The Elysian Kingdom” While conducting a routine survey of the Jonisian Nebula, the Enterprise becomes stuck in a cloud of gas known as Debra. Soon the crew finds themselves as characters from The Kingdom of Elysian, the book which Doctor M’Benga regular reads to his daughter. To return everyone to normal, he and Hemmer, the only other person unaffected, must defeat Queen Neve. And in the end, M’Benga must also let his daughter go, so that she can live her life free of illness and explore space … with Debra. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “The Elysian Kingdom,” the eighth episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ inaugural season. We debate the choice to go to this Trek trope so early in the run of a series limited to 10 episodes per season, and delve into the resolution of the plotline involving Doctor M’enga’s daughter Rukiya. And, as certified Niners, we discuss the choice to make Benny Russell a real person in the Star Trek universe. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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8: Vulcan Affairs
06/21/2022
8: Vulcan Affairs
“The Serene Squall” A humanitarian mission takes an unexpected turn when a visiting counselor, formerly of Starfleet, turns out to be not who she claims. With ulterior motives tied to Vulcan, this Dr. Aspen is more interested in capturing Spock than the Federation flagship. Meanwhile, Pike, Number One, and most of the senior staff plot a mutiny aboard the pirate ship where they're being held by an Orion. Along the way, all sorts of Vulcan affairs are revealed, including the whereabouts of one long-lost brother. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “The Serene Squall,” the seventh episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ inaugural season. We explore Spock’s struggle with identity, the rich world building of Vulcan affairs that will transform how viewers read “Amok Time” and Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, and the trajectory of the Spock–Chapel relationship. We may also do pirate imitations. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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7: Hotel Majalan
06/14/2022
7: Hotel Majalan
“Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach” When Captain Pike returns to Majalis, a planet where he once took part in a rescue mission, he meets a woman whom he may have been hitting on a decade earlier. While it may be crazy and unlikely that they are meeting again, Pike has arrived just in time to save her and a young boy from attack. Coincidence? Perhaps. But the situation is far more complicated than it seems and Pike finds himself faced with a troubling reality that he cannot stop when it turns out that the boy is destined to be sacrificed for the good of Majalan society. Meanwhile, the world’s medical technology holds the promise of saving M’Benga’s daughter. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach,” the sixth episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ inaugural season. We explore the important messages in the story about our own complacency in society, the exploitation of children, and the importance of strong father figures. We also discuss the structural flaws in the story, but focus on how the writers transcend these to deliver important and timely commentary. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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6: Spock and T’Pring’s Freaky Friday
06/06/2022
6: Spock and T’Pring’s Freaky Friday
“Spock Amok” Spock and T'Pring rendezvous at Starbase 1 for a little R&R and quality time together, but those plans go awry when work gets in the way for both. The situation is compounded when their candle ceremony abruptly ends—or rather fails to do so—and the lovers switch bodies. Throw in Number One and La'an playing Enterprise Bingo and a fly fishing hat and the story moves dangerously close to hijinks. Ah, and don’t forget about the high-stakes negotiations. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Spock Amok,” the fifth episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ inaugural season. We discuss the importance of humor in Star Trek, finding balance between comedy and social commentary, and how the writers have made us care about the characters in just a handful of episodes. We also explore the R’ongovians, Nurse Chapel's crush on Spock, and, of course the body swap that delivers both laughs and insight. So saddle up and trot out onto the hull with us as we sign the scorch! Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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5: Gorn to Die
05/31/2022
5: Gorn to Die
“Memento Mori” The Enterprise travels to Finibus III on a critical supply mission while the crew observes Starfleet Remembrance Day. When they arrive, they discover that the remote colony has come under attack. Soon they learn that the assailants are none other than those reptilian bogeymen known as the Gorn. Lured into a trap and heavily damaged, the Enterprise must fight for its own survival on the very day that the crew is reflecting on those who they’ve lost in the line of duty. After deciphering Spock’s explanation of their options, Pike puts together a risky plan that involves a black hole, and La’an faces the demons of her past. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Memento Mori,” the fourth episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ inaugural season. We get to know more about La’an and how her past experiences with the Gorn shaped who she is today, and contrast that trauma with how Pike’s future experiences are changing him. We also explore the ongoing character development and pairings of crew and debate whether it is too soon for the Gorn to be making a prominent appearance. And let’s not forget the invention every starship needs: Spockdar! Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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4: The Light Fantastic
05/24/2022
4: The Light Fantastic
“Ghosts of Illyria” When the Enterprise visits Hetemit IX, an abandoned Illyrian colony, members of the crew begin to show signs of vitamin D deficiency and an obsession with light. Illyrians are known for their genetic engineering and are therefore shunned by the Federation. But those who once lived on this colony so wanted to become Federation members that they sought to undo their enhancements. Unbeknownst to the crew, there is an Illyrian in their midst—only she is unable to help with the mystery. That falls on another of the Enterprise's genetically enhanced residents. Meanwhile, Dr. M'Benga has a secret. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Ghosts of Illyria,” the third episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ inaugural season. We get to know more about Number One and delve deep into the issue of genetic engineering as we discuss the core issues raised in the story. We also talk about the value of simplicity in plot, allowing Star Trek to do what it has always done when at its best: shed light on important issues and develop characters. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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3: Musical Escape Room
05/17/2022
3: Musical Escape Room
“Children of the Comet” When a comet threatens to impact the planet Persephone III, the Enterprise prepares to render what would appear to be routine assistance … at least for Starfleet. But the comet turns out to be more than it appears, and a race calling itself the Shepherds threatens to destroy Pike and his crew for interfering in what they see as the preordained course of an object that brings life to planets. Uhura’s musical talent saves the day as Spock works on his pep talks in this story that fills in the linguist’s background like never before. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Children of the Comet,” the second episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ inaugural season. We get to know more about Uhura, have a beer with Captain Pike, join voice training with Spock, and get punked by Ortegas. We also explore the big existential questions raised in this story about fate, faith, and free will. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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2: A Little Less Mountain Man
05/12/2022
2: A Little Less Mountain Man
“Strange New Worlds” Following the search for the Red Angel and the battle with Section 31 and Control at the end of Star Trek: Discovery Season 2, the inhabitants of a planet not ready to take the next step into the galaxy use data they gathered from observing the battle to build a bomb based on warp technology. When the warp signature is detected by the Federation, Number One is dispatched on a first contact mission. When she and her crew are captured, the Enterprise is reactivated ahead of schedule and Captain Pike is called back to service to lead a rescue mission. In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss the pilot episode of the new series, how Pike’s experience on the Klingon moon Boreth may impact how he is portrayed in Strange New Worlds, the tenuous nature of the warp bomb story, and the social commentary. We also look at the new cast of characters and how the series fits into the overall Star Trek format. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
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