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Signing Off.This week we bring you the final episode of Trek News & Views with voice messages, email, and the final discussion. Colin is joined by Daniel Proulx of Earl Grey, Mike Schindler and Max Hegel of Commentary: Trek Stars, and Trek.fm publisher and host of The Ready Room Christopher Jones for one more trip through the world of Star Trek. True to all our previous shows we go off topic here and there, but in general it’s Trek. In general. Thanks for sharing the journey with us here on Trek News & Views.

Looking Back at TNV.In the penultimate episode of Trek News & Views, Colin casts an eye back on the past two years and picks a few nuggets from the previous 98 shows. We go all the way back to the beginning, move forward with the first guests, and as the months pass the guests start to vary more with Robert Duncan McNeill popping up on episode 47 and the creation of the EAH. Colin also reflects on guests who are now friends and many who have become podcasters in their own right, such as our very own Matthew Rushing. 

The Data Network.In this episode of Trek News & Views we delve into the latest news from around the web, covering Star Trek hoodies, Star Trek Online, and a poll from StarTrek.com. Then in the feature we’re joined by Richard Evans who has created The Data Network, a new social hub akin to Twitter but aimed specifically at Trekkers. Richard tells us all about his vision for the network, what he hopes to achieve, and what users can expect from this exciting new social hub for like-minded Star Trek fans.

Spooky Treks.It’s that time of year once again when the ghosts, ghouls, and space things that go bump in the night come out to play with our crews. In this episode of Trek News & Views Colin is joined by Lorrie Sears from To The Journey, Daniel Proulx from Earl Grey, Mike and Max from Commentary: Trek Stars, and Shervin Sabeghi to discuss spooky or scary shows from across the Star Trek franchise. From “Catspaw” to “Night Terrors” and a few moments from the movies, we get you ready for Halloween Star Trek style. Along the way we encounter the usual tangents such as George Clooney selling coffee. (Don’t ask how we get there.) Plus, Dan arrives fashionably late to avoid talking about Barclay and spiders.

Al Rivera, Star Trek Online Principal Designer.Trek News and Views likes to bring you a variety of things from the Star Trek universe and this week is no exception as we delve into the world of STO with Al Rivera, Principal Designer at Cryptic Studios and Star Trek Online. Al was kind enough to give up his Sunday afternoon and talk Dyson spheres, the Voth, and how he got dinosaurs with frigging lasers in game. We also get his views on Abramsverse and he drops hints on what's going to be coming to the STO universe in the future. 

The Naked Time.Unique outfits. Lack of outfits. Time travel. "The Naked Time" has it all. And in this episode of Trek News & Views we're joined by Drew Stewart and Charlynn Schmiedt to talk about the early TOS story in which the Enterprise crew becomes intoxicated by space germs. We delve into Spock's shower-curtain outfit, how we see his human side come to the fore, as well as how the loss of inhibition affects Kirk and how he divulges his two loves. Along the way we talk about topless Sulu and how the outfits of each department had unique qualities—including a highly absorbant red shirt.

Barge of the Dead.B'Elanna tried hard to distance herself from her Klingon side, but when she died in a shuttle accident she was forced to face her heritage in Gre'thor. In this episode of Trek News & Views we're joined by Mariel Keeran, Steve Roberts, and Michael J. Medeiros to discuss "Barge of the Dead," the probable sacrifice with which B'Elanna was faced, how much she came to embrace her Klingon background, and how she finally made peace with her mother. Plus, we discover that she is the MacGyver of Star Trek and that Voyager seems to be towing the universe's largest leola root across the Delta Quadrant.In news we hear JJ apologize for the lens flares, crack open a book of Juan Ortiz's Trek art, catch the Voyage Trekkers season two finale, try on the ThinkGeek and Her Universe t-shirt contest, find out which captain StarTrek.com voters feel had the most respect for The Prime Directive, and brush up our German for the next Destination Star Trek con.  Running Time: 1 hours 26 minutes 36 secondsMore listening optionsSubscribe in iTunes | Download Enhanced File | Download MP3 File | Listen on Stitcher | Listen on TuneIn | RSSDiscuss and exploreDiscuss this episode in our forums | Send voicemail | Send email | View the Trek News & Views directoryHostColin Higgins GuestsMariel Keeran, Steve Roberts, and Michael J. Medeiros Show NotesJ.J. Abrams apologizes for all the lens flaresThe Art of Juan Ortiz Star Trek book reviewVoyage Trekkers season two finale An epic Star Trek shirt design contest from ThinkGeek and Her UniverseThe captain with the most respect for The Prime Directive is...Messe Frankfurt to host Destination Star Trek GermanySponsor Squarespace is the all-in-one platform that makes it fast and easy to create a professional website, blog, portfolio, online store, or anything else you can imagine!Create your own space today and get the best hosting and CMS available anywhere—and support Trek.fm at the same time! Just visit squarespace.com and create your free 14-day trial. No credit card required! Then use offer code TREK10 to receive 10% off your lifetime purchase on new accounts! More recent episodes of Trek News & Views… Trek News and Views Trek News and Views 106: Exploring Discovery about 4 years ago Trek News and Views 105: Snow Globe in Space about 4 years ago Trek News and Views 104: Star Trek Hula about 4 years ago View all episodes of Trek News & Views… 

Andorians.Something alien, something blue. If that's a must-have for you, then you've come to the right place as we discuss various aspects of Star Trek's antennae-donning Federation founders. In this episode of Trek News & Views Colin is joined by Miles McLoughlin and Michael Clark to look at the unique Andorian coupling system—which involves eight antennae (or four people if you prefer to count that way). We also discuss how Shran helped mould our current view of Andorians, whilst also touching on the Aenar and Enterprise. On a tangent we ask if one of the faces of God in Star Trek V is William Shatner and if there is a court case concerning Romulan Ale and Andorian Ale.

Who Watches the Watchers.It's proto-Vulcan week on Trek News & Views as Colin is joined by the crew of Trek.fm's newest podcast, Earl Grey. With the help of Darren Moser, Phillip Gilfus, and Daniel Proulx we delve into TNG's "Who Watches the Watchers" to find out just how much fun it is to hang out with Mintakans. We also discuss vodka ice cubes, how Trek.fm's publisher is really on Earl Grey, and of course take a few tangents into the Abramsverse, Insurrection, Kirkisms, and how Livingston was either an operative with Section 31 or an aquatic spy.

Darmok.This week Colin has been captured and placed on a planet with not one but two guests to discuss the legendary TNG episode “Darmok.” For once we pretty much stay on topic on Trek News & Views as we discuss the challenges of trying to talk to someone when the universal translator is taking the day off. We heap praise on the actors and also delve into the comparisons between the situation Picard finds himself in and the how language varies greatly here on our own planet. Finally, we talk about the different incarnations of Star Trek, our views on the movies—old and new—and cover a bit of recent Star Trek news.

Seven of Nine Day.As its the seventh day of the ninth month, we decided to use this episode of Trek News & Views to mark Seven of Nine Day and talk all things Jeri Ryan. Colin is joined by Shervin Sabeghi and Laura Fawcett to discuss her work outside Star Trek, then delve into Seven—including her effect on Voyager, the outcome of Jeri joining the crew, and the amazing qualities of nanoprobes and their ability to heal and fix so many things. We also talk about the Borg children and how Seven was one of the few women who offered to, well, copulate with Harry.

A Taste of Armageddon.In this episode of Trek News & Views Colin is joined by Drew Stewart and Max Hegel for another trip into the worlds of TOS with “A Taste of Armageddon.” We talk about sonic weapons, Apple-product love, synthetic burgers, Drew and his love of fabric, how the Vulcans made ancient Earth monuments, and of course how Kirk yet again leaves a planet on the brink of annihilation. 

Someone to Watch Over Me.When you think of romance, you think of the holographic Doctor, right? In this episode of Trek News & Views Colin is joined by Laura Fawcett, Steve Roberts, and Shervin Sabeghi to delve into the world of Voyager and Seven of Nine’s education in mating rituals—thanks to the Doctor—as well as the five species that make up 8472. We also recall how Sisko’s mom didn’t recognise him without the beard, explore the need for soundproof walls, and how the Borg cure hangovers with nanites! Plus, for some reason, we morph into a singing show as Mr. Shatner’s cover of “Common People” gets into the mix. 

Michael Ansara.With the recent death of Michael Ansara, we decided to turn our attention in the episode of Trek News & Views to his last appearance as the Klingon Captain Kang, the role which first brought him to our eyes. We delve into “Blood Oath” where, along with a sterling performance from the ensemble cast, we learn how to build a warrior’s bat’leth, why you don’t just conduct an orbital bombardment from space, and of course we delve into Michael and his varied career from Star Trek to Babylon 5. 

Good Ole Trip.In this week’s episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Brian Baker, Melissa Woinarowicz, and our own Mariel Keeran to discuss the NX-01’s chief engineer, Trip. He’s a man who got pregnant via an ice tray, loves pan-fried catfish, and who pulled off an unthinkable feat—he stole the heart of a Vulcan. Along the way we take some of our usual sideroads, which include Stargate, Archer, and of course Rocky Road ice cream.

Half a Life.Lwaxana returns as Colin brings you a commentary for TNG’s “Half a Life” in this week’s episode of Trek News & Views. Mrs. Troi does her best impression of a Bajoran, complete with wailing and gnashing of teeth, as she tries to stop Kaelon II’s leading scientist from carrying out his society’s customs. There’s lots of crying but no tears and speeches galore—although not from the Captain. Hell, even Riker keeps his leg down for this one.

Voyager Season 7 Favourites.It’s time to wrap up our look at Voyager as Colin is joined once again by Charlynn Schmiedt and Lorrie Sears of To The Journey to discuss their favourite episodes—this time from the final season. We also take a look back at the series as a whole, how Harry finally made Captain (sort of), delve into other characters, and examine how the show wrapped up with “Endgame” and why, though it differs from other Star Trek series, Voyager will always have its own special place in our hearts. 

Scifi Divergence: Man of Steel.This week we bring you a special episode of Trek News and Views, the second of a quarterly cast called “Scifi Divergence” in which Colin goes off tangent to talk about some non-Trek parts of the science fiction world. In this episode Colin is joined by Mariel Keeran, Thomas Marrone, and Dave Rossi to discuss Superman’s latest big screen adventure, Man of Steel. Along the way we visit the Christopher Reeve incarnation as well as Brandon Routh’s. We also take a look at Superman in comics, how he finally managed to start wearing his underwear underneath, as well as the casting choices and bringing the franchise up to date for a modern audience. 

Q Who.The Borg are best remembered on TNG for their appearance in “The Best of Both Worlds,” but it was “Q Who” that really set the legend in motion. In this episode of Trek News & Views, Colin is joined by Tristan Riddell, Rick Moyer, and David Taylor to discuss Q’s little wake-up call, the two incarnations of the Borg Queen, and Guinan’s Kung Fu pose. 

Voyager Season 5 and 6 Favourites.It’s time for Borg and Irishmen as Colin is joined once again by Charlynn Schmiedt and Lorrie Sears of To The Journey to discuss their favourite episodes from Voyager. This week it’s seasons 5 and 6 that up for grabs as we also talk about history, broccoli (the lieutenant variety), Reading Rainbow, and almost morph into an episode of Top Gear.