Trek Talk: Deep Space Nine
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Oh Star Trek, my Star Trek! So, Maria and I are big ‘ol nerds. Funny thing is, I didn’t realize how compatible our nerd was until I was off in grad school, falling down a rabbit hole of all things Star Trek. I lost a lot of hours to the various, magnificent series and casts. That is when Maria decided we needed to skype. I was partially through Deep Space Nine, which I quickly learned was Maria’s FAVORITE! We haven’t stopped geeking out since. Although we don’t fully agree on the order of best to not best, there is a lot of crossover about what we love about each cast, each story line, and the cultural significance each series brings.
This episode focuses on Deep Space Nine. Maria came to play! Maria will share her three favorite episodes which will lead into some light-hearted banter about facial hair, my quick shout outs to The Next Generation (because I couldn’t convince Maria to talk about it), and what draws us to the wonderful world of Star Trek.
For those who walk away wondering, does Kirsten have a favorite episode?! I do, I promise…I do some general shoutouts throughout, but check out Past Tense, Part I and II in season 3! I won’t get into it here, but definitely worth a watch.
If you have days, weeks and months to lose, Star Trek is definitely binge worthy. When you realize how it has pushed humanity into the future, while at the same time honoring both the dark and beautiful moments of the past, it is even easier to fall into.
Star Trek first aired in 1966, and it has been nonstop ever since. For you viewing pleasure, here is a comprehensive list of all the different ways you can bring this amazing series into your life:
Star Trek (The Original Series) – Live Long and Prosper was made famous here
Star Trek: The Animated Series
Star Trek: The Next Generation – The best series according to me, Kirsten.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – The best series according to Maria…also the first black captain (go on with your bad self, Sisko)
Star Trek: Voyager – Also top on both Maria and my lists. First female captain (Janeway was pretty dope)
Star Trek: Enterprise – I will be honest, I have not finished this series. I am working on it!
Star Trek: Discovery – One of the newest installments of the Star Trek world and is currently airing on CBS All Access
Star Trek: Picard – Again, top of Kirsten’s list, but what can I say, I love me some Picard. Plus, the first season was a beautiful story with a heartbreaking closing. Can’t wait for Season 2… Also, airing on CBS All Access
Star Trek: Lower Decks – another animated series which follows an unlikely crew. It is light and fun. It is also airing on CBS All Access.
MOVIES:
Starring the original cast
Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Starring the TNG Cast
Star Trek: Generations
Star Trek: First Contact
Star Trek: Resurrection
Star Trek: Nemesis
The re-introduction of Captain Kirk and his crew in an alternate timeline
Star Trek
Star Trek Into Darkness
Star Trek Beyond
If you are feeling extra brave, there is an order that some brave soul put together based on star dates. You can check it out: Star Trek Chronological Viewing Order. Just remember, technology has changed quite a bit since 1966, so be prepared for really amazing graphics, and some questionable ones!
Shout out to LeVar Burton and Patrick Stewart, for no other reason than because I love them deeply. Also, Honolulu Amazing Comic Con, I got a chance to meet most of the TNG cast and William Shatner – it was life changing! I will hold onto those memories and keep them close to my heart.
Other viewing recommendations:
Episode 1: History of the Polynesian Voyaging Society is a fantastic overview of the Hōkūleʻa.
He Wa`a, He Honua – The Earth is Our Canoe
“In 2020, Polynesian Voyaging Society aired a one hour documentary, HE WA’A HE HONUA – THE EARTH IS OUR CANOE. “He waʻa he honua — The Earth is our canoe,” shares how Hawai’i has pulled renaissance from the edge of extinction before, and Hōkūleʻa can – and must — do so again. As we all cope with the uncertainty created by COVID-19, we see the continued impacts of human activity on our environment and our planet. We feel an imperative to continue our work to Mālama Honua.”