Ceti Alpha 3: A Star Trek Podcast

The Captains.Whomever wears the four pips on their collar sets the tone for each Trek series. From Archer to Janeway, with some speculation about the new Discovery captain, the CA3 crew looks at each series' leader.

Musical Appreciation in Star Trek.Star Trek has lots of great music both from the characters and as soundtracks to the various episodes and movies. The trio discusses the use of music throughout the franchise. What is your favorite musical track? Which character's musical ability do you enjoy the most? Tweet us at #AskCA3.

Retconning."Retroactive continuity" is a phenomenon that is not unique to Star Trek. However, the franchise has been known to use it ... often. The trio discusses how successful, or not, various retcons were throughout the series and move. Which retcon works well? And which one still has you scratching your head? Tweet us at #AskCA3.

First OfficersStar Trek has given us many memorable characters in command. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip discuss the First Officer or Executive Officer and how it changes from series to series. Who is your favorite number 1? Tweet us at #AskCA3.

Temporal InvestigationsTime travel has been used from time to time in the Star Trek franchise. The stranded trio does a rough sampling of the various chrono-adventures of all the series and movies. What was your favorite time travel episode and which one gave you the biggest Janeway-headache? Tweet us at #AskCA3.

Hobbies    In the Trek-verse, there are not many times we see characters out of uniform, just being themselves. But in those rare moments when we catch them indulging in their off-duty interests, it can provide insight into their personalities. No matter what series it is from water polo to clarinets  there are many interesting hobbies seen in Star Trek.Which character do you think had the most interesting hobby? Let us know at #AskCA3.

Security/Tactical Officers    Those red shirts, and more commonly in the 24th Century - yellow shirts, who serve as tactical/security officer provide unique personalities and characterizations throughout the Trek franchise, even if their roles are similar. Should there be separate security and tactical roles? Which phaser firer is your favorite? Let us know at #AskCA3.

Ships of the LineEveryone has their favorite series' ship, whether it's the original NCC-1701, NX-01 or the D, perhaps even Voyager or the Defiant. However, what about the other great vessels, both Starfleet and alien? This round robin episode features the co-hosts favorite Starfleet and non-Starfleet ships, from a Romulan warbird to the experimental U.S.S. Prometheus. We tackle the most important questions, such as "How did the Phoenix land?

Theatricality in TrekThe influence of stage theatre is seen throughout the Trek franchise, along with the many stage actors it features. Guest co-host, Jessica Nunn of the Phoenix Theatre Company, joins the trio to discuss the theatricality of ENT "A Night in Sickbay," TOS "Conscience of the King, TNG "Frame of Mind," and DS9 "In the Pale Moonlight."Let us know what episode you would like to see performed on the stage at #AskCA3 

Chief Medical Officers    The doctors of Star Trek provide great characters with their own unique challenges and storylines. We discuss the men and women in blue who saved lives and faced various diseases. Let us know your favorite doctor at #AskCA3

Star Trek: First Contact Commentary    This new year of 2017 marks a continuing celebration of 30 years of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The second film in the TNG film franchise, though its first solo-TNG crew movie, is widely regarded as the best cinematic outing for Captain Picard and his crew. Let us know your favorite moments from First Contact at #AskCA3.

50th AnniversaryOur special franchise celebrated 50 years of history in 2016. Phillip, Daniel, and Darren discuss their favorite commemorations last year and some of their disappointments about how it was handled. The trio also looks at how other sci-fi franchises spotlighted special times, how Star Trek did past celebrations, and what future anniversaries will bring. Fans can tweet their favorite 50th moments using #AskCA3.Star Trek 30 Years and Beyond television special

EngineersThey are the ones who make things, things to make us go. Engineers are a special breed in the ranks of the Federation. This week on Ceti Alpha 3, Daniel, Darren and Phillip talk about the keepers of the warp drive and why Lily deserved a statue of her own in central Montana.

Characters with WonderWhile watching Star Trek we all have those moments of awe when a character uses the transporter or the replicator. This week on Ceti Alpha 3 we talk about the characters that still show that wonder even living in the 23rd or 24th century. Don't let the technology of the age dull your senses as we all dream for a better tomorrow. 

Lost in SpaceSpace exploration is the main mission of Star Trek, however there were many episodes (or entire series!) about our favorite crews being involuntary flung far away and having to make their way home. These missions into unknown, away from everything familiar, reveal a lot about our favorite characters.

The Kelvin TimelinePrior to the debut of Star Trek: Discovery, modern Star Trek is currently embodied by the three Star Trek films produced by J.J. Abrams. Daniel, Darren, and Phillip take apart Star Trek, Star Trek into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond - discussing what they love about this new evolution of Trek, what they struggle with, and how its advanced the greater Star Trek franchise.

Clichés and Tropes.Every long-running show begins to have reoccurring plotlines. Some of Star Trek's 50 years of stories include Holodeck mishaps, computer take-overs, and power loss episodes. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip look at the value of these "reoccurring motifs" and what they bring to Trek.

Favorite Star Trek RobotsScience fiction stories have always included robots, and Star Trek is no different. Ceti Alpha 3 goes through all the robots that appeared in the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th Centuries, and how they were depicted in those stories. Phillip, Daniel, and Darren examine whether robots will be our mechanical assistants, new life forms, or the death of us all?.What is your favorite Star Trek robot? 

TV PilotsThe beginning is a very good place to start – Ceti Alpha 3 examines the various pilots from the Trek TV franchise. Daniel, Phillip, and Darren look at TOS “Where No Man Has Gone Before” (we know, we know … “The Cage,” but …), TNG “Encounter at Farpoint,” DS9 “Emissary,” VOY “Caretaker,” and ENT “Broken Bow.” They talk about what a pilot should accomplish and speculate about Star Trek: Discovery's first episode. Which is your favorite Trek pilot?

First Encounters with Trek SeriesCeti Alpha 5 begins their journey discussing the Star Trek franchise by exploring their first encounters with each television series and feature films. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip discuss their first impressions watching The Original Series, The Animated Series (those who have seen it!), The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and the movies. The trio ranks their favorite Trek shows and analyze how their opinions have changed over the decades.What is your favorite Trek series and have your opinions evolved after re-watching them?