Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 2, Episode 15 - "Pen Pals"

05/07/15 • 73 min

Mission Log: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast

In the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, "Pen Pals," how long has it been since we broke the Prime Directive. Like REALLY broke the Prime Directive. Well get ready. The Enterprise is studying a system of planets, every one of which is literally falling apart. One planet turns out to be inhabited and Data has been communicating with a child on that planet. How will the Enterprise save her and her planet. Or should they?

Hosted by John Champion & Ken Ray

Welcome to Mission Log, a Roddenberry Entertainment podcast, where we explore the Star Trek universe one episode at a time. Each week, Mission Log examines a single episode of Star Trek, diving into its ethical subtext, metaphors, and cultural significance. From the show's most iconic moments to its hidden gems, we analyze what makes Star Trek one of the greatest science fiction sagas of all time.

In this Episode of Mission Log we'll...

Recap the story and analyze key moments.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented.
Debate whether the episode holds up and if the messages are still relevant.

Join the Conversation: What are your thoughts on this episode? Share your take on the ethical questions and themes explored, and let us know how it fits into the broader Star Trek narrative. We'd love to hear from you! For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our Mission Log Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and a weekly video chat with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog Want to share your thoughts on an upcoming episode? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured during the episode. Follow us on Social Media: X https://x.com/MissionLogPod INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/MissionLogPod THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Did you know Roddenberry Podcasts is on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, Mission Log: The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube. Subscribe now! https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1 Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, follow us here: RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryPodcasts RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://x.com/roddenberry RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://x.com/RoddenberryFdn

Subscribe and Stay Updated: Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your preferred podcast player, leave a review, and join Mission Log on the journey of weekly deep dives into the Star Trek universe. Produced by Roddenberry Entertainment | All Rights Reserved

Hosted by John Champion & Ken Ray

In this Episode of Mission Log we'll...

Recap the story and analyze key moments.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented.
Debate whether the episode holds up and if the messages are still relevant.

Previous Episode

SUPPLEMENTAL: Another One with David Gerrold

We know that as a writer David Gerrold has always got at least one more interesting story to tell. For his return to Mission Log, we dig deep into the circumstances around the first two seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation and what led to David's departure. It's a personal and sometimes difficult look at what makes or breaks a TV show in production.

Plus we kick off a new segment by welcoming Larry Nemecek to discuss Discovered Documents from the Roddenberry archive. Visit Larry at http://larrynemecek.com

Finally, we take a moment to remember Grace Lee Whitney who played Yeoman Janice Rand.

Hosted by John Champion & Ken Ray

Welcome to Mission Log, a Roddenberry Entertainment podcast where we explore the Star Trek universe one episode at a time. Each week, Mission Log examines a single episode of Star Trek, diving into its ethical subtext, metaphors, and cultural significance. From the show's most iconic moments to its hidden gems, we analyze what makes Star Trek one of the greatest science fiction sagas of all time...

Join the Conversation: For as little as $1 a month, you can support our show and gain exclusive access to our Mission Log Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and a weekly video chat with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLogPod

Want to share your thoughts on an upcoming episode? Email us at: [email protected] for a chance to be featured during our episode. Follow us on Social Media: X Instagram Instagram Facebook

Did you know Roddenberry Podcasts is on YOUTUBE? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, Mission Log: The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available Youtube. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, follow us here: RODDENBERRY PODCASTS RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:http://www.bizarrenewworld.com

Subscribe and Stay Updated: Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your preferred podcast payer, leave a review, and join Mission Log on the journey of weekly deep dives into the Star Trek universe.

Next Episode

Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 2, Episode 16 - "Q Who"

In the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, "Q Who," our old friend Q is back. And he is taking the Enterprise to meet some new friends. They are not very friendly though. They destroyed Guinan’s planet 100 years ago. Guinan and Q are also old friends. Really old. They have known each other for 200 years. And they are not really friends. Brain full yet?

Hosted by John Champion & Ken Ray

In this Episode of Mission Log we'll...