Saddle Up! A Star Trek Strange New Worlds Podcast

“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)

Christopher Pike.

For the first captain to be filmed leading the USS Enterprise, Christopher Pike has gotten precious little screen time over the years. That all changed when Season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery began on January 17, 2019. Anson Mount’s portrayal of the character who led the mission to Talos IV, pondered retirement with Dr. Boyce, and inspired a young Jim Kirk in the Kelvin timeline reenergized Star Trek and fans. His presence was so well received that, just over three years later, an entire new series is about to premier with Mount’s Pike at the helm.

In preparation for the start of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, we're pleased to announce the launch of this new podcast, Saddle Up! In this first episode, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss Christopher Pike, the character as we've seen him in The Original Series, the Kelvin films, and Discovery, and how we think he may be portrayed in Strange New Worlds. We also talk about the prospects for the new series overall, some of the aesthetic and crew choices, and, most importantly, our hope that, wherever our mission take us, we'll have a little fun, make a little noise, and ruffle a few feathers.

Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing

Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)

“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)

“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)

“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)