Spocklight: A Star Trek Podcast

In the light of her recent Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination, we go back to where it all started for Hong Kong Action Queen, Michelle Yeoh, with her first leading movie role, Yes, Madam then go straight into the sequel, Royal Warriors, for a In The Line of Duty double bill. That's right, for the first ever time we're covering two movies on one Spocklight at the Movies episode!   Both of these films have recently been released by Eureka Video on Blu-ray and we heartily recommend you get hold of both of them!   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can find more of his work at - https://adamjohnstonuk.bandcamp.com/ Our beautiful artwork was created by Stephen Trumble, see more at http://www.stephentrumble.com  Huge thanks to Russell

We pay tribute to the late, great Nichelle Nichols as we’re joined by Daryl Bar from Sudden Double Deep and Is Paul Dano Ok? to cover one of her few starring movie roles outside of the Star Trek franchise, playing vicious Madam, Dorinda in 1974s Truck Turner.   We discuss our own personal histories with Blaxploitation and how Truck Turner, with its Everyman hero played by Isaac Hayes and it’s knowing blend of comedy and hard boiled crime action, make it a unique entry in the genre.    So hide your Mammas because Big Brother is coming, and he's coming on strong!   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   You can find more information about Daryl’s brilliant podcasts at @SDDFilmPodcast and @IsPaulDanoOk on Twitter Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can find more of his work

In a very special Christmas edition of the podcast, the Spocklight crew discuss the 1996 TV movie adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost starring Sir Patrick Stewart as suggested by one of our listeners (and if any of you Spocklighters out there have suggestions for future episodes we'd love to hear from you!)   We crack open a bottle of the finest port as we trace the history of the Christmas Ghost Story tradition and the various different adaptations of ‘The Canterville Ghost’ over the decades while chatting the lack of scares, the attempts at broad humour and how a dark mid-point revelation makes Stewart’s character rather difficult to root for.   Merry Christmas from everyone at Spocklight!   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnst

Regular guest, David Trumble, returns to the podcast fresh from completing his work as a Story Artist on new Henry Selick stop motion animation, Wendell & Wild (now available on Netflix), to discuss Star Trek’s first foray into Children’s Animation in many a year (almost 50 in fact!), Star Trek: Prodigy.   We praise the show for being the boldest entry in the new Star Trek TV Universe thus far, compare it with ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, marvel at the dense plots packed into these shorter episodes, and discuss doing fan service right.   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   David can be found at @Drumble on Twitter Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can find more of his work at - https://adamjohnstonuk.bandcamp.com/ Our beautiful artwork was created by Stephen Trumbl

For the 50th episode of our main mission we return to where it all began for our little podcast - Star Trek: The Motion Picture! This time the Spocklight Crew beam down to The Prince Charles Cinema in London to watch the 4K restoration of Robert Wise’s Directors Edition of the film, giving their thoughts before and after the screening. We discuss the relationships between the core trio of Kirk, Spock and McCoy and why they need each other, speculate how different things could have been if this had been the Enterprise’s final voyage, look forward to another potential Directors edition of a later Trek film, explore the deleted scenes and unbox Paul’s own 5-disc Box Set of the complete Adventure.   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you ca

We're joined by returning guest, TV Writer extraordinaire, Sophie Petzal (Blood, Hollington Drive), to discuss (and in Sophie's case - tear apart) the second season of Star Trek: Picard as we play the game again, analysing everything from Jurati's sudden bout of non-consensual singing to THAT hug. All this, a pre-prepared statement on the season from Empire Magazine and the Pilot TV Podcast's James Dyer and much, much more await you so...ENGAGE!   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   You can find Sophie @Sonic_Screwup on Twitter    Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can find more of his work at - https://adamjohnstonuk.bandcamp.com/   Our beautiful artwork was created by Stephen Trumble, see more at http://www.stephentrumble.com    Huge thanks to Russell Honeywell for

Together again with two returning Guests as we’re joined by Muppets Superfan, Professor Elemental, and Muppets Sceptic, Hattie Snooks, to dissect The Muppets Take Manhattan starring Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Rizzo the Rat, Gonzo and more importantly Star Trek alumni, Gates McFadden!   We outline our personal histories with The Muppets before discussing McFadden’s dual roles in front of the camera as Mr. Price’s Secretary and behind the camera as the Choreographer of the film. Plus, Liam makes his case for Miss Piggy being a Feminist icon, we discuss what appears to be a Muppets caste system, the joy of seeing a Childrens movie set in the scuzzy New York of the 80s and Hattie raises her objection to the seminal Muppet Babies dream sequence.   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   You can find Professor Elemental @prof_elem

In the latest edition of ‘Spocklight at the Movies’ we examine Danny Boyle & Alex Garland’s 2007 Sci-Fi epic, Sunshine, featuring Star Trek: Discovery’s Michelle Yeoh, as just one of the glittering ensemble cast, that also includes Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans, Mark Strong, Rose Byrne and Benedict Wong.   We discuss the fact that Danny Boyle was willing to let Yeoh play any role she wanted and wonder why she chose the comparatively small role of the ship’s Botanist, question whether it was his role of Mace that got Chris Evans the part of Captain America and reveal how Cillian Murphy shadowed Brian Cox (no, not that one) to get into his lead role as the Ship’s Physicist, Capa.   We also heap praise on John Murphy’s incredible score and list it’s many uses in other film & television since it’s release, look back over Alex Garland’s impressive career and check out what else Michelle Yeoh was doing in 2007.   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK

For our very special 100th Podcast, Liam and Matt explore Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry’s various attempts to move away from Starfleet during the 1970s with four sadly unsuccessful Pilot episodes:   Genesis II (1973) The Questor Tapes (1974) Planet Earth (1974) Spectre (1977)   We review the shows and decide whether we would have given the greenlight for a series for each in turn if we’d been the studio execs back in the day while also attempting to answer whether any of these concepts could have become as culturally significant as Trek itself.   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can find more of his work at - https://adamjohnstonuk.bandcamp.com/ Our beautiful artwork was created by Stephen Trumble, see more at http://www.ste

We’re joined by Agent Scott from the Spy Hards Podcast to declassify Star Trek: Voyager 2-Parter, Year of Hell.   Scott tells us how he was a Star Trek fan from birth and why he’s fallen out of love with the franchise in recent years. Then we break down this iconic 2-Parter, as we praise Kurtwood Smith’s guest Villain performance and Janeway’s constant badassery, while discussing the original plan to make this story a full season arc and what that could have looked like.   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   You can find Scott @TiberiusHardy and Spy Hards @SpyHards on Twitter    Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can find more of his work at - https://adamjohnstonuk.bandcamp.com/   Our beautiful artwork was created by Stephen Trumble, see more at http://www.stephentru

Our most frequent Guest, Netflix Animation Story Supervisor, David Trumble, returns to Spocklight once again, this time to discuss everyone’s favourite Radio Psychiatrist, Frasier, specifically Season 11, Episode 3 - The Doctor is Out, guest starring Sir Patrick Stewart.   David opens up as to how he and his own Brother, related to the Frasier/Niles sibling rivalry growing up and what happened when he met Niles himself, David Hyde Pierce, as well as joining us to analyse the episode in-depth and how well it's aged in the two decades since it originally aired.    We also chat the abundance of Star Trek connections in the show in general thanks to Trek and Frasier both being filmed on the Paramount lot and run through our favourite moments from the classic Sitcom.    In the words of Dr. Frasier Crane: "I'm Listening..." and we suggest you do the same.    As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightp

We're joined by Tom Salinsky of the wonderful Best Pick podcast to explore a film that almost definitely didn't win any Academy Awards, 2001 Cop Action Thriller Satire, 15 Minutes, starring Robert De Niro, Ed Burns and our focus Captain Benjamin Sisko himself, Avery Brooks.    We discuss the abundance of Star trek connections within the film including a cameo from a young Anton Yelchin, as well as supporting roles for Kelsey Grammer and Kim Cattrall, argue that Brooks should have been Co-lead rather than Ed Burns and analyse the satirical bent of the film.    In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes...and Spocklight will discuss a film called 15 Minutes for over an hour.    As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   You can find Tom @tomsalinsky on Twitter and you can find more information regarding his podcast and th

In a very special episode dedicated to new Star Trek Fan Production, Ambush, we’re joined by the Writer/Director of the film, Greg Lock, alongside Cinematographer, Editor and visual effects supremo, Thomas Saville and David Trumble who plays Terik in the film. We discuss the origins and inspirations behind the film, the pre-production and filming process, the difficulties of making a fan production in the midst of the announcement of new guidelines, and even the truth behind the 24 fan film that never was.   Listen to how this pseudo sequel to classic Original Series episode, Balance of Terror, came about then go watch the film itself at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uG1o4en19Q&t=189s    As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnst

Good News Everyone! This episode, the Spocklight crew take a deep dive into the world of Matt Groening's Futurama as we tackle Star Trek Original Series reunion episode, Where No Fan Has Gone Before.    PLUS! Stick around at the end of the episode for a special sneak preview of new Star Trek Fan Production, Ambush.    As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   You can watch Ambush in full right now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uG1o4en19Q Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can find more of his work at - https://adamjohnstonuk.bandcamp.com/ Our beautiful artwork was created by Stephen Trumble, see more at http://www.stephentrumble.com  Huge thanks to Russell Honeywell for post production support    

The Spocklight crew go back to where they belong - Lower Decks, as we review the second season of the adult animated comedy of the Star Trek Universe. We trace the various character arcs over the season and discuss that cliffhanger in-depth whilst speculating what awaits for Season 3 and the future of the show but will Liam make good on his threat to not appear for episodes covering Lower Decks after his disdain for the first season or will he be won over and end up low-key loving the show like Matt?! Take the turbolift back to the floor with us and listen now to find out!   WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS FULL SPOILERS FOR STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS SEASON 2!   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can find more of his work at -

Liam and Matt are joined by Writer of Channel 5’s Blood and ITV’s Hollington Drive, Sophie Petzal, to discuss Star Trek Voyager episode, Macrocosm   Sophie tells us why this was a pivotal Trek episode for her growing up, Liam makes the case that Kate Mulgrew deserved a better action adventure after clearly spending plenty of time in the gym for the episode and Matt Criticises the flashback structure of the story.   We also get to hear the behind the scenes stories of bringing Blood and Hollington Drive to the small screen from Sophie, as well as her thoughts on Star Trek Discovery and Picard.    As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   You can find Sophie @Sonic_Screwup on Twitter    Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can find more of his work at - https://a

Singer/Songwriter and Star of one-woman musical, The Geek Shall Inherit, Hattie Snooks, joins us to discuss all things Reginald Barclay as we analyse Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, Hollow Pursuits.   We discuss fan reaction to the episode and the character of Barclay, examine the psychological reasons behind his Holodeck fantasies and pick apart the realities of what working with the TNG crew would actually be like. All that, plus a live rendition of the opening song from Hattie’s show, all about the man of the hour himself - Reginald Barclay   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   You can find Hattie @hattiesnooks on Twitter and Instagram   Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can find more of his work at - https://adamjohnstonuk.bandcamp.com/   O

Liam, Matt and Paul reunite round the mic for the first time since March 2020 for this very special Star Trek Draft episode of Spocklight as we each pick our own Starship, Crew and Villain to create a brand new Trek movie/TV Pilot storyline.    BUT who will emerge victorious?! Dear Listener, it's up to you! Once you've listened to the episode, head straight over to @spocklightpod on Twitter to vote for your favourite pitch!   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can find more of his work at - https://adamjohnstonuk.bandcamp.com/ Our beautiful artwork was created by Stephen Trumble, see more at http://www.stephentrumble.com  Huge thanks to Russell Honeywell for post production support

In a special Halloween episode of Spocklight, Empire Magazine stalwart, Chris Hewitt, returns to the podcast to examine Jeremy Saulnier’s 2015 Horror-Thriller, Green Room, starring Patrick Stewart and Anton Yelchin.   We break down the movie asking the big questions - Did Tad deliberately send The Ain’t Rights to their doom? Would Darcy and his Neo-Nazi gang really have ever let the band go? Will Pat survive? Can Gabe be trusted? The answers to all these and much more await you as we run down our favourite siege movies and pick our Desert Island Bands.   Tell those Nazi Punks to f*ck off by downloading now!   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   You can find Chris @ChrisHewitt on Twitter and @ctah1976 on Instagram   Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can

For our 5th anniversary travel back in time with us to the first year of Spocklight as we present a selection of the best moments from our Star Trek movie reviews and ranking with special guests Adam Johnston (The Composer of our theme tune and Host of The Pretending with Dice podcast), Greg Lock (Director of Star Trek Fan Film, Ambush), Tom Stock (Bass in Brightlight City), Stephen Trumble (Comedian and host of 50 Uses for the word Love), Ross Okoye (Founder of Ages Apparel), Eleanor Parker (Host of the Bygones podcast), Rebecca Shortall (Comedian), Tom Saville (Treehouse Digital) and Robert Sallin (Producer of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan).   As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can find more of his work at - https://ada