Well, Trekabout has finally made it to Star Trek: Voyager. In the pilot “Caretaker”, we meet a lot of new characters, some of whom don’t make it to the end of the episode. We meet new but strangely familiar alien species. But most importantly–Richard finally meets Tuvok. Now that that’s out of the way, we can never talk about Tuvok ever again. Plus! Trekabout’s final word on straight people.
Trekabout Episode 238: Caretaker
Penny
-I’m very happy to hear that Richard is looking forward to Voyager after “Caretaker.” I mostly agree with Eric that Voyager isn’t great, but I love it any way (I realized a few years ago that I’m a total mark [in the pro-wrestling sense] for everything Trek). I re-watched Voyager a few years and found it wildly uneven; the episodes that were good I found as good as the best of Trek from any other series, while the bad episodes felt like a new level of dreck. I’m looking forward to re-watching the series again along with you guys.
I also felt like I specifically wanted to comment this week in regards to the review that Eric read at the end of the episode. I guess I can be accused of being biased because I’m trans, but I appreciate the unique perspective Trekabout brings to Star Trek analysis because you guys are gay, and are willing and able to tease apart some of the franchise’s blind-spots over the years in regards to heteronormativity. I never cease to be amazed when fans of Star Trek somehow manage to miss one of the grounding principles of the show, that diversity brings strength and beauty. Anyway, not that you need it, I’m sure, but just felt like giving you guys a huge thumbs up for your effort and perspective.
Finally, since Richard brought up Mission Log, I love that you guys are doing two episodes a week and they’re doing one – I get to listen to both podcasts and re-watch different episodes from different series every week. Trekabout and Mission Log are my one-two punch of Trek goodness every week. When I was younger my friend and I would watch TNG and then call each other up and spend hours talking about the episode. Nowadays re-watching while listening to podcasts is like a new version of that. Thank you for that.
Eric Brasure
-Thanks for your comment! Voyager is definitely hit-or-miss–hopefully we can continue to approach the show in good faith, like all the others. There’s way too much reflexive snark out there.
Thanks also for your supportive comments about sexuality in Star Trek–we feel like it’s important to bring it up when it’s appropriate and organic, and are very happy that some people are getting why we do it.