Ship Full of Jerks
By Ryan Thomas Riddle and Mark Farinas
Writer/Artist Mark Farinas is the creator of the STAR TREK WEBCOMIC, a fan comic based on Roddenberry's space odyssey. Ryan Thomas Riddle is an award-winning journalist and Trekkie who works with FACT TREK to bust the myths surrounding the making of the original STAR TREK.
Each week, we discuss what genres are streaming to our TVs, look back with retro reviews, and let you know what we are fanning over.
Ship Full of JerksMar 07, 2023
Take a Look, It's in a Book
This week, we venture to the Eternal Archive for a Reading Rainbow episode of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. And we join Kirk and company as they search for the inevitable ending in our third review of the OG Trek films. Finally, we share our favorite video games of yesteryear.
We're Gonna Get Letters
The Jerks critically take on the critically acclaimed, fan-favorite STAR TREK movie -- THE WRATH OF KHAN. Well, after all, risk is our business. We also come face-to-face with Breen in "Erigah". And, lastly, what we're fanning over this week.
Legend of The Whistlespeak
This week, the Jerks learn how to whistle in the latest episode of STAR TREK DISCOVERY. The Jerks then get an emergency call from Starfleet Command about a massive cloud approaching Earth, and they're the only ones in range. Yep, we're going after V'Ger in our new series of retrospectives on the original STAR TREK films. And we wrap it all up with a discussion on series finales.
Of Teledildonics and Space Butt Plugs...
This week, it's a STAR TREK DISCOVERY threesome as we catch up on the recent episodes. It's a week of thrills and Trills... but there be no Tribble in sight. A'right, strap in, Black Alert and let's fly!
Dr. Ben Song Found Home
This week, the Jerks are back after an extended shore leave! Don't worry. We've sobered up from our trip to Argelius, and now we're looking at the first two episodes of STAR TREK DISCOVERY's fifth and final season. And we take one final leap with Dr. Ben Song... but will he find home?
The One With The Goblin Song
This week, the Jerks debate whether singing goblins are cringe in Ncuti Gatwa's first full adventure as The Doctor. Then, we discuss whether Scavengers Reign sticks the landing. Finally, we introduce a new segment called "Bad Take of the Week."
The Meep Vs. The Moopsy... FIGHT!
The Jerks return for their third season with a journey in the TARDIS once again as we breakdown the first three new Russell T. Davies DOCTOR WHO specials. Finally, what we're fanning over in the New Year.
Dick Laurent is Dead
This week, the Jerks time slips with Loki to find his real glorious purpose. Then, we discuss how the original STAR TREK bungles its race relations metaphor episode. Finally, we get freaky dicky with some David Lynch's phantasmic of neo-noir terror in LOST HIGHWAY.
I Sing the Body Horrific
This week, the Jerks throwdown with Mariner and the Lower Deckers against Nick Locarno and his enemy star fleet. Then, we face body horrors like none other with SCAVENGERS REIGN. Finally, what the Jerks are fanning over!
Putting Right What Once Went Wrong
This week, the Jerks prematurely stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanished... now they have to go from STAR TREK LOWER DECKS to the QUANTUM LEAP revival to discuss why everything is getting rebooted.
The Cheesecake Session
This week, we share some cheesecake... um, moss with the Lower Decks as we share cave stories! Then we get into more time shenanigans with the Time Variance Authority as we track down He Who Remains. Finally, discuss whether you can separate the art from He Who Is Problematic.
We Don't Need No Stinkin' Badgeys
This week, it's the Good, the Bad, and the Badgey as the Jerks take on not one, but three misanthropic AIs. Then, comic book writer Hannibal Tabu beams up to download his infinite STAR WARS knowledge as we discuss AHSOKA. Finally, what all three of us are fanning!
The Horny Betazoids Come to Visit
This week, the Jerks finally catch up with STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS. We get sloshed with some middle-aged party Betazoids and keep the party going on Ferenginar. However, we too also owe Quimp for bailing us outta jail. Finally, we sober up to discuss why season one of TNG is great! And yes, we were sober for that discussion.
Stephen King's The Betazoid Gift Box
This week, the Jerks are still catching up with STAR TREK LOWER DECKS with "In the Cradle of Vexilon" and "Something Borrowed, Something Green". We have a lot of fun with supercomputers, ringworlds, menacing gift boxes, and Orion hump dungeons. Finally, we return to the Third Age of Mankind with the BABYLON 5 animated movie, THE ROAD HOME.
Have Bones — Will Suck!
We're back! This week, the Jerks return for a season opener to open all seasons. First up, the Lower Deckers are back too, but we spend most of the time talking about Moopsy. It's all about Moopsy from here on out! Then, science-fiction author Jennifer Lee Rossman beams aboard to help us discuss STAR TREK's trolly problem... known as Tuvix. Finally, Jennifer and the Jerks share what they're fanning over this week.
Gorn With The Wind
On the season finale of SHIIIIIIIIP FULL OF JERKS, the Jerks beam up special envoys, comic artist Quinn McGowan and writer Hannibal Tabu to discuss "Under the Cloak of War." And Quinn lends his perspective as a former combat soldier to this episode's heavy themes of PTSD and surviving war. Then, we head to LV-426... we mean Parnassus Beta for another Gorn Hunt. Finally, why it's okay never to finish a TV show, book, or film if it doesn't work for you.
It's been a helluva first season. Thank you from both Jerks for listening! We'll be back in mid-September for season two of SHIP FULL OF JERKS, where we might even have a different doctor.
Yes, Star Trek Can Be Silly
The Jerks voyage into the fun and ridiculous this week with two light-hearted STRANGE NEW WORLDS. First up is the amazing Lower Decks crossover. Then, we belt a tune out with "Subspace Rhapsody" and let you know which numbers were our favorites. Finally, we examine James Tokyo Kirk Drift and what pop culture gets wrong about Captain Kirk.
Spirk It To Me!
It's all about Spirk this week as the Jerks are joined by two special guests to discuss the first canon meeting of our favorite STAR TREK couple, Kirk and Spock. Plus, our thoughts on "Lost in Translation." Also, our boots-on-the-ground report from this year's San Diego Comic-Con and Mark's non-spoilery review of BARBIE.
Spock-jinks!
This week, the Jerks urge fans to support striking actors and writers, especially during this convention season. Then, they celebrate Vulcan Festivus with Spock and his future in-laws as we all get into Spock-jinks! Finally, they go adventuring with Indiana Jones for the last time... or is it?
Moon Over Rigel VII
This week, the Jerks explore a strange not-so-new world with STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS. Then it's another Gene Roddenberry failed 70s pilot where the writer's fetish is overt and barely disguised. Finally, we share our favorite alternative timeline stories that aren't STAR TREK.
When James Met La'An
This week, the Jerks go on a romcom, time-travel romp with La'An and Captain (not ours yet) Kirk in the latest STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS episode "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow." Then, we discover Gene Roddenberry's proto-Data is also fully functional in another lost 70s pilot, THE QUESTOR TAPES. We also tell you what we're fanning over lately.
We Here, We Queer, Get Used to It
This week, the Jerks get jury duty as Number One is put on trial for the crime of being an Illyrian. Then, they gotta get this mother f'ing Skrulls off this mother f'ing ship with SECRET INVASION. And we close out Pride month with our concerns over the recent rollback of LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood, including a passionate plea to the STAR TREK creative team not to let DISCOVERY be the last time we see such strong representation.
The Writer's Barely Disguised Fetish
This week, the Jerks beam aboard the Enterprise for the second season of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS with "The Broken Circle." Then, we return planetside to venture into Gene Roddenberry's second attempt at GENESIS II, retitled PLANET TREK... we mean PLANET EARTH. Finally, war... what is it good for in STAR TREK?
It's the Only Way to Be Sure
This week, the Jerks wrap up their exploration of STRANGE NEW WORLDS season 1. First, we go on a bug hunt with "All Those Who Wander". Then we return to the original series... sorta with "A Quality of Mercy." Finally, we tell you how we'd hard reboot STAR TREK.
Screw or Die!
This week, the Jerks venture into the next two episodes of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS season one — "The Serene Squall" and "The Elysian Kingdom". We ask whether Spock really needs to be solely Vulcan or human, lensing the discussion through both Mark and Ryan's biracial heritages. Then, we go LARPing and debate M'Benga's parental choice. Finally, what we're fanning over.
Give Us Mount's Mounts
This week, the Jerks continue their countdown toward STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS season two with two reviews from season one. First, we go all amok with the crew as they get involved in hijinks. Then, we get into the late-stage capitalism metaphor in "Lift Us Up Where Suffering Cannot Reach Us." Finally, we get into whether newer TREK believes in Roddenberry's vision of utopia.
Low-Rent Timothée Chalamet
This week, the Jerks take two journeys into STRANGE NEW WORLDS with "Ghosts of Illyria" and "Memento Mori." With the former, we question the Federation's ban on genetic modifications and the treatment of Number One as a "model minority." Then, we wonder if the change to the Gorn is for the better. Finally, we share our favorite STAR TREK memories.
Every Starship Needs a Bar
This week, the Jerks go on Uhura's first away mission to a comet — the first STAR TREK episode to be an Uhura story! Then, we journey 154 years from today to visit one of Gene Roddenberry's failed 70s pilot, GENESIS II. Finally, we tell y'all what we're fanning over.
Forbidden Strange New Worlds
The Jerks are back this week! As we wait for season 2 of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS to drop, we look back at its first episode, "Strange New World." Then we journey to Altar and visit a FORBIDDEN PLANET, where we deep dive into Trek's antecedent, horny space sailors included. Finally, Mark and Ryan discuss what they're fanning over.
Justice for Laris
This week, the Jerks express solidarity for the Writer's Guild of America in their upcoming contract negotiations with the studios and streamers. Then it's back-to-back finales for STAR TREK: PICARD and THE MANDALORIAN. It's a big episode where the Jerks discuss if both shows' long arcs held all together as they come to an end.
The Penultimate All Good Things...
This week, the Jerks discuss the penultimate episode of STAR TREK: PICARD, and Ryan brags over being right about the Enterprise-D. Then, we retake Mandalore and get into a brief chat about the Empire's appropriation of Mandalorian culture. Finally, Mark's daughter Audrey joins us on what we're fanning over. Oh, and don't miss the post-credits bit.
"The" and "Something"
This week, the Jerks barely escape the wrath of Vadic... but does the episode escape our review? Also, we give a shoutout to STAR TREK: PICARD showrunner Terry Matalas! Then it's time for a good ol' side quest with the Mandalorian, his baby, and his new space BFF. Finally, the Jerks discuss their love of pretty starships and list their favorites.
Can You Read My Mind?
This week, the Jerks read each other minds as they delve into last week's STAR TREK PICARD. They discuss what they like and also wonder why current STAR TREK is obsessed with torture. Then, it's a not-so-pirate life for THE MANDALORIAN, where the Jerks chat about their love of Carson Teva but also any government will ultimately fail in STAR WARS. Finally, both Mark and Ryan tell us what they're fanning over this week. Let's just say it involves a lot of vomiting and a trip to the ER.
You Know How to Whistle, Don’t You, Data?
This week, the Jerks venture to Athon Prime to visit all the pretty ships at the Starfleet Museum and also stop off at STAR TREK: PICARD's Area 51. Then, it's time for a Mandalorian bird hunt, and the Jerks wonder... why all the animal slaughter in THE MANDALORIAN. Finally, the Jerks breakdown the infamous "No Conflict" rule of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION and put it to the test.
Space Sailors That Swear
This week, the Jerks are hunting down the Titan and her renegade crew with the midpoint episode of STAR TREK PICARD's final season. Then it's a quick trip to Coruscant for some spy shenanigans with a Hot Butch and a Sexy Otter. Finally, the Jerks tackle Picard's F-bomb and whether STAR TREK should be family-friendly fare.
Jack Crusher's Whiskey of Choice
This week, the Jerks warp into two sci-fi franchises. First up, the latest STAR TREK: PICARD, "No Win Scenario," which the Jerks feel is PICARD's best episode. But they also get into a deep discussion about mental health and the 25th Century. Next up is THE MANDALORIAN's latest episode, "The Mines of Mordor"... um "The Mines of Mandalore." Finally, the Jerks discuss what they're fanning over. For Ryan, it's THE ARK. And it's EVIL for Mark!
Mommy and Daddy Are Fighting
This week, the Jerks are trapped in a nebula with the latest episode of STAR TREK: PICARD, where we gab about Sheer *BEEP* Hubris Jean-Luc and Captain Riker's big fight on the bridge. And THE MANDALORIAN, played by everyone's slutty daddy, is back! So is Baby Yoda... umm... Grogu. We examine how this season feels different than the previous ones. Finally, our reaction to the news that STAR TREK: DISCOVERY is ending after five seasons.
Peck's Pecs
This week, the Jerks set course for episode two of STAR TREK: PICARD and talk about our new favorite starship captain, Liam Shaw played by the excellent Todd Stashwick. He's a show stealer! Then it's off for a visit with musical producer Neil S. Bulk and STAR TREK historian Jeff Bond to discuss the work of Gerald Fried, the STAR TREK: TOS composer who died recently. Afterwards, Mark and Ryan discuss what they're fanning over... and also Ethan Peck's pecs.
Hosts: Mark Farinas and Ryan Thomas Riddle
Music by Fluffy
"Encounter at Fanpoint"
Welcome aboard the first podcast of Mark Farinas and Ryan Thomas Riddle as they explore the farthest reaches of sci-fi and pop culture. This week, they dive right into the premiere episode of STAR TREK PICARD's third and final season. Will this truly be the final voyage that NEMESIS promised? Be warned there be spoilers. Then they jump back in time. The year is 1993. The show is BABYLON 5. And after their pit stop at the dawn of the Third Age of Mankind... Mark and Ryan chat about what they're fanning over this week. G