The Random Redshirt

We're a couple days late but we thought what better way to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday than to discuss an episode of Star Trek that addresses the United States, its constitution, "Old Glory" and more! While this episode has its quirks and questions, it certainly addresses some very important topics. We hope you enjoy as we celebrate our country's milestone birthday with some Trek!

Our Starfleet's Finest? Spotlight Series brings us to DS9 with the amazing 2 part episode "The Maquis Pt. 1 & 2"! In this episode, we highlight Lt Commander Cal Hudson, a longtime close friend of Commander Sisko. Cal might be the most unique character in our Spotlight Series as he's not a Captain or Admiral. However, as mentioned in Part 1, he and Sisko are the two ranking officers along the Cardassian border and his role in the Federation's struggle with the Maquis is critical. But he doesn't agree with what the Federation has done in abandoning their citizens to keep the treaty...a price to high for the Maquis and for Cal. Cal Hudson is probably the most difficult character in our Starfleet's Finest series. Do you think he's one of Starfleet's Finest or not? Let us know!

In this episode we celebrate Father's Day with the best way we know how....discussing Star Trek! We look at TNG's "Bloodlines" when Captain Picard is surprised by a possible love child. What ensues is a web of lies and deceit by the former Daimon, Bok. We also look at Voyager's "Lineage" as Belanna and Paris find out that they are going to be first Time parents. However, Belanna's childhood haunts her with memories of being picked on for being part Klingon. Being a parent is hard and in the Star Trek universe, that is no different!

Our Spotlight Series brings us to one of the most highly debated Captains we see in Star Trek....Captain Edward Jellico. When Captain Jellico is brought onboard the Enterprise to take command while Captain Picard, Dr. Crusher and Worf are on a secret mission, things get rocky....especially with Commander Riker and Captain Jellico. Is he REALLY that bad of a Captain or is the crew just too accustomed to Captain Picard?

As we continue with our Starfleet's Finest? Spotlight Series, we arrive to TNG's Decent Part I & II. In this episode we highlight Admiral Alynna Nechayev, played by our dear friend Natalija Nogulich. When Data experiences an emotional response killing a Borg drone, something inside him snaps...leading to him involuntarily joining his brother Lore. Admiral Nechayev reminds Picard that if he is given another opportunity, like the one with Hugh, to rid the Federation of a mortal enemy, then he is to take it! The Enterprise follows after him but not at the expense of Troi, La Forge and Captain Picard being held prisoner.