Trek in the Time of Corona Bryan Appel

Enterprise- Observer Effect

Original Airdate: 1/21/2005



We get back into our mini-series of Star Trek/COVID-19 crossovers with Observer Effect. We question if it perhaps paints a to hopeful projection of the human race's chances right now seeing how unwilling so many are unwilling to confront white supremacy; we ask how the observer effect is playing out during this pandemic; and how each day we are presented with certain risks we can choose to take or not take based on the importance of the task. 

We meet a lonely man who has created a woman of his dreams, yet she can not love. In learning how to love, she learns that she has freedom. In discovering her freedom, the creator of this android can not stand to see her choices...And here we ask, what happens when the ideals held up as American begin to be demanded by ALL the people of America? Can those who lay claim to having such pride in their country stand it?

TNG: Contagion 

Original Airdate: 3/20/20 

Three ships are infected with a virus that will ultimately lead to their destruction. Three ships handle this challenge in very different ways. The absence of individual and collective mourning, portals to a true end of quarantine, and dystopian bedtimes, all in this episode of Trek in the Time of Corona!

Enterprise: Dear Doctor

Original Air Date: 1/23/2002

The choices we make as a nation and as a world during this pandemic are not only impact individual lives but also entire demographics of our population. Dr. Phlox and Captain Archer help us explore these incredibly difficult choices in this pivotal episode of Enterprise. Social engineering, Darwinism, cultural communication, and the dangerous concept of cultural superiority are all in OUR pen pal letter to those of you spread across the galaxy.  



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The Original Series: Miri  

Original Airdate: 10/27/66 



Typically, during national crisis we can't stop asking "But what about the children?" Perhaps we don't hear that being asked because we are ashamed of what they are learning from us right now? We look at the TOS "Miri" episode and think about what lessons the 'Grups' are teaching the 'Onlies' in our modern day end of the world experience.

The Next Generation: Unnatural Selection 
Original Airdate: 1/30/89

Picard and Pulaski try to figure out the delicate balance needed when fighting a pandemic between taking risks and protecting their charges. We find inspiration in Pulaski's passion and Picard's willingness to take the ultimate responsibility when dealing with a life or death situation. We also ask the question: Why don't we just turn over the whole response to COVID-19 to the women? It is clear that they the world leaders doing the best job of dealing with the crisis.