Treks and Tangents

Treks and Tangents
  • 5.0 (2)
  • TV Reviews

Treks and Tangents is a weekly Star Trek watch-along podcast exploring the franchise one episode, and eventually one movie, at a time. Jaci is experiencing Star Trek with fresh eyes, while Brian brings the longtime-fan perspective. Together they recap each story, compare first impressions, dig into the characters and ideas, chase plenty of tangents, share trivia, and rank what they watch along the way. They’re currently working through Star Trek: The Original Series, with more Star Trek series and films ahead. Whether you know every transporter malfunction by heart or you're discovering the final frontier for the first time, join us each week for a fun, conversational journey through Star Trek.

  1. 9h ago

    Patterns of Force (Star Trek TOS S2E21)

    Send us Fan Mail [Hailing Frequencies Open] This week, Brian and Jaci tackle “Patterns of Force”, an episode with a straightforward adventure wrapped around some very uncomfortable history. Between Kirk and Spock going undercover, a conveniently useful new implant, and a historian whose grand experiment has gone catastrophically wrong, there’s plenty to unpack. They dig into the episode’s questionable logic, its last-minute rush to explain everything, the parallels to "A Piece of the Action", and whether the story actually succeeds at exploring the ideas it sets out to confront. Somehow, amid all that, there’s still room for improvised laser physics, Spock’s “malformed” ears, and McCoy having trouble with his boots. What did you think of “Patterns of Force”? Does its message still work despite the episode’s problems, or does the execution get in the way? Let us know in the comments! [End Transmission] Support the show Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents X: X.com/Treks_Tangents Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social Co-Host Jaci Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique Co-Host Brian Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown YouTube Main: Youtube.com/@PiratePoundTown YouTube Second: Youtube.com/@PirateTreasureHunting Blue Sky: PiratePoundTown.bsky.social Instagram: Instagram.com/PineappleCannibal

  2. Sep 22

    Return to Tomorrow (Star Trek TOS S2E20)

    Send us Fan Mail [Hailing Frequencies Open] "Return to Tomorrow" gives Brian and Jaci plenty to dig into: mysterious glowing orbs, body-swapping aliens, surprisingly romantic sci-fi, Leonard Nimoy getting to cut loose as Henoch, and Nurse Chapel quietly becoming one of the episode’s biggest heroes. They break down the episode’s strong camera work, Kirk’s argument for taking risks in the name of exploration, Sargon and Thalassa’s doomed romance, and the increasingly shaky science as the final minutes spiral into pure TOS chaos. Despite the plot holes, there’s a lot here to love. Who do you think steals the episode: Kirk, Spock/Henoch, Nurse Chapel, or someone else? Let us know in the comments! [End Transmission] Support the show Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents X: X.com/Treks_Tangents Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social Co-Host Jaci Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique Co-Host Brian Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown YouTube Main: Youtube.com/@PiratePoundTown YouTube Second: Youtube.com/@PirateTreasureHunting Blue Sky: PiratePoundTown.bsky.social Instagram: Instagram.com/PineappleCannibal

  3. Sep 15

    A Private Little War (Star Trek TOS S2E19)

    Send us Fan Mail [Hailing Frequencies Open] Things get messy fast in “A Private Little War” as Brian and Jaci tackle Mugatus, Klingon gunrunning, and an episode that seems determined to start five different plotlines before figuring out what to do with any of them. Along the way, there’s plenty of debate over the Prime Directive, Nona’s extremely unsettling methods, and whether this “Garden of Eden” was ever particularly Eden-like in the first place. Despite the chaos, the episode gives us some surprisingly strong character moments, a not-so-subtle Vietnam War analogy, and one very memorable white gorilla with sparkly horns. What part of “A Private Little War” worked best for you, or what would you have changed? Let us know in the comments! Support the show Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents X: X.com/Treks_Tangents Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social Co-Host Jaci Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique Co-Host Brian Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown YouTube Main: Youtube.com/@PiratePoundTown YouTube Second: Youtube.com/@PirateTreasureHunting Blue Sky: PiratePoundTown.bsky.social Instagram: Instagram.com/PineappleCannibal

  4. Sep 8

    The Immunity Syndrome (Star Trek TOS - S2E18)

    Send us Fan Mail [Hailing Frequencies Open] It’s the 50th episode of Treks and Tangents, and naturally we’re celebrating with… a gigantic space amoeba, an exhausted Enterprise crew, and an alarming amount of stimulants to test everyone’s patience. In “The Immunity Syndrome,” Brian and Jaci dive into Spock’s mysterious connection to the doomed Intrepid, Kirk’s questionable shuttlecraft plan,  and the continuing mystery of why poor Kyle suddenly became “Coyle.” Is this a clever old-school sci-fi adventure hiding inside a budget-saving bottle episode? Or is the giant space amoeba just not enough to save it? What rank would you give “The Immunity Syndrome”? Let us know in the comments! Support the show Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents X: X.com/Treks_Tangents Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social Co-Host Jaci Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique Co-Host Brian Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown YouTube Main: Youtube.com/@PiratePoundTown YouTube Second: Youtube.com/@PirateTreasureHunting Blue Sky: PiratePoundTown.bsky.social Instagram: Instagram.com/PineappleCannibal

  5. Sep 1

    A Piece of the Action (Star Trek TOS - S2E17)

    Send us Fan Mail [Hailing Frequencies Open] This week on Treks and Tangents, "A Piece of the Action" sends Kirk, Spock, and McCoy into a planet-sized 1920s mobster convention, all thanks to one very influential book. Brian and Jaci talk Tommy guns, fuzzy hats, Kirk’s increasingly questionable gangster impression, the completely made-up rules of Fizbin, and whether the Enterprise crew actually fixed anything… or just became the newest crime syndicate in town. There are kidnappings, concrete galoshes, four Vulcan nerve pinches, and enough mob slang to leave Scotty thoroughly confused.  What piece of Earth media would you absolutely NOT want left behind on a developing planet? Tell us in the comments! Support the show Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents X: X.com/Treks_Tangents Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social Co-Host Jaci Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique Co-Host Brian Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown YouTube Main: Youtube.com/@PiratePoundTown YouTube Second: Youtube.com/@PirateTreasureHunting Blue Sky: PiratePoundTown.bsky.social Instagram: Instagram.com/PineappleCannibal

  6. Aug 25

    The Gamesters of Triskelion (Star Trek TOS - S2E16)

    Send us Fan Mail [Hailing Frequencies Open] Brian and Jaci enter the brightly colored, triangle-obsessed chaos of “The Gamesters of Triskelion,” where apparently the Hunger Games, Squid Game, and a 1960s costume department all collided at once. Along the way, there’s terrible fight choreography, mysterious floating brains, Kirk weaponizing romance yet again, and an unexpected campaign for #JusticeForTamoon. Is this cheesy gladiator spectacle secretly fun, or does it deserve its place firmly in the Ensign ranks? Let us know in the comments! [End Transmission] Support the show Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents X: X.com/Treks_Tangents Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social Co-Host Jaci Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique Co-Host Brian Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown YouTube Main: Youtube.com/@PiratePoundTown YouTube Second: Youtube.com/@PirateTreasureHunting Blue Sky: PiratePoundTown.bsky.social Instagram: Instagram.com/PineappleCannibal

  7. Aug 18

    The Trouble with Tribbles (Star Trek TOS - S2E15)

    Send us Fan Mail [Hailing Frequencies Open] This week, we finally meet one of Star Trek’s cutest, and unofficial podcast mascot, icons in “The Trouble with Tribbles.” We talk about why the episode’s humor works so well, Kirk getting buried alive in Tribbles, and whether Cyrano Jones would have been even better if he were Harry Mudd. Between a barroom brawl, Klingon sabotage, and enough Tribbles to make pest control simply give up: this one earns its reputation as a TOS classic.  But we want to know: If you could keep just one Tribble as a pet—with absolutely no chance of it reproducing—would you? Tell us in the comments! Support the show Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents X: X.com/Treks_Tangents Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social Co-Host Jaci Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique Co-Host Brian Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown YouTube Main: Youtube.com/@PiratePoundTown YouTube Second: Youtube.com/@PirateTreasureHunting Blue Sky: PiratePoundTown.bsky.social Instagram: Instagram.com/PineappleCannibal

  8. Aug 11

    Wolf in the Fold (Star Trek TOS - S2E14)

    Send us Fan Mail [Hailing Frequencies Open] On this episode of Treks and Tangents, Brian and Jaci take on "Wolf in the Fold". Scotty becomes the prime suspect in a string of murders on Argelius II, leading to séances, lie detectors, Jack the Ripper, a fear-feeding entity, and more plot holes than we know what to do with. It’s a murder mystery that quickly turns into full-on sci-fi chaos.  Did “Wolf in the Fold” work for you, or were there too many plot holes to ignore? Let us know in the comments! [End Transmission] Support the show Treks and Tangents - A Star Trek Watchalong Podcast Patreon: Patreon.com/TreksAndTangents X: X.com/Treks_Tangents Instagram: Instagram.com/TreksAndTangents BlueSky: TreksAndTangents.bsky.social Co-Host Jaci Instagram: Instagram.com/Jibboom WhatNot: WhatNot.com/GlitterBowBoutique Co-Host Brian Twitch: Twitch.tv/PiratePoundTown YouTube Main: Youtube.com/@PiratePoundTown YouTube Second: Youtube.com/@PirateTreasureHunting Blue Sky: PiratePoundTown.bsky.social Instagram: Instagram.com/PineappleCannibal

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Treks and Tangents is a weekly Star Trek watch-along podcast exploring the franchise one episode, and eventually one movie, at a time. Jaci is experiencing Star Trek with fresh eyes, while Brian brings the longtime-fan perspective. Together they recap each story, compare first impressions, dig into the characters and ideas, chase plenty of tangents, share trivia, and rank what they watch along the way. They’re currently working through Star Trek: The Original Series, with more Star Trek series and films ahead. Whether you know every transporter malfunction by heart or you're discovering the final frontier for the first time, join us each week for a fun, conversational journey through Star Trek.

Information

  • Creator
    Treks and Tangents
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Treks and Tangents
  • Show Website
    Treks and Tangents