Cogenitor (Star Trek: Enterprise, S2 E22) was recommended by Adrian AY-dree-uhn (He/Him), who said:

When I watched Enterprise during Covid, I was pleasantly surprised to find it was not as bad as I'd been led to believe. It can, however, be cringe worthy at times. (*ahem worst theme song ever ahem*)

For me, 'Cogenitor' fell into the cringe category until a recent re-watch. I thought it was meant to be a poorly executed commentary on gender identity, which was something that Next Gen had already done more gracefully in the episode 'the Outcast'.

While it does echo of that episode, 'Cogenitor' is really about the prime directive. The concept of a noninterference policy has always resonated deeply with me because it's such an elemental part of human existence. When is it right or wrong to interfere? To judge? To take action that may drastically influence the future? Most importantly, can I live with the consequences? Do I even understand what the consequences could be?

In this episode, as usual, Trip acts from the heart, and it spells disaster. He doesn't ask himself those questions, and that way lies heartbreak. Were his actions right or wrong? Well, that's what makes this episode so good, it's a hard question to answer and I'd love to hear your take.

Connor Trinneer, Scott Bakula and the guest stars all knock it out of the park in this episode. It has it's fun moments with two entertaining b-plots, and then finishes with a scene between Archer and Trip that is one of the most crushing I've seen in any Trek.

Thanks for taking the time to make a great show, and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do!

Cogenitor first aired on April 30, 2003, written by Rick Berman & Brannon Braga, and directed by LeVar Burton

Enterprise encounters the Vissians and Commander Tucker finds himself troubled by the fact the Vissians are a three-sexed species.

The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)

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"In Any Reality" by romanathethird, can be found at https://archiveofourown.org/works/61280014

"Across the multiverse, Garak and Bashir fall for each other, again, and again, and again."

The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)

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Fissure Quest (Star Trek: Lower Decks, S7 E9) was recommended by nazzy (she/her), who said: This episode is, of course, hugely (and rightfully) beloved by Garashir fans for finally making the long standing subtextual relationship between Julian Bashir and Elim Garak text. But in case you hadn't noticed from the vast majority of my recommendations to you boys, I am a massive fan of Enterprise, with a special place in my heart for the character of T'Pol, and her relationship with Trip Tucker. So for me, this episode is incredibly special, both for bringing back Jolene Blalock as T'Pol, and allowing her to have had a successful, decades-long marriage to Trip. I KNEW those crazy kids could make it work if they had a chance, and Lower Decks finally gave it to them!

It's also just a really good episode, bringing Lower Decks into its satisfying but unfortunately premature end. One of the things I love best about Lower Decks is how unashamed it is to be and love all things Trek, which makes it a perfect fit for your pod!

Fissure Quest first aired on December 12, 2024, written by Lauren McGuire, and directed by Brandon Williams

The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)

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