The Redshirts continue their Starfleet Academy watch with episode four, “Vox in Excelso,” as SP, Jake, and Carolyn dig into a Jay-Den Kraag focused Klingon episode. The discussion covers Jay-Den’s debate meltdown and eventual breakthrough, how the episode reframes Klingons, Caleb’s rule-based debate personality versus community experience, and Chancellor Ake and Admiral Vance attempts to steer political and cultural outcomes in a Federation-based solution. Along the way, the Redshirt reacts to classic Trek callbacks, Academy weirdness, moments of unexpected humor, and whether the episode solves complex ideas a little too neatly, before closing out with thoughts on character growth, lingering season frustrations, and where the show seems to be heading next. And don't forget the Trek trivial segment at the end, and some great listener feedback.

Thank you so much for listening to our coverage of Starfleet Academy.

Email: strangenewworldscast@gmail.com

Best place to find SP: http://www.GonnaGeek.com/discord

Best place to find Jake: https://www.tiktok.com/@nerdy_old_man74

Best place to find Carolyn: https://x.com/ocean363

Alexander Rozhenko's Mother: https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/K%27Ehleyr K'Ehleyr actor: https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Suzie_Plakson

Duras Sisters: Lursa: https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Lursa B'Etor: https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/B%27Etor

The Redshirts give you an extra long review of the Star Trek series Starfleet Academy third episode "Vitus Reflux." In this 32rd Century version of Hogwarts, the episode dives headfirst into a classic underdog showdown, using a flashy competition with the War College to explore something much deeper: trust, leadership, and growing beyond fear. As rival cadets trade smug Vulcan smack talk, Klingon muscle, and the occasional exploding replicator, the real battle becomes internal—especially for Caleb, whose instinct to brute-force every problem finally gives way to a hard-won realization that teamwork matters more than ego. Genesis steps into true leadership, Tig delivers some of the episode’s sharpest emotional truths about chosen family, and Chancellor Ake quietly proves she’s playing a much longer, smarter game than anyone realizes. While familiar tropes and a divisive dash of teen romance spark debate with Carolyn, Jake, and SP, the episode ultimately lands as a character-driven turning point—one that shows Starfleet’s future learning to move past survival, fear, and isolation, toward cooperation, trust, and growth.

Thank you so much for listening to our coverage of Starfleet Academy.

Email: strangenewworldscast@gmail.com

Best place to find SP: http://www.GonnaGeek.com/discord

Best place to find Jake: https://www.tiktok.com/@nerdy_old_man74

Best place to find Carolyn: https://x.com/ocean363

What is a Mugato?

• War College Mascot: Mugato
• The Original Series S2E16 “A Private Little War”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP1VoH_0l-E
• Lower Decks S2E4 “Mugato, Gumato”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6r1gpILmww

The Redshirts continue their watch of the Star Trek series Starfleet Academy with the second episode "Beta Test." SP, Jake and Carolyn discuss Caleb's rule bending noncommittal attitude, ask why Betazoids need to use sign language, where the center of the Federation should be, the mystery of why Tarima chose her college, Academy roommate chaos, all the great Tig moments, and why Jake considers the weak series writing so far. The trio ends the episode with some more fun Star Trek trivia.

Thank you so much for listening to our coverage of Starfleet Academy.

Email: strangenewworldscast@gmail.com

Best place to find SP: http://www.GonnaGeek.com/discord

Best place to find Jake: https://www.tiktok.com/@nerdy_old_man74

Best place to find Carolyn: https://x.com/ocean363