Commentary: Trek Stars: The Work of Star Trek Creators Outside of Star Trek

Series Finale. Running Time: 1 hours 32 minutes 33 seconds For the past three and a half years, Mike, John and Max have examined the work of Star Trek creators outside of Star Trek. From the series creator Gene Roddenberry to the director of Star Trek Beyond, Justin Lin, we have covered television shows, films, novels, and more from writers, directors and actors who have worked throughout the franchise. But all good things... In the final episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John reflect on 182 episodes of podcasting. We discuss how the show came about, what our favorite works by Trek creators are, and what we regret not covering. We also reveal our plans for the future. Chapters Secret Origins (00:01:45) Favorite Works (00:29:48) Favorite Creators (00:50:42) What We Missed (01:01:26) Final Thoughts (01:10:13) Stage Nine (01:14:27) Thanks (01:25:58) Hosts Mike Schindler and John Mills ProductionMike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Lin, Part 8: Recap. Running Time: 1 hour 3 minutes 21 seconds Throughout the course of Commentary: Trek Stars, we have covered thirty eight different people who have helped to create Star Trek. We began with the very first Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry, and we end with the current leader of the franchise, Justin Lin. In our penultimate episode, Mike and John recap their series on Lin's career as a film director. We look at all seven of his movies, including Better Luck Tomorrow, Annapolis, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Finishing the Game, Fast & Furious, Fast Five, and Furious 6. We also discuss the news of J.J. Abrams' latest production, Kolma, and what the rumors of the new Trek series' format could mean for future creators. Chapters Lin's Early Films (00:01:11) Fast & Furious (00:18:35) News (00:41:55) Hosts Mike Schindler and John Mills ProductionMike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Lin, Part 7: Furious 6. Running Time: 1 hour 21 minutes 34 seconds In 2013, Justin Lin directed his fourth and final installment of the Fast & Furious franchise, Furious 6. The film continues the franchise's trend of creating movies that are bigger and better than what has come before. This time around, the crew needs to stop an international criminal who is  trying to steal a technology which could allow him to take over the world. In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike are joined by Megan of Educating Geeks to look at Lin's most recent movie. We discuss how the film achieves its large scale, how it fits into the overall continuity of the franchise, and of course, the title. Chapters Furious 6 (00:08:33) Hand-To-Hand Combat (00:27:34) The Return of Letty (00:42:10) Final Thoughts (00:59:40) Hosts John Mills and Mike Schindler Guest Megan Calcote ProductionMike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Lin, Part 6: Fast Five. Running Time: 59 minutes 33 seconds After reinvigorating the franchise with Fast & Furious, Star Trek Beyond director Justin Lin returned to helm the fifth film in the series, Fast Five. This installment acted as a reunion of sorts, as series regulars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker were joined by stars of the previous films, including Tyrese Gibson, Gal Gadot and Sung Kang for an Ocean's Eleven-style heist movie. In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John continue their series on Lin's work as a director by looking at his sixth picture. We discuss how Fast Five builds on what has come before, Lin's continued collaboration with his crew, and what this film tells us about his ability to handle the large cast of Star Trek Beyond. We also discuss the trailer for Star Wars: Rogue One, because why not? Chapters Fast Five (00:00:45) Lin's Style (00:17:47) Sung Kang in Beyond? (00:29:07) Wrap-up (00:45:07) Hosts Mike Schindler and John Mills ProductionMike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Lin, Part 5: Fast & Furious.   Running Time: 1 hour 9 minutes 17 seconds   In 2009, Justin Lin returned to what would become his marquee franchise with Fast & Furious. The fourth film in the series was a return to basics, featuring a reunion of the original cast, including both Paul Walker and Vin Diesel, in an effort to revitalize the franchise.   In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike are joined by Zach Moore of Always Hold On To Smallville to look at Lin's fifth film. We discuss the decision to bring Lin back after Tokyo Drift, the stylistic differences between the two films, and of course, the title. We also take a look at the career of Star Trek 2017's newest writer, Jesse Alexander.   Chapters Fast & Furious (00:05:40) Lin's Return (00:21:57) Final Thoughts (00:38:17) Jesse Alexander (00:45:15) Wrap-up (01:00:30)   Hosts John Mills and Mike Schindler   Guest Zach Moore   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Lin, Part 4: Finishing the Game.   Running Time: 48 minutes 22 seconds   After two consecutive Hollywood blockbuster, Justin Lin returned to the world of independent filmmaking with Finishing the Game. The film is unlike any other in Lin's filmography, a "mockumentary" about finding an actor to replace Bruce Lee in his final movie, The Game of Death.   In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John take a look at Lin's fourth film. We discuss how it differs from the rest of his movies, what it says about Lin as an artist, and the impact which Bruce Lee had on the culture. We also touch on the upcoming Star Trek: 50 Artists, 50 Years exhibition.   Chapters Finishing the Game (00:01:39) The Style (00:18:24) 50 Artists, 50 Years (00:33:45) Wrap-up (00:36:43)   Hosts Mike Schindler and John Mills   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Lin, Part 3: The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.   Running Time: 1 hour 24 seconds   Less than five months after the release of Annapolis, Justin Lin was handed the keys to the Fast and the Furious franchise. His first of four consecutive sequels was The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. The film offers and interesting take on the franchise, expanding the mythology by focusing on entirely new characters instead of continuing the story established in the first two. Written by Chris Morgan, the movie features Lucas Black, Nathalie Kelley, Bow Wow, and Sung Kang.    In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike are joined by Brandon of Melodic Treks to discuss Lin's third movie. We look at how it differs from the other films in the franchise thus far, the members of the crew who are joining Lin for Star Trek Beyond, and the return of Han from Better Luck Tomorrow. We also discuss news, including the release of J.J. Abrams' latest production, 10 Cloverfield Lane, and the casting of Shohreh Aghdashloo in Star Trek Beyond.   Chapters Tokyo Drift (00:02:54) Its Place in the Franchise (00:22:01) News (00:41:41) Wrap-up (00:52:14)   Hosts John Mills and Mike Schindler   Guest Brandon-Shea Mutala   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Lin, Part 2: Annapolis.   Running Time: 1 hour 27 seconds   After the success of Better Luck Tomorrow, Justin Lin was given the opportunity to work on big studio productions with substantially larger budgets. The first of these was Annapolis in 2006. The film, starring James Franco, Tyrese Gibson and Jordan Brewster, looks at a cadet's first year at the U.S. Naval Academy.   In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John take a look at Lin's second film. We discuss how it effectively uses cliches, the similarities to J.J. Abrams' Star Trek, and how accurately it portrays the Academy. In news, we remember TNG and DS9 visual effects supervisor Gary Hutzel, discuss the hiring of Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth as executive producers on the new Star Trek series, and touch on the order of Doug Jung's new pilot, Scalped.   Chapters Annapolis (00:00:44) Accuracy (00:20:05) News (00:50:26)   Hosts Mike Schindler and John Mills   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Lin, Part 1: Better Luck Tomorrow.   Running Time: 1 hour 29 minutes 57 seconds   Over the course of its history, many artists have left their mark on the Star Trek franchise. Back in 1966, Gene Roddenberry was the first. 50 years later, Star Trek is in the hands of The Fast and the Furious director, Justin Lin.   In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike begin their final series, looking at Justin Lin’s career as a feature film director. In Part 1, we are joined by Dennis Castello of Continuing Mission to examine Lin’s first film, Better Luck Tomorrow. We discuss the themes of the film, Lin’s distinctive style, and how the film is similar to George Lucas’ American Graffiti. Then, in a special news segment, we are joined by John Tenuto to discuss addition of Nicholas Meyer to the writing staff of Star Trek 2017.   Chapters Better Luck Tomorrow (00:06:00) John Cho (00:25:34) Final Thoughts (00:35:17) Nicholas Meyer (00:38:25) Star Trek VI (00:55:47) Wrap-up (01:16:10)   Hosts Mike Schindler and John Mills   Guests Dennis Castello and John Tenuto   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Abrams II, Part 7: Recap.   Running Time: 51 minutes 50 seconds   J.J. Abrams may not be returning as the director of Star Trek Beyond, but that should not suggest that his presence will not be felt as a producer. What do his past producing efforts suggest about his contribution to the upcoming movie?   In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John recap their series looking at all of the films which Abrams has produced for other filmmakers. We discuss his work on The Pallbearer, The Suburbans, Joy Ride, Morning Glory, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, and Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation. We also hold a tournament to determine which picture in his impressive filmography is the crappiest.   Chapters The Early Years (00:02:08) Bad Robot (00:10:02) The Bracket (00:26:42) Wrap-up (00:36:40)   Hosts Mike Schindler and John Mills   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Abrams II, Part 7: Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation.   Running Time: 1 hour 19 minutes 54 seconds   After the unexpected success of Brad Bird's Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, Bad Robot and J.J. Abrams were asked to return to produce a third installment of the Tom Cruise franchise. This time, Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie was hired to write and direct Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation.   In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike are joined by Krissy of Educating Geeks to look at the most recent film that Abrams has produced for another filmmaker. We discuss how it compares to the other films in the franchise, what McQuarrie brings to the film, and how Rogue Nation is intrinsically linked to Star Trek Beyond. We also discuss the news that Bryan Fuller has been hired as the showrunner of Star Trek 17.   Chapters Rogue Nation (00:08:47) Christoper McQuarrie (00:27:24) The Star Trek Beyond Connection (00:46:36) Bryan Fuller (00:53:06)   Hosts John Mills and Mike Schindler   Guests Krissy Lenz   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Abrams II, Part 6: Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.   Running Time: 1 hour 10 minutes 10 seconds   Happy with the results of Mission: Impossible III, Tom Cruise and Paramount chose to continue their collaboration with J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot for the fourth film in the franchise, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol. While Abrams would not direct the film himself, he would oversee it as producer. This production should be especially to fans of Star Trek, as it closely mirrors the relationship which Abrams has with the 50th anniversary movie, Star Trek Beyond.   In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John are joined by Adam of The Red Shirt Diaries to look at Brad Bird's Ghost Protocol. We discuss how our thoughts have changed since its initial release, what Bird brought to the project as a director, and what this film tells us about Star Trek Beyond. We also profess our love for Robert Elswit.   Chapters Ghost Protocol (00:08:22) Abrams as Producer (00:36:41) Wrap-up (00:58:30)   Hosts Mike Schindler and John Mills   Guest Adam Drosin   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Abrams II, Part 5: Morning Glory.   Running Time: 47 minutes 35 seconds   After a successful reboot of the Star Trek franchise in 2009, J.J. Abrams put his producer hat back on the following year for Roger Michell's Morning Glory. The film stars Rachel McAdams as the producer of a daily morning news/talk show. In an effort to boost ratings, she hires a legendary reporter played by Harrison Ford to anchor the show, against his better judgment.   In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike take a look at Morning Glory. We discuss how the movie differs from other Bad Robot productions, the filmmakers involved behind the scenes, and long-time collaboration between Abrams and Ford.   Chapters Morning Glory (01:09) A Bad Robot Production (22:28) Wrap-up (38:06)   Hosts John Mills and Mike Schindler   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Abrams II, Part 4: Cloverfield.   Running Time: 1 hour 9 minutes 6 seconds   After successfully launching his directing career with Mission: Impossible III, J.J. Abrams' name had become a brand. The first movie to be heavily marketed as a "J.J. Abrams Production" was Matt Reeves' Cloverfield.   Cloverfield, is a giant monster film in the vein of Godzilla, but with a twist: The entire film is seem through the camcorder of our unexacting protagonists.   In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John take a look at the fourth picture in our series. We discuss the movie's marketing, the found-footage aesthetic, and what Abrams brought to the production. We also preview the upcoming sequel, 10 Cloverfield Lane.   Chapters The Marketing (00:02:15) Thoughts on the Movie (00:17:07) Abrams' Contribution (00:35:11) Wrap-up (00:58:17)   Hosts Mike Schindler and John Mills   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Abrams II, Part 3.   Running Time: 52 minutes 46 seconds   In 2001, the first Bad Robot production was released. Joy Ride tells the story of two brothers on a cross-country road trip who prank the wrong truck driver, with deadly results. The film stars Paul Walker, Steve Zahn and Leelee Sobieski. It was directed by John Dahl and co-written and co-produced by JJ Abrams himself.   I this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike look at Abrams' third production. We discuss the film's tried and true horror cliches, Abrams' range as a filmmaker, and why Joy Ride is important to Abrams' history. We also look at this year's Oscar-nominated Star Trek vets, and touch on the trailer for the next Abrams production, 10 Cloverfield Lane.    Chapters Oscars (00:55) Joy RIde (16:25) John Dahl (31:50) Wrap-up (44:42)   Hosts John Mills and Mike Schindler   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Abrams II, Part 2: The Suburbans.   Running Time: 54 minutes 21 seconds   In 1999, J.J. Abrams produced his second feature film, The Suburbans. The movie, directed by Donal Lardner Ward, looks at a one-hit wonder from the 80s which is attempting to stage a comeback in the 90s. The cast features Ward, Abrams favorite Tony Guma (who co-wrote the script with Ward), up-and-coming star Will Ferrell, and 90s icon Jennifer Love Hewitt.   In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John look at this lost film from Abrams' pre-Bad Robot career. We discuss the historical context of the film, Abrams' motivations for making it, and how slang has changed over the years.   Chapters The Suburbans (00:01:55) Abrams' Contribution (00:21:25) Wrap-up (00:45:45)   Hosts Mike Schindler and John Mills   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Abrams II, Part 1: The Pallbearer.   Running Time: 48 minutes 14 seconds   As the trailer proudly states, Star Trek Beyond is produced by J.J. Abrams. We all know that Abrams directed the last two Star Trek films, and we all know that he is not directing this one. So what does it mean when we see that Abrams is producing the new movie?    We try to answer that question in this new series on Commentary: Trek Stars, where we will be looking at each of the films which Abrams produced for other filmmakers. In Part 1 of this series, John and Mike cover The Pallbearer, a film starring David Schwimmer and Gwyneth Paltrow which was directed by Cloverfield director Matt Reeves, and co-written by Reeves and Friday Night Lights creator Jason Katims.   We discuss the heavy influence of The Graduate on this film, its place in the history of Miramax, and the contribution of cinematographer Robert Elswit.   Chapters The Pallbearer (00:06:35) Miramax (00:20:55) Wrap-up (00:37:27)   Hosts John Mills and Mike Schindler   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Doug Jung: Confidence.   Running Time: 46 minutes 9 seconds   Much has been made of Simon Pegg's contribution to the screenplay for Star Trek Beyond. So much so, that people tend to forget that Pegg has a partner on the project, co-writer Doug Jung.   In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John take a look at Jung's first movie, Confidence. We discuss the film's intricate structure, its similarity to other films from the time period, and what it tells us about Jung's contribution to Beyond. We also remember TOS writer George Clayton Johnson.   Chapters Doug Jung (00:01:39) Confidence (00:03:59) Ocean's Twelve (00:19:33) George Clayton Johnson (00:35:33)   Hosts Mike Schindler and John Mills   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Abrams, Part 5: Star Wars: Episode VII--The Force Awakens   Running Time: 1 hour 27 minutes 5 seconds   Many have criticized J.J. Abrams for turning Star Trek into Star Wars with his 2009 film.  But what happens when Abrams make a Star Wars movie for real?   In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike add a postscript to their series on J.J. Abrams with a look at his latest directorial effort, Star Wars: Episode VII--The Force Awakens. We discuss the movie on the whole, Abrams' direction in particular, and the work of other Trek veterans on the crew. We also give our thoughts on the first trailer for Star Trek Beyond.   Chapters The Force Awakens (00:01:12) Crying in Movies (00:19:57) Spoilers (00:48:29) Trek Collaborators (01:04:51) Wrap-up (01:17:31)   Hosts John Mills and Mike Schindler   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Pegg, Part 7: Recap.   Running Time: 1 hour 4 minutes 52 seconds   Over the course of the last decade, Simon Pegg has come to prove himself not only as a fine, but also as one of the best writers in the movie business.    This week on Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John take a look at each of the five films which Pegg has co-written, including Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Run Fatboy Run, Paul, and The World's End. We also discuss Bad Robot's restoration of Phantasm.   Chapters Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and Run Fatboy Run (00:01:10) Paul and The World's End (00:14:10) Conclusion (00:33:12) Wrap-up (00:48:24)   Hosts Mike Schindler and John Mills   Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)