The Pensky Podcast

Endgame

Well, folks, we've finally made it. Welcome to the grand, or maybe not-so-grand, finale of The Pensky Podcast. After a decade of dissecting every nook and cranny of Star Trek, we've reached the bittersweet end. In this final episode, we tackle the Star Trek: Voyager series finale, "Endgame," with all the enthusiasm of a Borg drone regenerating in its alcove.

"Endgame" is the episode where Voyager's journey supposedly culminates in an epic conclusion. Or does it? We’ll be discussing the many failings of this two-part finale as a television series ender, while also acknowledging that, paradoxically, it’s almost the perfect ending for Voyager. Confused? You’re in good company.

We'll dive into the sci-fi time travel distractions that make "Endgame" both intriguing and infuriating. Captain Janeway's decisions, the temporal twists, and the show's attempt to wrap up seven years of adventures – we’ll cover it all. Plus, we’ll take a hard look at the character arcs, or rather, the lack thereof. After multiple seasons, have these characters really grown, or are they stuck in an infinite temporal loop of their own?

As we wrap up this marathon of mediocrity, we'll discuss the overall impact of Voyager as a series. Did it boldly go where no one had gone before, or did it get lost in its own narrative wormhole? We’ll also ponder the legacy of Star Trek as a franchise and how Voyager fits into the grand scheme of things.

So, whether you've been a die-hard Trekkie for the past ten years or you're just here for the schadenfreude, this episode is for you. Join us as we bid farewell to Voyager and The Pensky Podcast. It’s been a long, strange trip, and we’re finally at the end. Engage, if you must.

And for those who can't get enough of Wes and Clay, fear not! You can continue to enjoy Pensky File content on our YouTube channel or by subscribing to our other podcasts via your favorite podcast app. The journey may be ending here, but the adventure continues elsewhere.

The End

In this episode of the podcast, Wes explains why the Star Trek is coming to an end and what this means for the channel, Patreon, and other shows!

RHPS: The Amityville Horror

The Last Generation

In a desperate last stand, Jean-Luc Picard and generations of crews both old and new fight together to save the galaxy from the greatest threat they've ever faced as the saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation comes to a thrilling, epic conclusion. 

In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Last Generation" and the *final* appearance of the TNG crew. Plus! The guys chat about the Changeling-Borg Alliance, epic space battles, and the raison d'etre of Star Trek: Picard.

RHPS: Green Room

PIC: Vox

A devastating revelation about Jack alters the course of Picard’s life forever – and uncovers a truth that threatens every soul in the Federation. The final battle begins as Picard and his crew race to save the galaxy from annihilation – but not without a gut-wrenching cost.

In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Võx" and the reveal of what's behind the red door. Plus! The guys chat about the difference between a story and things happening, finding out what's behind Door 12, and the carpet being more important than the theme.

Surrender

Vadic forces Picard to make an impossible choice – deliver what he can never give... or watch his crew perish. Their only salvation lies in the mind of an old friend and old foe.

In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Surrender" and the abilities of the Vadic-Changelings. Plus! The guys chat about the moral fortitude of Liam Shaw, realizing you can't reveal plot points in the middle of a scene, and what to expect on Frontier Day.

RHPS: Slither

Greetings, horror enthusiasts and fellow earth-dwellers! It’s time for another squirm-inducing episode of The Rotten Horror Picture Show! Today, Clay and Amanda are slithering into the gooey, grotesque world of James Gunn's 2006 horror comedy classic, Slither. Now, before we dive into this slimy spectacle, let me share a bit about myself—I'm an earthworm, and the mere thought of being hooked and used as fish bait makes my segments shiver!

While Clay and Amanda unearth the delightful horrors of Slither, I can't help but feel a kinship with the film's parasitic aliens. Just like those creepy crawlies, I'm constantly dodging danger, trying to avoid ending up on a fishing hook. The threat of being captured is a fear that looms over me daily, and James Gunn's film hits uncomfortably close to home.

Slither is a deliciously grotesque blend of body horror and dark humor, featuring a small town overrun by sinister slugs that turn people into grotesque monsters. As Clay and Amanda dissect the film's slimy charm and comedic twists, I find myself squirming with both fascination and dread.

For an earthworm like me, the horror in Slither isn't just about the creepy critters; it's the existential dread of being hunted, of having my wiggly body used for something so mundane as fish bait. As Clay and Amanda delve into the film's brilliant blend of scares and laughs, I'll be burrowing deeper into the safety of my earthy home, hoping to avoid the fate that befalls so many of my kind.

So, dear listeners, as you prepare to join The Rotten Horror Picture Show's coverage of Slither, spare a thought for this humble earthworm, squirming with anxiety at the thought of being hooked. And Clay, Amanda, if you're out there, maybe you could throw a little dirt my way for extra protection. With that said, let the slimy horror unfold, and may we all slither out unscathed!

And don’t forget to check out Clay’s new comic book, Hard Style Juice, over at HardStyleJuice.com! 

Dominion

Crippled, cornered, and out of options, Picard stages a gambit to trap Vadic and reveal her true motive – a gamble that puts the Titan in the crosshairs and forces Picard and Beverly to question every moral code they've ever held.

In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Dominion" and the anxiety of waiting for Frontier Day. Plus! The guys chat about torturing puddles of goo, the location of Worf and Raffi, and episode seven blues.

The Bounty

Now on the run, Picard and the skeleton crew of the USS Titan must break into Starfleet's most top-secret facility to expose a plot that could destroy the Federation. Picard must turn to the only soul in the galaxy who can help – an old friend.

In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Bounty" and replacing lost ships. Plus! The guys chat about the definition of pacifism, fleshbot bodies, and Hallmark families.