TrekRanks

Top 5 Cold Opens

Episode 94: with Jim Moorhouse, Jenn Tifft & Josh Zeller
It’s another deep cut special on TrekRanks as we take on the Top 5 Cold Opens across the history of Star Trek. A “cold open” is industry slang for the opening teaser in television storytelling that can do any number of things, but ultimately is designed to peak the viewer’s interest and keep them watching. In Trek, cold opens come in every shape and size and ton, and we break it all down with our expert panel of host Jim Moorhouse and guests Jenn Tifft and Josh Zeller. Hopefully you’ll listen all the way to the end on this one! 

Top 5 Scenes on Earth

Episode 93: with Jim Moorhouse, Jen Howse, Dana Kenedy, Daniel Martin & Lyrian McGregor
Star Trek is predominantly boldly going where no one has gone before, but there are also a bunch of episodes and scenes that take place right here on Sector 001. So, for this special episode of TrekRanks, we have guests from five different countries across the globe (Australia, Canada, England, the Korea Republic and the USA) joining us to break down our Top 5 Scenes on Earth. Our panel covers a ton of territory on terra prime in this classic “Scenes in Trek” episode of TrekRanks! 

Top 5 Buzzer Beaters

Episode 92: with Jim Moorhouse, Alex Perry & Abby Sommer
“10 seconds to structural failure. 9, 8 ...” We need you to listen to this week’s latest unique TrekRanks topic (the Top 5 Buzzer Beaters) to help us avoid structural TrekRanks failure! “7, 6, 5 …” From computer countdowns to near-miss anomalies to last-second heroics, there are no shortage of Buzzer Beaters throughout the history of Star Trek and we break it all down. “4, 3 …” Our expert panel take us through all the best close calls to make sure our structural integrity stays intact. “2, 1 …” Engage! 

Top 5 Twilight Zone Episodes of Trek

Episode 91: with Jim Moorhouse, Grace Moore & Ryan Riddle
You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is an episode of TrekRanks dissecting the Top 5 Twilight Zone Episodes of Trek. This is a jam-packed show filled with scores of references and call-outs that connect two of the great franchises in science fiction history. (Honestly, you won’t believe how interwoven these shows are!) That’s the signpost up ahead! Your next stop, TrekRanks!  

Top 5 First Contact Moments

Episode 90: with Jim Moorhouse, Adam Sanders & Melanie
First contact. The first official encounter between representatives of two planets. It’s one of the Federation’s primary missions and we highlight it in our Top 5 First Contact Moments. There are lots of surprises this week, including a shout-out to the latest Trek series Lower Decks, whose primary mission just happens to be—second contact. First contact gems abound from TOS to Discovery. This is a can’t miss episode!  

Top 5 Movie Villains

Episode 89: with Jim Moorhouse, Carlos Miranda & Lee Hutchison
A classic TrekRanks topic to be sure. For the first time, we tackle a topic that only includes the 13 Star Trek films. Villains are a quintessential part of Star Trek and we dive deep into the films to analyze what makes a good one. And some of what we uncover in our Top 5 Movie Villains might just surprise you! Our expert panel make this a spirited episode of TrekRanks, and, as always, a fun one! This is an episode of TrekRanks that is definitely best served cold! 

Abstract H

Episode 88: with Jim Moorhouse, Kerry Purvis & John Krikorian
We get “abstract” for the second time on TrekRanks this week as we explore Abstract H. It’s definitely a unique and odd topic, and that is literally it. Just the letter “H.” Whatever that means to you in the world of Star Trek. A place, a character, a concept. It’s up to you. It’s Abstract H. Our expert panel get deep into the alphabet and break it all down in this fun, original topic! 

Top 5 Enterprise Guilty Pleasure Episodes

Episode 87: with Jim Moorhouse, Heather Kirby & Stephen Pastran
Our “guilty pleasure” series picks up again this week with our Top 5 Enterprise Guilty Pleasure Episodes. Obviously we never truly feel guilty watching any episode of Trek, since we love them all, but there are those episodes that may not exactly be Top 10 quality or for some reason have a reputation with the masses, but for whatever reason – we still love them. And that is a guilty pleasure! We get into the heart of the deep cuts of Enterprise in this fun episode! 

Top 5 Moments in Song

Episode 86: with Jim Moorhouse, Jenn Tifft & Justin Oser
Our “guilty pleasure” series picks up again this week with our Top 5 Enterprise Guilty Pleasure Episodes. Obviously we never truly feel guilty watching any episode of Trek, since we love them all, but there are those episodes that may not exactly be Top 10 quality or for some reason have a reputation with the masses, but for whatever reason – we still love them. And that is a guilty pleasure! We get into the heart of the deep cuts of Enterprise in this fun episode! 

Top 5 Cliffhangers

Episode 85: with Jim Moorhouse, Brooke Horton & Dominic Burgess
This week's special episode of TrekRanks not only features a classic Star Trek topic, but also a classic Star Trek guest. We tackle the Top 5 Cliffhangers on Episode 85 of TrekRanks and are joined by Brooke Horton and Dominic Burgess, the actor and Star Trek fanatic who played Mr. Vup on Star Trek: Picard. From big action moments to quiet character reveals, Trek cliffhangers come in all shapes and sizes, and our expert panel covers it all across 50-plus years. 

Top 5 Odo Episodes

Episode 84: with Jim Moorhouse, Hayley Stoddard & Dan Davidson
We celebrate the work of René Auberjonois on this week’s TrekRanks with the Top 5 Odo Episodes. As a renowned character actor for six decades, his reputation had been built long before he stepped into the weighty shoes of Deep Space Nine’s beloved constable. His passing in 2019 was an immeasurable loss for Trek, and on what would have been his 80th birthday (June 1, 2020) we dig deep into our favorite moments and episodes of everyone’s favorite changeling. 

Top 5 Scenes in Sickbay

Episode 83: with Jim Moorhouse, Katharine Robinson & Sam Nelson
Please state the nature of the medical emergency. The heart and soul of many a Star Trek episode through the years has taken place in sickbay, and on this week’s episode of TrekRanks we return to our Scenes in Trek series with our Top 5 Scenes in Sickbay. Whether it’s an old school sickbay or the DS9 infirmary or a triage situation somewhere, everything is in place for our panel! 

Top 5 Run of Five Episodes

Episode 82: with Jim Moorhouse, Bill Mann & Matt Hansen
We tackle more episodes than ever before on this week’s TrekRanks. It’s the Top 5 Run of Five Episodes, which means we are highlighting the best runs of five consecutive episodes in Trek history. Our guests each make 25 picks, so we break down 75 total episodes on this jam-packed show! Broadcast order, production order, in-universe chronological order – there are many ways to tackle this topic. This one is about all the big episodes and deep cuts, too! 

Top 5 "Sheltered in Place" Episodes

Episode 81: with Jim Moorhouse, Charlynn Schmiedt & Kerry Purvis
It’s the spring of 2020 and there is an unprecedented “stay at home” mandate not only in the United States, but all over Sector 001. To help add perspective to this unique time in our modern history, TrekRanks is looking at Star Trek’s Top 5 “Sheltered in Place” Episodes. There are a lot of “in universe” reasons for characters to be holed up together or individually – everything from weather to war to malfeasance. We have every corner of sequestered Trek covered this week! 

Top 5 Picard Season 1 Moments

Episode 80: with Jim Moorhouse, Alex Perry, Brooke Horton & Daniel Martin
Captain Picard returned in glorious and unexpected ways for the first season of Star Trek: Picard, the seventh live-action series in Star Trek history. We break it all down on Episode 80 of TrekRanks with our Top 5 Picard Season 1 Moments! Host Jim Moorhouse is joined by an expert panel featuring Alex Perry, Brooke Horton and Daniel Martin. From the woods of Viveen to deep inside the Artifact, we cover the journey of La Sirena and Picard’s new ragtag crew! 

Top 5 Comfort Food Episodes (Redux)

Episode 79: with Jim Moorhouse, Dana Kenedy & Matt Finbow
It’s a milestone episode for TrekRanks as we reach Episode 79 (the same number of TOS episodes). To celebrate we are tackling our first-ever do-over topic, going way back to Episode 1 of TrekRanks with our Top 5 Comfort Food Episodes (Redux). A “comfort food” episode speaks to you personally and can literally be anything to anyone! Host Jim Moorhouse and husband-and-wife team Matt Finbow and Dana Kenedy cover all the basis in this cozy, warm blanket of an episode! 

Top 5  Episodes Where the Ship Is a Character

Episode 78: with Jim Moorhouse, Patrick Escudero & Melanie
The ship is always there. Sometimes in the background and sometimes in the foreground. On this week’s TrekRanks we break down our Top 5 Episodes Where the Ship Is a Character (and by “ship,” of course, we mean anything: a hero ship, a one-off ship, a space station, a shuttle – whatever fits your Prime Directive). Host Jim Moorhouse and guests Patrick Escudero and Melanie go in a bunch of directions to narrow down their lists and dive into Trek lore. This topic is a fun one! 

Top 5 WTF Moments (with Bonus Top 3 Icheb Moments)

Episode 77: with Jim Moorhouse, Duncan Barrett & Clara Cook (and Alex Perry & Jenn Tifft)

What the F*%#?!? There has surely been plenty of times you’ve said that while watching Star Trek, and this week we break down the Top 5 WTF Moments in Trek history. Bizarro moments, shock twists, mind-blowing reveals – WTF Moments come in all shapes and sizes, and our panel gets into all the nitty gritty with their picks. The episode also features our first-ever TrekRanks Slipstream Round to cover a recent WTF Moment in Trek that we couldn’t miss out on! WTF? It’s all here! 

Top 5 Comedic Characters

Episode 76: with Jim Moorhouse, Thad Hait & Ron Worbel
Star Trek is funny. Don’t let anyone tell you any different, and it is filled with hilarious characters. This week on TrekRanks we put the spotlight on those characters that keep us laughing with our Top 5 Comedic Characters. From series regular to recurring to characters to one-off standouts, there is an entire universe of characters for our guests Thad Hait and Ron Worbel to choose from. Cue the laugh track! 

Top 5 Short Treks Moments

Episode 75: with Jim Moorhouse, Jenn Tifft & Josh Duffy
It’s a TrekRanks first as we dive into our Top 5 Short Treks Moments, the new platform for Trek to showcase one-off stories in all shapes and sizes. There have been 10 Shorts Treks through January 2020, and we cover them all with our expert panel of Jenn Tifft and Josh Duffy, along with host Jim Moorhouse. From Runaway to Children of Mars, it’s a deep dive episode of TrekRanks. 

Top 5 Picard Episodes

Episode 74: with Jim Moorhouse, Claire Little & Carlos Miranda
Our third and final episode of TrekRanks previewing the Star Trek: Picard series is as big a topic as we’ve ever tackled. This week it is our Top 5 Picard Episodes. He’s arguably the greatest character in Trek history, guided by an unrivaled moral compass and leadership qualities. Our panel covers the major events and quiet moments in equal measure, unleashing quite a few surprises along the way. This is essential TrekRanks. 

Top 5 Crossover Moments

Episode 73: with Jim Moorhouse, Jamie McGregor & Brooke Horton
In the second of three episodes of TrekRanks previewing the Star Trek: Picard series, we look at the Top 5 Crossover Moments in Trek history. It's all those great tangible moments when characters and actors from one series appear in an episode of another series. With Voyager’s Seven of Nine set to appear alongside Jean-Luc Picard, our panel goes deep into Trek lore to discuss some of the biggest crossovers ever seen in Trek. 

Top 5 Borg Episodes

Episode 72: with Jim Moorhouse, Jen Howse & Rob Chapman
Resistance is definitely not futile this week as we tackle our Top 5 Borg Episodes in the first of three shows previewing Star Trek: Picard, the seventh live action Trek series debuting in January 2020. The distinctiveness of our panels picks will be added to the collective of your hive mind as we breakdown the heavy hitters and the niche picks, making sure to leave no drone unturned. 

Top 5 Meta Trek References

Episode 71: with Jim Moorhouse, Bill Mann & Ross Webster
It's another deep-cut topic on TrekRanks as we dive into our Top 5 Meta Trek References. It's all about those little hidden moments inside of Trek where the writers, producers and actors wink at the audience and themselves, as they basically reference Star Trek the show – inside Star Trek the show. Two great TrekRanks veterans, Bill Mann and Ross Webster, join host Jim Moorhouse to dig deep into Trek’s 700-plus hours to create their unexpected lists.
 

Top 5 Scenes in a Cave

Episode 70: with Jim Moorhouse, Alex Perry & Debbie Moltisanti
There are so many Star Trek scenes in a cave! And we break down more than a few of them on this week’s TrekRanks with our Top 5 Scenes in a Cave! It’s the return of our Scenes in Trek series, and our expert panel of Jim Moorhouse, Alex Perry and Debbie Moltisanti is more than up to the task of spelunking into one of the all-time great Trek tropes. Planet Hell knows no bounds and no cave is too deep for us to highlight! This is a fun one! 

Top 5 Nog Episodes

Episode 69: with Jim Moorhouse, Carl Wonders & Jonathan
This week we celebrate the Top 5 Nog Episodes and everything Aron Eisenberg gave to us in his amazing portrayal of Starfleet’s favorite Ferengi. Nog was there from the beginning to the end of DS9, playing a critical role in grounding the series storytelling in family, love and loss. And as much as that was on the page, it was Eisenberg’s incredible skills that gave Nog life. We break down everything Nog with guests Carl Wonders and Jonfucius Online. If you love Trek, you'll love this celebration of Aron Eisenberg. 

Abstract Threes

Episode 68: with Jim Moorhouse, Brooke Horton & Geoff Owen
It’s probably our most unique TrekRanks topic yet. Three. That’s it (or Abstract Threes, to be more exact). Three of a kind. Three of something on screen. Three of something off screen. Three anything. Three whatever. Three. Abstract Threes. Our expert panel of host Jim Moorhouse and guests Brooke Horton and Geoff Owen, take three to heart and goes deep with their abstract picks on this fun, original topic. 

Top 5 Sneaky Good Episodes

Episode 67: with Jim Moorhouse, Jenn Tifft & Ron Worbel
Sometimes you just don't realize how good an episode is. And that's what this topic of Top 5 Sneaky Good Episodes is all about. These aren't necessarily underrated or guilty pleasures, they're those episodes that over time, after maybe not thinking much about them, that you suddenly realized are actually really, really good. They’re "Sneaky Good!" Of course, everyone has a different way to define Sneaky Good, so our picks from guests Jenn Tifft and Ron Worbel cover every angle of Trek. 

Top 5 T'Pol Episodes

Episode 66: with Jim Moorhouse, Dana Kenedy & Melanie
Scientist, ambassador and loyal compatriot of the NX-01 Enterprise crew. Once you sit down & analyze everything Sub-commander T’Pol achieved on Enterprise, you realize she is one of the most accomplished characters in Star Trek history. This week we jump into our Top 5 T’Pol Episodes, with host Jim Moorhouse and guests Dana Kenedy and Melanie, to highlight the moments throughout Star Trek: Enterprise that helped define her fight against right and wrong. 

Top 5 Villains Who Weren't Really Villains

Episode 65: with Jim Moorhouse, Adam Hunault & Josh Zeller
It’s a quintessential plank in the Star Trek platform: Villains Who Weren’t Really Villains. This week’s TrekRanks could not be any more Star Trek, as our expert panel of Adam Hunault and Josh Zeller join host Jim Moorhouse to get deep into Star Trek lore. It’s a fun and pointed episode of TrekRanks as more than a few of our “Not Really Villains” picks challenge the status quo and spark the kind of debate rarely seen on TrekRanks. Don’t miss this one. 

Top 5 DS9 Underrated

Episode 64: with Jim Moorhouse, Carlos Miranda & Lee Hutchison
Our “Underrated Series” continues with our Top 5 DS9 Underrated by celebrating the unheralded elements of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. This great series is anything but underrated, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t segments of it that haven’t received their due. We break it in five distinct categories: production design, performer, Dabo round, character and episode! Our panel gets into the nitty-gritty of some of the shows most underrated moments. 

Top 5 Costumes

Episode 63: Live from STLV

This week’s episode is our second annual live STLV show. And the topic is perfect as we breakdown our Top 5 Costumes. There is an array of dresses, outfits and EV suits from which to choose, but our panel cuts through the fabric of space-time with a canvas of broad overarching selections and deep cut picks. It’s an epic episode of TrekRanks featuring the most ranks ever! Featuring Jim Moorhouse, Claire Little, Ken Reilly, Adam Drosin, Jordan Hoffman & Alexander Perry.​
 

Top 5 Trek Pets

Episode 62: with Jim Moorhouse, Claire Little & Sue Kisenwether

Our furry family takes center stage as TrekRanks highlights our Top 5 Trek Pets. Well, to be fair, this week’s selections are not all furry, but they are all beloved animal friends. Our highlight of favorite Trek pets coincides with Clear The Shelters Day as we encourage everyone to add a new family member to your household, and to adopt, not shop. Sue Kisenwether of Women at Warp & Claire Little join us to celebrate Trek Pets with a variety of four-legged friends!​
 

Top 5 Hangout Spots

Episode 61: with Jim Moorhouse & Adam Drosin

Where do you want to hang out in the Star Trek universe? There are so many options, it’s hard to choose! We’ll help you narrow it down on this week’s TrekRanks as we get into the nitty-gritty of Trek’s Top 5 Hangout Spots! From the social to the non-social locations, and from the quiet hole-in-the-wall restaurants to bustling bars and rec rooms, we have it all covered! You won’t need reservations, just hit play and enjoy.​
 

Top 5 Scenes on Location

Episode 60: with Jim Moorhouse, John Tenuto & Alex Perry

Our Scenes in Trek continues with our Top 5 Scenes on Location. Host Jim Moorhouse and frequent guest Alexander Perry are joined by legendary Star Trek historian John Tenuto for a topic that is tailor made for his expertise. The choices range from the epic to the subtle and the grandiose to the pragmatic. Both deep cut and iconic picks abound as we highlight some of the best location shoots in Star Trek history.​
 

Top 5 Series Doctors

Episode 59: with Jim Moorhouse, Jen Howse & Chris Burris

I’m a doctor, not a mathematician! Well, this week you're a mathematician, because TrekRanks is ranking our Top 5 Series Doctors! This medical emergency will see us highlight our favorites among the six series regular doctors: Leonard McCoy, Beverly Crusher, Julian Bashir, The Doctor, Phlox & Hugh Culber. With this being a finite topic, we’ll go through each of our doctors and name an episode or moment that we love about that character. Once the dermal regenerator kicks in, we’ll rank our selections in The Order of Things!​
 

Top 5 Road Trips

Episode 58: with Jim Moorhouse, Debbie Moltisanti & Jamie McGregor

This week we are packing up our runabout and powering up the impulse engines to discuss our Top 5 Road Trips in Star Trek. So whether you are departing Sector 001 in a shuttlecraft or hiking through the Vulcan Forge with a friend, there are an infinite number of ways to approach this fun topic. Host Jim Moorhouse and guests Debbie Moltisanti and Jamie McGregor discover more than a few short cuts on their trip deep into the Trek archive.​
 

Top 5 Underappreciated Characters

Episode 57: with Jim Moorhouse, Heather Barker & Rick Everson

We’ve done “underrated” topics on TrekRanks, but “underappreciated” is something very different. The conversation goes deep this week as we dive into our Top 5 Underappreciated Characters, where a number of interesting trends are uncovered with our picks. Host Jim Moorhouse is joined by Heather Barker and Rick Everson to tackle this fascinating topic, which has each of our panelists going in different directions with their selections.​
 

Top 5 Shapes

Episode 56: with Jim Moorhouse, Ross Webster & Jenn Tifft

It’s peak TrekRanks this week as we dive into one of those odd-ball topics that you won’t hear anywhere else. This week we are breaking down our Top 5 Shapes. It’s that simple. What Star Trek shapes have always resonated with you? Basically everything is eligible for selection this week, so get ready for a unique TrekRanks conversation as host Jim Moorhouse is joined by SnapTrek Podcast duo Jenn Tiff and Ross Webster to take on this fun topic.​
 

Top 5 Discovery Season 2 Moments

Episode 55: with Jim Moorhouse, Heather Kirby & Alex Perry

Pretty safe to say Star Trek: Discovery's second season most definitely went where no Trek had gone before. And on this week’s TrekRanks Podcast we break down our Top 5 Discovery Season 2 Moments in five distinct categories: production design, performer, wildcard Dabo round, character and episode! TrekRanks regulars Alex Perry and Heather Kirby join host Jim Moorhouse to dissect the amazing developments in a unique season of Trek that broke new ground and dove deep into established Trek lore.​
 

5 Episode Marathon for a Rainy Day

Episode 54: with Jim Moorhouse, Foz Rotten & Brittany Feury

It’s time to get your Star Trek and chill on with TrekRanks as we breakdown our 5 Episode Marathon for a Rainy Day. It’s that simple. Host Jim Moorhouse is relaxing and kicking back with guests Foz Rotten and Brittany Feury to contrast and compare our Trek marathons. If you’re a Star Trek fan, then you definitely know how to marathon some episodes! So get your snacks ready and get ready for some deep cuts as we get into this week’s show!​
 

Top 5 Neelix Episodes

Episode 53: with Jim Moorhouse & Brandon-Shea Mutala

It’s time to get your Star Trek and chill on with TrekRanks as we breakdown our 5 Episode Marathon for a Rainy Day. It’s that simple. Host Jim Moorhouse is relaxing and kicking back with guests Foz Rotten and Brittany Feury to contrast and compare our Trek marathons. If you’re a Star Trek fan, then you definitely know how to marathon some episodes! So get your snacks ready and get ready for some deep cuts as we get into this week’s show!​
 

Top 5 Scenes in a Brig

Episode 52: with Jim Moorhouse, Scott Matteson & Rick Tetrault

You have been confined to your quarters for the duration of this podcast to listen to our Top 5 Scenes in a Brig, the latest in our “Scenes in Trek” series. Brigs on Star Trek are oft-seen and oft-heard, and we get deep into the lore of Trek’s most famous holding cells with host Jim Moorhouse and guests Scott Matteson and Rick Tetrault. No location is too deep for us to explore in our “Scenes in Trek” series.​
 

Top 5 'ships, Part 2

Episode 51: with Jim Moorhouse, Charlynn Schmiedt & Bill Mann

The 50-episode celebration of TrekRanks continues with our Top 5 ‘ships (no, not spaceships; you can find that in the previous episode). This is Episode 51 and we are highlighting our favorite “will they or won’t they” relationships! Long-term couples, one-time couples or never-wear couples are all eligible as we break it down with veteran TrekRanks guests Charlynn Schmiedt and Bill Mann, who join host Jim Moorhouse to play matchmaker.​
 

Top 5 Ships, Part 1

Episode 50: with Jim Moorhouse, Charlynn Schmiedt & Bill Mann

To celebrate our 50th episode we tackle two popular topics in a special two-part episode of TrekRanks! Part 1 is our Top 5 Ships and Part 2 is our Top 5 ‘ships! Yep. It’s your favorite space-faring vessels and your favorite “will they or won’t they” relationships! It’s a lot to cover, which is why we’ve broken it into two different episodes and brought in the talented Charlynn Schmiedt and Bill Mann to join host Jim Moorhouse in an epic analysis.​