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  • 9. To Attain The All

    9. To Attain The All
    Mar 1 2026
    Original air date: Friday, November 18, 1977

    The Enterprise escorts a Federation delegation to Meridian Colony, a world that appears to have solved conflict, crime, and political unrest. But beneath the surface of Meridian’s peaceful society lies a system of subtle neurological conditioning designed to suppress dissent and eliminate emotional instability.

    As Kirk weighs Federation ideals against practical stability, divisions form among the crew. Decker and Scotty view Meridian’s engineered order as a potential solution in a volatile galaxy, while McCoy and Xon question the moral cost of tampering with free will. Ilia senses a deeper fear driving Meridian’s leadership, and the Enterprise must decide whether perfection is worth the price.

    Greg Westlake examines one of the season’s most politically ambitious episodes, explores the growing Decker/Scotty alignment and the evolving McCoy/Xon dynamic, and discusses mounting fan criticism that the series feels more cautious than revolutionary. With only a handful of episodes left in the original thirteen-episode pickup, the stakes for Phase II are beginning to rise, both on screen and off.
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    11 Min.
  • 8. Are Unheard Melodies Sweet?

    8. Are Unheard Melodies Sweet?
    Feb 22 2026
    Star Trek - Phase II continues its exploration of sensory experience and self-control in an episode that deepens character relationships while raising questions about the show’s future.When a Federation listening post falls silent near a world emitting powerful harmonic fields, the Enterprise crew discovers a phenomenon capable of overwhelming consciousness itself. As Kirk balances caution and responsibility, the crew’s internal alliances become clearer, revealing how Phase II’s new dynamics are taking shape.O

    On The Phase II Rewatch, Greg Westlake discusses the solidifying Decker and Scotty partnership, the evolving McCoy and Xon relationship, and subtle character moments involving Sulu, Ilia, and Decker. The episode also examines growing industry rumors that the cast may be trimmed if the show continues beyond its initial thirteen-episode order, and the concern that Phase II is beginning to feel more comfortable than daring.

    Original air date: Friday, November 11, 1977
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    7 Min.
  • 7. Deadlock

    7. Deadlock
    Feb 15 2026
    With tensions rising aboard the Enterprise, Star Trek - Phase II delivers one of its most effective bottle episodes by turning uncertainty itself into the enemy.While escorting a diplomatic convoy, the Enterprise becomes trapped in a phenomenon that fractures command authority and undermines trust in data, procedure, and decision-making. As Kirk and Will Decker arrive at opposing conclusions, the crew divides along philosophical lines, forcing Kirk to act without the assurance of certainty.On The Phase II Rewatch, Greg Westlake breaks down a fan-favorite episode that helped restore confidence in the series, highlights the emerging Decker and Scotty alignment, and explores the unexpected McCoy and Xon partnership. The discussion also looks at Starlog’s “Life Without Spock?” article, growing industry pressure, and rumors that Phase II may soon face competition from a new space-based series in development.

    Original air date: Friday, November 4, 1977
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    7 Min.
  • 6. Practice In Waking

    6. Practice In Waking
    Feb 8 2026
    Star Trek - Phase II leans fully into cerebral science fiction with an episode that places perception, identity, and individual autonomy at the center of the story.When the Enterprise investigates a research outpost where scientists have fallen into a shared catatonic state, the crew uncovers a neurological experiment that blurs the boundary between individual consciousness and collective experience. As the phenomenon begins to affect the Enterprise itself, Kirk, McCoy, and Xon must confront a threat that cannot be fought with weapons or diplomacy.On The Phase II Rewatch, Greg Westlake examines one of the most introspective early Phase II episodes, discusses the growing concern that the series is leaning too heavily on bottle episodes, and explores how the McCoy and Xon dynamic begins to replace the familiar Spock-era rhythm. The episode also looks at early audience reactions and the sense that Phase II may be struggling to build momentum.

    Original air date: Friday, October 28, 1977
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    8 Min.
  • 5. Kitumba

    5. Kitumba
    Feb 1 2026
    Phase II turns outward with an episode that radically expands Klingon culture and challenges everything Starfleet thinks it knows about its longtime adversaries.

    Dispatched to a Klingon-controlled world governed by ritual and symbolic authority, Kirk and the Enterprise crew find themselves navigating internal political tensions rather than open hostility. As Xon and Ilia observe a society built on honor, perception, and tradition, Kirk and Decker are drawn into a conflict where diplomacy, not force, determines the outcome.

    On The Phase 2 Rewatch, Greg Westlake explores the most Klingon-focused story Star Trek had ever produced at the time, examining the redesigned Klingons, their shift away from Cold War metaphor, and what this episode signals about Phase II’s long-term ambitions. The episode also includes a real-world check-in on glowing Starlog coverage, cautious ratings reports, early rumors about the show’s future, and a fun easter egg for longtime fans paying close attention.

    Original air date: Friday, October 14, 1977
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    9 Min.
  • 4. Cassandra

    4. Cassandra
    Jan 25 2026
    A distress call brings the Enterprise face to face with Cassandra, a woman convinced she can see the future and determined to hold Starfleet accountable for a disaster she believes is inevitable.

    As Cassandra’s predictions begin to come true, Captain Kirk is forced to confront uncomfortable questions about responsibility, guilt, and whether belief in fate can become a danger in itself. Xon’s cautious analysis clashes with Cassandra’s certainty, while Decker represents the institutional voice of Starfleet as Kirk grapples with the personal weight of command.

    In this episode of The Phase 2 Rewatch, Greg Westlake breaks down a Kirk-centric story with strong T.O.S. roots, explores how Phase II balances mysticism with procedure, and highlights the growing use of bridge ensemble moments to keep familiar faces present even when they’re not driving the plot. The discussion also looks at how Phase II begins to settle into its rhythm as a weekly television series.

    Original air date: Friday, October 7, 1977
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    7 Min.
  • 3. The Child

    3. The Child
    Jan 18 2026
    Star Trek - Phase II delivers its first true character spotlight with a deeply uncomfortable and ambitious episode centered on Ilia.

    When a powerful non-corporeal entity uses Ilia as a conduit to experience physical existence, the Enterprise crew is forced to confront questions of consent, identity, and consequence. As Ilia undergoes a rapid and unexplained pregnancy, Kirk, McCoy, and Xon struggle to understand an intelligence that does not share human values, while Will Decker’s personal connection to Ilia complicates an already unprecedented situation.

    On The Phase 2 Rewatch, Greg Westlake examines one of the most controversial early Phase II stories, including the first real Kirk, Xon, and McCoy dynamic without Spock, Decker’s emergence as more than contingency planning, and the bold decision to spotlight new characters so early in the series. The episode also asks whether Phase II’s ambition sometimes outpaces its execution.

    Original air date: Friday, September 30, 1977
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    8 Min.
  • 2. Tomorrow and the Stars

    2. Tomorrow and the Stars
    Jan 10 2026
    A damaged transporter and a burst of temporal radiation send Captain Kirk back to Earth on the eve of the attack on Pearl Harbor, forcing him into a familiar Star Trek dilemma with uncomfortable new wrinkles.

    As Kirk struggles to survive in nineteen forty one Honolulu, he forms a relationship with Elsa Kelly, the wife of a United States Navy officer, while the Enterprise races to correct the transporter malfunction and retrieve their captain. With history bearing down and war imminent, Kirk must once again choose between personal happiness and the integrity of the timeline.

    On The Phase II Rewatch, Greg Westlake takes a hard look at an episode that invites direct comparison to City on the Edge of Forever, and not always to its benefit. The discussion covers why this story feels like a rerun so early in the series, how Kirk’s behavior here clashes with his TOS. history, and why this episode might have worked better later in the season.

    The episode also explores the newly redesigned Klingons, the evolving bridge layout, Decker’s growing role as Kirk’s right-hand man, and Ilia's quiet but important final scene.
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    9 Min.