Star Trek: Lower Decks, S3E9 (2022) with writer/writer's assistant Ben Waller
Summary
Hosts Patrick O'Neal and Brian Lynch discuss Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 3, Episode 9, "Trusted Sources," with writer Ben M. Waller. They explore the episode's plot, which references a TNG anti-drug special and features a dramatic confrontation between Mariner and her mother. The conversation covers the remote writing process, the creation of Starbase 80, and the show's balance of comedy and intense drama. The hosts also share personal Star Trek anecdotes and discuss the show's impact on their viewing habits.
Topics discussed
Intro: Star Trek Lower Decks Week and Guest Ben M. Waller
Banter on Richard Kind and Star Trek movies
William Shatner anecdotes and Chris Pine meeting
Leonard Nimoy elevator story and Lower Decks praise
Where to watch Lower Decks and streaming options
How Ben Waller got involved with the show
Book clubs with Mike McMahon and Trek history
Writers room dynamics and pitching episodes
Naming the Texas-class ship and favorite storylines
Differences between in-person and Zoom writers rooms
Zoom writing hours and note-taking challenges
The middle initial mystery and meeting the other Ben Waller
IMDb search results and meeting the studio-side Ben
Design process and filtering feedback through Mike McMahan
Budget constraints and introducing new sets
Battle sequence spoilers and character dynamics
Character name Baneer and personal nickname connection
Writing for Ransom and Jerry O'Connell's performance
TOS references and Patrick's new Trek journey
Voice actors and Texas background details
Model kit release and CBS logo details
Remote voice recording process
Tendi's live-action appearances and Starbase 80
Trek experts in the room and Memory Alpha usage
Managing egos and collaborative problem solving
Intense mother-daughter conflict and draft revisions
Starbase 80 characters and the sandwich line
Junkie planet episode and bringing real life into writing
Ship naming origins and legacy in Star Trek
Breen technology and avoiding live-action interference
Minions comparison and harpoon battle scene
Balancing comedy and drama in the series pitch
Orchestra recording and season finale planning
Ship name origins and Texas geography
Enterprise callback and Ben Rogers voice
Costume design references and lessons learned
One-week draft deadline and creative pressure
Son Henry's reaction and closing the interview
Fan terminology: Deckies vs Deckers
Shatner's legacy and potential old man Kirk show
Star Trek universe preferences and Kelvin timeline
Hosts' playful disagreement on guest performance
Guest praise and excitement for Lower Decks Week
Theme week vs month and final episode plans
Time travel pitch and Happy Days reboot rumors
Brady Bunch movie and Peter Engel collaboration
Saved by the Bell reboot and Mario Lopez comments
Political banter and final sign-off
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