Strange New WORDS - "Human Best Friend" with Kathryn Lyn
Summary
Hosts John T. Boulds, Jesse Bailey, and Cameron Harrison welcome back writer Katherine Lin to discuss the *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* episode "Human Best Friend." Lin reveals she wrote the script while recovering from major surgery, influencing the episode’s chaotic, drug-fueled tone on a vacation planet. The conversation covers the Scotty-Ortega friendship dynamic, Dave Foley’s guest role, and behind-the-scenes details like Pike’s face tattoo and Chapel’s bingo scene.
Topics discussed
Introduction and welcome to Katherine Lin
Origin of the 'Hangover' style comedy episode
Writing the script during hospital recovery
False stakes and the missing shuttle plot
Developing the Scotty and Ortegas friendship
Music choices and the duct tape gag
Guest star Dave Foley and the alien character
Balancing comedy with heartfelt sentiment
Set decoration: knives, watermelon, and aliens
The karaoke scene and song selection process
Scotty's tattoo and Easter eggs
Chapel's bingo scene and the Vulcan caller
Trimmed storylines: Mbenga and Dindrew
Planet location and Pike's tattoos
Fan theories and character sobriety arcs
Pitching Spock's plant mind-meld gag
Filming the plant scene and Spock's makeup
Spock and Kirk bonding and the bomb reveal
Legacy of the episode and merchandise
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