314: A Vulcan Hello

Earl Grey: A Star Trek The Next Generation Podcast

"Balance of Terror" and "The Neutral Zone." The Romulans are one of the most important and recognizable species in Star Trek. They were introduced in the classic season 1 episode of The Original Series "Balance of Terror" on December 15, 1966. We learn in the episode that the Romulans have re-appeared on the galactic stage after more than a century of isolation that followed a war with Earth. On May 16, 1988, the Romulans made their first appearance on The Next Generation in the season 1 finale episode, "The Neutral Zone." We see an echo of "Balance of Terror" as we learn that the Romulans have once again isolated themselves (this time for 53 years) and have returned again to exert their influence on events in the galaxy. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson and Joe Keegan are joined by guest Tim Robertson, Associate Producer of Standard Orbit and host of the Observers Notebook podcast to discuss the introduction of the Romulans in The Original Series and The Next Generation. We talk about the striking similarities and differences between the season 1 episodes "Balance of Terror" and "The Neutral Zone." Chapters Intro (00:01:15) Listener Feedback (00:03:30) Episode Summaries (00:07:41) Submarine-like (00:19:11) Strategies of War (00:24:25) Warbirds (00:28:48) Stereotypes (00:36:42) Final Thoughts (00:47:41) Closing (00:53:37) Hosts Amy Nelson Joe Keegan Guest Tim Robertson Production Amy Nelson (Editor and Producer) Justin Oser (Producer) Joe Keegan (Producer) Tony Robinson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E Hueter (Associate Producer) Thomas Appel (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Chris Tribuzio (Associate Producer) Joe Keegan (Associate Producer) Jim McMahon (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art)