Spock’s Brain.

On September 20, 1968, after successfully rescuing Star Trek from cancellation, fans were greeted with the premiere of a third season. When you’ve been given a second chance, you want to put your best foot forward. So rather than going with the first new episode filmed, the producers reached deeper into the bag to pull out the season premiere. And the story they chose was “Spock’s Brain.” In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Drew Stewart, Charlynn Schmiedt, and Jennie Zell to explore this legendary episode to find out why—rather than being the worst episode of Star Trek as is so often claimed—it is truly a brilliant work of art.

In our news segment we look at the Smithsonian Channel’s Real Story of Star Trek, an expanded soundtrack release for Insurrection from GNP Crescendo, some unique Into Darkness promotions from Japan—including a track featuring Kyary Pamyu Pamyu—and news about the next Star Trek film. Plus, we hit the club to try out the latest dance craze—the Riker Maneuver.