Wherein Justice and Andy amuse themselves with an investigation into the comedic impulses and necessities of televised or filmed representations of the popular tabletop rpg Dungeons & Dragons. Which mediums demand more humor to be successful and why? How low can humor go before it turns off an adult audience? Why does humor seem to be more important when introducing new audiences to the setting and genre? We discuss the idea of how laughter and play are essential to childrens' games and remind ourselves that these media installments are another version of that.

Wherein Andy and Justice debride the tenth episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation season two. The initial introduction to the Iconian race, the episode captures some of the same ominous energy of season one's "Conspiracy." This one continues in the tradition of "A Matter of Honor" and "The Child" as episodes where the character development seems out of place. Why does Picard leave the ship in a time of peril? Why is diplomacy immediately thrown out of the airlock? Why can't Riker manage his temper on the bridge? Why does the consummate archaeologist Picard decide to destroy the Iconion remnants rather than find a way to preserve and study them? Because we're still in season two!

Wherein Justice and Andy pass judgement on "The Measure of a Man," the ninth episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation season two. In this episode, Data is on trial for his rights and existence, with Picard acting as his defense and Riker as (forced) prosecution. This episode is an analog for many of the differnet kinds of rights under threat today, such as civil rights, trans rights, and the rights of the differently abled. All can be read at least partially through Starfleet's pursecution of Data. Why does Riker feel the need to so flagrantly violate Data's person in his prosecution? Why is this an exclusively military matter rather than a civil one? Why does Picard act like a quitter so early? And why is Captain Louvois stupified by everything that happens in her courtroom?