The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 13: What Does God Need with a Starship? – Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is the latest entry into the Star Trek film vault series, as The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular investigates one of the most derided entries in the franchise. Glenn & Scott welcome special guest Erik Amundsen for an in-depth discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of Star Trek V, the character dynamics, William Shatner’s turn in the director’s chair, how the film also reflects Shatner’s interests as an artist, the film’s place in the development of the Star Trek franchise, the meaning of Uhura’s nude fan dance, Doctor McCoy’s stance on euthanasia, and whether The Final Frontier deserves the reputation it’s accrued. The three also consider two very important questions: what does God need with a starship, and why is Captain Kirk climbing a mountain?

We need our pain, but sometimes the words aren’t important, what’s important is that you have a good time singing.

Find Erik’s published fiction at Jabberwocky, Apex Magazine, Lackington’s, and twice at Clarkesworld.