In the classic episode A Private Little War, Captain Kirk took it upon himself to balance the power between two factions on a primitive world when it is discovered that the Klingons are backing one side. It was a story that demanded a follow-up, but one never came. Until now. In his new novel Serpents In the Garden, Jeff Mariotte puts now-Admiral Kirk back into battle on Neural when it is learned that the Klingons may once more be interfering in the planet’s affairs. Taking matters into his own hands yet again, Kirk embarks on a secret mission to expose the Klingons while trying to minimize the damage that he may have caused decades earlier.

In this episode of Literary Treks we’re joined by Dan Gunther of Trek Lit Reviews to discuss the book, the use of red shirts, an invincible Kirk, and more mugatos than you can shake a fire stick at. We also explore the nativity of intervention and how the story both succeeds and fails depending on how you approach it.

In our news segment we share initial thoughts on IDW’s graphic adaptation of Harlan Ellison’s original script for The City On the Edge of Forever, learn about Highscore Music’s upcoming German audio drama adaptation of Death In Winter, and take a peek at IDW’s September Star Trek comics lineup.

News

Thoughts on The City On the Edge of Forever, Part 1 (1:35)

Death in Winter Audio Dramatization (5:03)

IDW September Comics Lineup (8:40)

Feature: Serpents In the Garden.

Overview (15:33)

Anthology Nature (17:40)

The Supporting Characters (26:53)

The Invincible Kirk (34:51)

The Naivity of Intervention (40:40)

Consequences and Resolution (50:49)

Closing (1:01:16)