Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi

Star Trek III’s Valkris, actor of stage and screen, and star of the new film The Filmmaker
This week on Trek Tuesday, we’re joined by the magnetic Catherine Shirriff, best known to Star Trek fans as Valkris, the Klingon operative who risked everything to obtain the Genesis data in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. Catherine brings warmth, humor, and a treasure trove of behind‑the‑scenes stories from across her remarkable career.

In This Episode
⭐ Her New Film: The Filmmaker
Catherine dives into her latest project, The Filmmaker, a bold and intimate story told entirely from the main character’s point of view. She shares what drew her to the film’s unusual narrative style, how the production challenged her creatively, and why this project feels unlike anything she’s done before.

⭐ Becoming Valkris
Catherine reflects on her time in the Star Trek universe, including:

The makeup and prosthetic process that transformed her into the mysterious Klingon spy

What it was like working under the direction of Leonard Nimoy, both as a filmmaker and as a Star Trek icon

A few delightful words spoken in Klingon, proving she still remembers the language of the Empire

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Go behind the scenes of Outlander: Blood of My Blood Season Two with Showrunner and Executive Producer Matthew B. Roberts and Executive Producer Maril Davis as they discuss the creative decisions, character journeys, and historical storytelling that shape the latest chapter of the Outlander universe.

In this roundtable discussion, fellow journalists and I explore how Season Two balances its multiple storylines while remaining emotionally grounded in the relationships that have made the series resonate with fans. Roberts and Davis offer insight into the season's development, the importance of the writer's room in guiding long-form storytelling, and how the characters begin to take greater ownership of their destinies as the political and personal stakes continue to rise.

The conversation also examines the evolving role of women within the series, particularly through the friendship between Julia Moriston and Davina Porter, whose growing bond reflects the broader scope and agency afforded to female characters in the narrative.

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On this episode of Byte, we dive into the animated adventure Forgotten Island with voice stars H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Dave Franco, courtesy of Universal Pictures for the audio.

H.E.R., who voices Jo, Liza Soberano, who brings Raissa to life, and Dave Franco, the voice of Raww, discuss what drew them to the project and the unique challenges of creating memorable characters. The animated film is based on Filipino culture as a basis.

The conversation explores how the filmmakers balanced action-packed adventure with comedy and genuine emotional stakes. The cast reflects on the film's themes of friendship, courage, self-discovery, and belonging, highlighting how Forgotten Island delivers thrills and laughs while maintaining a heartfelt story at its center.

They also discuss the animation techniques and visual styles that make the film stand out. From the lush environments and dynamic action sequences to the expressive character designs, the cast explains how multiple artistic influences were blended to create a distinctive animated world that feels both imaginative and immersive.

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In this special on-location edition of Byte, we head deep into the Amazon rainforest to speak with stars Jessica Rothe and Kiana Madeira, along with director Mike Nelson, from the set of the upcoming horror film Beware the Boiuna with audio courtesy of Lionsgate. 

The cast reflects on what drew them to this ambitious project, discussing the film's unique blend of folklore, suspense, and psychological terror.

Director Mike Nelson dives into the mythology behind the Boiuna, exploring how the creature's origins in Amazon folklore helped shape the film's atmosphere and themes. 

The conversation makes a compelling case for experiencing Beware the Boiuna on the biggest screen possible. From its immersive landscapes to its escalating sense of dread, the filmmakers explain how the theatrical experience amplifies the film's scale, tension, and haunting visuals.

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“Voices Across the Timeline: Conversations from Seasons 1–4”
In this special edition of Rewind: On For All Mankind, we’re celebrating the journey of Apple TV+’s alternate‑history epic by bringing together interview moments from across the show’s first four seasons. 

Whether you’re revisiting the early days of the space race or reflecting on the seismic shifts of the Helios era, this episode offers a rare look at how the world of For All Mankind evolved—on screen and behind the scenes.

🚀 Featured Guests
🎙 Shantel VanSanten (Karen Baldwin)
🎙 Ronald D. Moore (Co‑Creator)
🎙 Maril Davis (Executive Producer)
🎙 Wren Schmidt (Margo Madison)
🎙 Jodi Balfour (Ellen Wilson)
🎙 Edi Gathegi (Dev Ayesa)
🎙 Joel Kinnaman (Ed Baldwin)
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