Episode review: Star Trek: Lower Decks

Episode 8 of “Lower Decks” takes us to dark worlds. This spoiler review shows how dark it is.

(k) The end is in sight

We’re quickly approaching the season finale… time to put the main story about the alien ship aside and add a filler episode. Or maybe something like that was considered, because as mentioned, this episode is about other things, while the big common thread remains untapped.

Of course this doesn’t have to be a bad thing, but what’s the point? Our four friends get stuck in a cave and tell each other stories full of innuendos once again. This is not new or innovative and the authors know that, which is why they simply include it here. So Mariner stresses that it’s a cliche, you definitely can’t contact the ship, or you’re under attack, etc. And this is exactly what happens.

Without that bit of self-mockery, the episode certainly wouldn’t have caught on as much as it did, and I have to openly admit that at this point. Aggressive moss is nice, but nothing more. Yes, there’s a surprise twist at the end that’s fun, but you shouldn’t also forget that this is all just a framework for the four stories our heroes tell each other.

Story time

First, there is the story of Boimler, who was also buried in a cave with Ensign Levi – a story full of allusions. At first, this scenario may not really work, and there are very few coincidences. But then the sellers actually show up and we become friends. For those who don’t know the breed, it comes from the “Animated Series”.

Not only that, they also initiate a moral test, similar to the Vians’ test in TOS (“The Vians’ Plan”). You also learn that there are still galactic forums and conspiracy theorists in the 24th century. The whole thing makes you smile and is actually good.

Another load

The second story is about Rutherford, who travels with Tana and becomes pregnant. We’ve encountered this a lot in Star Trek, but it works very well in this context as well. Above all, the way T’Ana and Rutherford care for the baby differently until they both become fond of it is very cute.

It is also successful that the monster is not actually a monster and is only protecting its young. Sure, it sounds a lot like Horta (“Horta Protects Her Children”, TOS 1×24), but it’s also compelling across the board, and also because it completely breathes the spirit of Star Trek.

Chrono flash

Mariner’s third story is a bit short, even if the idea itself has something going for it. Things like a severed leg are probably too much.

But it’s nice for the characters to express themselves here and come together. So you don’t always have to have a competitive mindset. And yes, you have to point out here: all caves look the same, but that’s also self-referential.

By the way, this is also important for the further development of our heroes later on, because even though they complain a little about no one revealing anything about their “ring,” they grow together quickly again.

Turbo lift

The weakest story in the collection is Tendi’s. We’ve already had a lot of stranded turbolifts in “Star Trek” (compare TNG 5×05: “Disaster on the Enterprise”).

Here you can see how our friends commented and how they are getting closer to each other. Nice little nod to Season 1, because this part could easily be classified here. As mentioned above, this also shows how much we have evolved together, leading to a reconciliatory ending.

At least, something like going to the toilet was mentioned here!