Ah, Star Trek Lower Decks, the program that somehow reignited my dormant fan candle when I felt the franchise had run out of stories to tell.
It did the impossible of reinvigorating my love of Trek, when the flame had gone out long ago. Not many things in media are capable of doing that for me.
Was hesitant at first upon hearing it, but after seeing nearly all of "Temporal Edict", it spurred my Trek interest, until after a couple more episodes, I was hooked. And looking back, GLAD I was.
Star Trek: Lower Decks was a breath of fresh air for the Trek-verse. With new characters, callbacks to various trek lore, and even guest cameos from previous series characters. And I wish to commemorate it by stating my top favorite episodes.
First up the honorary mentions:
“Kayshon, His Eyes Open” 2x02
"We'll Always Have Tom Paris" 2x03
"The Spy Humongous" 2x06
"I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee" 4x02
"Something Borrowed, Something Green" 4x04
"Parth Ferengi's Heart Place" 4x06
"A Few Badgeys More" 4x07
"Dos Cerritos" 5x01
"A Farewell To Farms" 5x04
And now the selections:
15) In The Cradle of Vexilon (Season 4 Episode 3) - Boimler with his first time as an away mission commander. Mariner, Rutherford and Tendi adjusting to life as lieutenant JG's, And each have their own crises, with the ring world's computer accidentally set to a default setting and with a thought to be"hazing" and actually a important diagnostic run, the trio rush to fix the problem plus stop a revenge scheme. A fun entertaining romp in both plots. (BTW we see the Black Mountain of the afterlife and the cosmic koala makes a cameo)
14) Of Gods And Angles (Season 5 Episode 6) - This episode makes the list for mostly the funny and the debut of one of my fav new characters of the Cerritos crew, Ensign Olly. The whole Orbs and Cubes war, indeed felt like a Romeo and Juliet scenario...which coincidentally it was. And weird enough it worked in this episode. Also, Boimler's attempt to earn a nickname from Dr. T'Ana is hilarious and no matter how hard he tries, failure was the only option. Not to mention to finally see "get a lightning bolt up someone's ass".
13) The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel (Season 5 Episode 3) - As much as I'm not a fan of same sex romance or relationships, I'm glad the "Jariner" ship has been closed peacefully and without overdramatizing. Both Mariner and Jen managed to understand the reasons behind breaking up. I'm also glad for Jennifer's new role on the USS Manitoba and her getting a spot in the limelight. Another focus in this episode is Boimler's subplot of being on a secret undercover mission to retrieve an AWOL Starfleet admiral, the ski slope part is a real gut buster. T'Lyn and her being a fan of a vibe tube musician, was a nice factoid to learning more about the fan favorite Vulcan. Plus, she got to save the day with said instrument.
12) An Embarrassment of Dooplers (Season 2 Episode 5) - This episode was funny with Richard Kind voicing the Doopler emissary. A major highlight that puts this episode on this list is Boimler and Mariner's staircase venture; from trying to get into a big Starfleet party, only to get into a Blue Brothers like vehicle chase, and finally making amends after Boimler's promotion to the Titan. While their plan failed to sneak in, they find a better location, a bar that was visited by THE Kirk and Spock. After Carol and her staff failed to get in, they and more of the crew enjoy the hole in the wall bar. Humor and heart make this episode, and I applaud Carol's revenge stint by transporting the Doopler emissary into the ballroom party.
11) The Inner Fight/Old Friends, New Planets (Season 4 Episode 9 & 10) -
Yes it's two or one, since both episodes are practically Part I and II. In this, Becket Mariner is the focus, and at long last, we learn the truth behind what makes Mariner, her chaotic, rebellious self. And what a backstory it is. Really fleshes my fav lead out. With some help from her friends and Ma'ah, the Klingon from earlier in Season 2 (more on that later) she regains composure. At long last, the mystery behind the unknown spaceship and the destruction of various ships is finally revealed, it is quite a surprise to TNG trekkers (I'm ashamed because I haven't seen the episodes that lead to this). Suspense and thrills follow into part 2, with the Cerritos trying to save Mariner. It's done and the crisis is averted, but not before one crewman made a deal which helped, but must return to their home planet for servitude. (Spoiler alert: It's Tendi). A great two parter.
10) Shades of Green (Season 5 Episode 2) - Tendi, her sister D'Erika and their house are at war with the Blue Orions (yes the same ones from the animated series). Their pirate war has the Pirate Queen settle the conflict as their ancestors did long ago: with a solar sailing race across a nebula, retrieve a treasure and whoever loses gets their houses wealth taken by the winner. I will admit to using that as a settlement, is unique.
Tendi learns from her sister’s logs that D'Erika's pregnant. And during the race, she provides comfy socks, Pyrithian bat milk and having D'Erika sit, with her feet elevated (Why doesn't she just have "I know you're pregnant" written on her forehead.) The Blue Orions cheat to get ahead and the Green ladies make a stupendous comeback. There is another plot, but not as grand with the Cerritos helping a new world addition to the Federation, having acquired replicator technology and dismantling their capitalist system. Mariner and Boimler get caught up in rescuing a couple of their crewmates taken captive. A small plot of Rutherford coping with Tendi's absence since the season 5 premiere last episode and learning the sequoia shuttle history, also I always like that T'Lyn had Goodgey help out with dismantling the shuttle.
A multi-plot decked episode that was surprisingly done well.
Plus, I think D'Erika will be a great mom and the trio of Orion ladies are a worthy crew to have by their sides.
9) Trusted Sources/The Stars At Night (Season 3 Episode 9 & 10) - Yes, I didn't enjoy the third season much, I mean, some episodes had their moments and these two plus another made the list. And this two part season finale I rank better than the fourth season finale. Reasons being, the overarching plot of Rutherford's past and Mariner coming to terms with Starfleet (since the start of this season) and her behavior (for the moment). When Carol thought her daughter spread gossip about the Cerritos, but in the end during an expose, other crew members started the gossip and Mariner...was straight up honest and was more positive: Well, there's a family you're born into, right, and then the family you choose. I've got both here on the Cerritos. If you're measuring by heart, this is the strongest ship in the fleet, because we've got the best captain at the helm — my mom. That added to my love for the character.
And who can forget the introduction of the Texas class? Its inclusion would spell the end of the California class, the reveal of the machinations of Admiral Buenamigo and his gruesome demise. A nail biting suspense battle/chase between the Cerritos and the three Texas class ships, Shax FINALLY allowed to jettison the warp core, and all of the Cali class ships to help aid the adrift Cerritos against the damaged USS Aledo.
Capt. Ramsey gave a good quote at the episodes end "We faced impossible odds AND WE KICKED IMPOSSIBLE'S ASS!!" That right there, a true toast to the Cali class. Whatever crises still lay on the horizon, through loyalty and determination, they’ve survived today.
And we see some decent wrap ups with Mariner returning to Starfleet and reconciling with her mother, Rutherford getting closure of his bionic origins and a very special surprise of Starfleet acknowledging Tendi's exemplary duty to pairing her up with a new transfer: whom none other than T'Lyn!! Tendi dubs her her "new study buddy!". I felt the two of them would make interesting dynamics. And in the future seasons, I was proven right. Great way to start a new chapter in the show.
8) Hear All, Trust Nothing (Season 3 Episode 6) - What a good majority of fans watched for since the season was announced. While Lower Decks feels like a spiritual successor to TNG, in this episode, its a love letter to all things Star Trek: Deep Space Nine! Upon arriving out of warp and the view screen showcased the classic space station, with in the background, the familiar notes of its opening theme. A great start to an homage.
Special guest honors go to Nana Visitor and Armin Shimerman as Kira Nerys and Quark. This episode had multiple plot lines, which all worked seamlessly and the animators recaptured DS9 to a tee. Humor, thrills and excitement are in top form. Plus, I loved we finally see Tendi display her Orion pirating skills, FLAWLESS is the word, showing our plucky Orion science officer is more than meets the eye. A great tribute to a classic Trek show.
7) Upper Decks (Season 5 Episode 8) - The command crew are in the center spot light for once.
(Wow, not that different from the Lower Deckers, but then again, I probably lack perspective.) Carol and her senior staff each have their own arc, all happening at the same time! Carol and Stevens scheduled with so many itineraries, Shax confronting and battling his inner demons, Billups and Meredith handle an engineering problem, T'Ana going through procedures to update regarding pain thresholds and Ransom has his hands full with Beta (not leads) and Delta Shifts helping capture a buhgoon, for a visiting Starfleet scientist. All unaware of another alien species planning an infiltration plot. Thrills, suspense, teamworks and plenty of laughs, make this episode great in my book. Even with the minimum amount of the Warp Core Five, they still deliver great dialogue in the time they are given.
6) Caves (Season 4, Episode 8)
Mariner: "I hate caaaaaaa-- (transports) --aaaaaves!"
Loved the opening seconds of her lamenting their group doing a cave mission and lists so many negatives. and regarding Trek famously for doing various "caved themed" episodes. A sort of clip show, of various adventures (new for the episode) of Boimler's, Rutherford's and Mariner's cave missions, each well thought out, and the running gag of Tendi's cave story being her first day on the Cerritos, revealing more that happened after the episode ended. This episode is humor and all heart. And when you get to the end, it will put a smile on your face. It did for me, and still does.
5) Wej duj ("Three Ships" in Klingon)/Season 2 Episode 9) - A popular fan favorite episode, that has earned praise from me as well and I can see why. Introducing soon to be popular fan favorite characters: Ma'ah (Klingon Boimler) and T'Lyn (Vulcan Mariner). The episode branches events that transpire on all three ships perfectly, within the plot.
It was really interesting seeing the Cerritos activities, Ma'ah attempts to climb the chain of command and T'Lyn breaking the Vulcan method of thinking. I swear Spock would be proud of her. All culminating to all three of the vessels in a space battle in the final act. A very well done episode, with many humorous bits and character interactions, especially the mother/daughter bonding time with Captain Freeman and Mariner.
And Ransom sending a young cadet to Boimler to help him with his schedule, telling the kid that Boimler is the most organized guy he knows. He even gives Boimler a friendly wink from across the bar. Boimler's closing line is the manifique close to the episode as the Cerritos goes to warp "“the real action begins on the lower decks”.
4) I, Excretus (Season 2, Episode 8) - For the longest while since getting back into Trek and being a fan, this episode held the # 1 title for the past few years before Season 4. Here, a simple drill administration for Starfleet vessels, led by a Pandronian (Star Trek Animated Series) who for a twist, switches the ranks of the senior staff and lower decks. Many of the scenarios they go through are surely to be recognizable by a sharp eyed Trekkie.
The reason this is a top favorite episode of mine, is not just the humor but also showing that no matter what you do or where your lot in life is, there will always be a pro/con deal. All you can do is make the best of what you have and to have an understanding of it.
The episode had plenty of heart (still iffy on the Naked Time program). And loved that Carol and Mariner beat Shari by showing there's a differences between statistics and the real McCoy. Also, did i forget to mention they got the Alice Krige to guest star as you know who?
3) Empathological Fallacies (Season 4, Episode 5) - This episode knocked the previous one off the leader board. This one, focuses on T'Lyn and her handling being part of the Cerritos crew. Three Betazoid delegates (Dolorex, Katrot, and Cathiw) are being taken to the vacation planet Risa. Sharp eared viewers will recognize Dolorex as Rachel Dratch and Cathiw voiced by the unmistakable Wendie Malick, to all Owl House fans. If Picard had a handful with Troi's ma, would he be able to handle three like her?
And a sub plot, surprisingly well done, is Boimler joining Shax's security crew "program" - in a quiet place doing charades, slam poetry and other assorted games. But you think this is a poor example of security, when the Betazoid's attempt to commander the Cerritos, the Red Alert klaxon sounds, and then, they get serious! In the final act, they're the anti-Worf group (Trekkies will get that). I liked the interaction between Mariner and T'Lyn, and the later decides to continue serving, for a logical reason, but we all know she's likes it there. All is well that end's well for everyone for the Lower Deckers, Command Crew and the Betazoid trio.
2) The New Next Generation (Season 5, Episode 10) - Yes indeed, the grand (still uncomfortable saying it) finale of Lower Decks. As finales go this is as a doozy as TNG's "All Good Things..." DS9's "What You Leave Behind" and Picard's "The Last Generation". This episode is a culmination of all that the Cerritos has been through and is given the biggest mission of its entire run - saving the universe! I kid you not.
With a crazed Klingon commander, the return of Ma'ah and his brother, and this inter-dimensional fissure, you bet we got one overstuffed chalupa of a adventure.
All characters bring their A-game and show it flawlessly. Many changes are made (spoilers) and it gives a pretty heartwarming "adventure continues" type deal.
Doozy, in every sense of the word.
But you're asking, if the finale was all that and a bag of chips, why isn't it # 1 on this top 15 list? Reasons being, there's already one.
1) Fully Dilated (Season 5 Episode 7) - My fav of the series, for the simple reasons of: being another "girl's trip" (ie Mariner, T'Lyn and Tendi mission), it's fun and humorous, and to paraphrase Woody Harrelson's Tallahassee from Zombieland, for the guest star "GOD DAMN! BRENT FREAKIN' SPINER!!!". My fav TNG character (albeit from an alternate universe) but seeing him again and hearing his voice, really warmed my heart. Throughout it, Spiner hasn't lost his touch with Data.
The girl trio try to retrieve wreckage from a crashed shuttle before locals find out (Prime Directive, look it up) and Data's head was among it.
A mishap with the transporter causes the team to be stranded on a planet where time moves faster, for every second a full day happens. During that time is where the funny stuff happens, Tendi tries to vie for the Cerritos senior science officer position and Data helps her with his knowledge; T'Lyn proves exceptional with agriculture and causes our favorite Orion girl's personality to match her skin color. And Mariner, once again the butt monkey, views this could be a "probe life" (TNG "The Inner Light") tries to live a rich and eventful life and every time she tries something, always gets thrown in jail. Mariner has good intentions, they just don't work out the way she plans.
But thankfully, they get beamed back in time. Data tells his time with the girls and feeling to making a recommendation for the senior science officer: BOTH Tendi and T'Lyn are given the job.
And I always find Mariner's final bit with her soap flute smile worthy.
But the maraschino cherry goes to Data's head loading in a photon tube and launched to travel back to his dimension to be reunited with his Enterprise-D. That final bit (French Kiss).
=========================================
Thus, we come to the close. I was hesitant with Lower Decks, but its true if you give something a chance, it might surprise you.
To paraphrase David from Wrath of Khan "I'm proud...very proud to be a Lower Decks fan."
And to reinstate it wasn't Discovery, Picard, Prodigy or even Strange New Worlds, it was Lower Decks that brought back my love of Trek.
Happy 5th Anniversary to Lower Decks. I still hold onto hope that a sequel spinoff continuing the Cerritos adventures will be possible. Cerritos Strong!!
And still praying, hoping against hope, somehow someway, a spinoff continuation of the series will be brought into the fold.
It did the impossible of reinvigorating my love of Trek, when the flame had gone out long ago. Not many things in media are capable of doing that for me.
Was hesitant at first upon hearing it, but after seeing nearly all of "Temporal Edict", it spurred my Trek interest, until after a couple more episodes, I was hooked. And looking back, GLAD I was.
Star Trek: Lower Decks was a breath of fresh air for the Trek-verse. With new characters, callbacks to various trek lore, and even guest cameos from previous series characters. And I wish to commemorate it by stating my top favorite episodes.
First up the honorary mentions:
“Kayshon, His Eyes Open” 2x02
"We'll Always Have Tom Paris" 2x03
"The Spy Humongous" 2x06
"I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee" 4x02
"Something Borrowed, Something Green" 4x04
"Parth Ferengi's Heart Place" 4x06
"A Few Badgeys More" 4x07
"Dos Cerritos" 5x01
"A Farewell To Farms" 5x04
And now the selections:
15) In The Cradle of Vexilon (Season 4 Episode 3) - Boimler with his first time as an away mission commander. Mariner, Rutherford and Tendi adjusting to life as lieutenant JG's, And each have their own crises, with the ring world's computer accidentally set to a default setting and with a thought to be"hazing" and actually a important diagnostic run, the trio rush to fix the problem plus stop a revenge scheme. A fun entertaining romp in both plots. (BTW we see the Black Mountain of the afterlife and the cosmic koala makes a cameo)
14) Of Gods And Angles (Season 5 Episode 6) - This episode makes the list for mostly the funny and the debut of one of my fav new characters of the Cerritos crew, Ensign Olly. The whole Orbs and Cubes war, indeed felt like a Romeo and Juliet scenario...which coincidentally it was. And weird enough it worked in this episode. Also, Boimler's attempt to earn a nickname from Dr. T'Ana is hilarious and no matter how hard he tries, failure was the only option. Not to mention to finally see "get a lightning bolt up someone's ass".
13) The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel (Season 5 Episode 3) - As much as I'm not a fan of same sex romance or relationships, I'm glad the "Jariner" ship has been closed peacefully and without overdramatizing. Both Mariner and Jen managed to understand the reasons behind breaking up. I'm also glad for Jennifer's new role on the USS Manitoba and her getting a spot in the limelight. Another focus in this episode is Boimler's subplot of being on a secret undercover mission to retrieve an AWOL Starfleet admiral, the ski slope part is a real gut buster. T'Lyn and her being a fan of a vibe tube musician, was a nice factoid to learning more about the fan favorite Vulcan. Plus, she got to save the day with said instrument.
12) An Embarrassment of Dooplers (Season 2 Episode 5) - This episode was funny with Richard Kind voicing the Doopler emissary. A major highlight that puts this episode on this list is Boimler and Mariner's staircase venture; from trying to get into a big Starfleet party, only to get into a Blue Brothers like vehicle chase, and finally making amends after Boimler's promotion to the Titan. While their plan failed to sneak in, they find a better location, a bar that was visited by THE Kirk and Spock. After Carol and her staff failed to get in, they and more of the crew enjoy the hole in the wall bar. Humor and heart make this episode, and I applaud Carol's revenge stint by transporting the Doopler emissary into the ballroom party.
11) The Inner Fight/Old Friends, New Planets (Season 4 Episode 9 & 10) -
Yes it's two or one, since both episodes are practically Part I and II. In this, Becket Mariner is the focus, and at long last, we learn the truth behind what makes Mariner, her chaotic, rebellious self. And what a backstory it is. Really fleshes my fav lead out. With some help from her friends and Ma'ah, the Klingon from earlier in Season 2 (more on that later) she regains composure. At long last, the mystery behind the unknown spaceship and the destruction of various ships is finally revealed, it is quite a surprise to TNG trekkers (I'm ashamed because I haven't seen the episodes that lead to this). Suspense and thrills follow into part 2, with the Cerritos trying to save Mariner. It's done and the crisis is averted, but not before one crewman made a deal which helped, but must return to their home planet for servitude. (Spoiler alert: It's Tendi). A great two parter.
10) Shades of Green (Season 5 Episode 2) - Tendi, her sister D'Erika and their house are at war with the Blue Orions (yes the same ones from the animated series). Their pirate war has the Pirate Queen settle the conflict as their ancestors did long ago: with a solar sailing race across a nebula, retrieve a treasure and whoever loses gets their houses wealth taken by the winner. I will admit to using that as a settlement, is unique.
Tendi learns from her sister’s logs that D'Erika's pregnant. And during the race, she provides comfy socks, Pyrithian bat milk and having D'Erika sit, with her feet elevated (Why doesn't she just have "I know you're pregnant" written on her forehead.) The Blue Orions cheat to get ahead and the Green ladies make a stupendous comeback. There is another plot, but not as grand with the Cerritos helping a new world addition to the Federation, having acquired replicator technology and dismantling their capitalist system. Mariner and Boimler get caught up in rescuing a couple of their crewmates taken captive. A small plot of Rutherford coping with Tendi's absence since the season 5 premiere last episode and learning the sequoia shuttle history, also I always like that T'Lyn had Goodgey help out with dismantling the shuttle.
A multi-plot decked episode that was surprisingly done well.
Plus, I think D'Erika will be a great mom and the trio of Orion ladies are a worthy crew to have by their sides.
9) Trusted Sources/The Stars At Night (Season 3 Episode 9 & 10) - Yes, I didn't enjoy the third season much, I mean, some episodes had their moments and these two plus another made the list. And this two part season finale I rank better than the fourth season finale. Reasons being, the overarching plot of Rutherford's past and Mariner coming to terms with Starfleet (since the start of this season) and her behavior (for the moment). When Carol thought her daughter spread gossip about the Cerritos, but in the end during an expose, other crew members started the gossip and Mariner...was straight up honest and was more positive: Well, there's a family you're born into, right, and then the family you choose. I've got both here on the Cerritos. If you're measuring by heart, this is the strongest ship in the fleet, because we've got the best captain at the helm — my mom. That added to my love for the character.
And who can forget the introduction of the Texas class? Its inclusion would spell the end of the California class, the reveal of the machinations of Admiral Buenamigo and his gruesome demise. A nail biting suspense battle/chase between the Cerritos and the three Texas class ships, Shax FINALLY allowed to jettison the warp core, and all of the Cali class ships to help aid the adrift Cerritos against the damaged USS Aledo.
Capt. Ramsey gave a good quote at the episodes end "We faced impossible odds AND WE KICKED IMPOSSIBLE'S ASS!!" That right there, a true toast to the Cali class. Whatever crises still lay on the horizon, through loyalty and determination, they’ve survived today.
And we see some decent wrap ups with Mariner returning to Starfleet and reconciling with her mother, Rutherford getting closure of his bionic origins and a very special surprise of Starfleet acknowledging Tendi's exemplary duty to pairing her up with a new transfer: whom none other than T'Lyn!! Tendi dubs her her "new study buddy!". I felt the two of them would make interesting dynamics. And in the future seasons, I was proven right. Great way to start a new chapter in the show.
8) Hear All, Trust Nothing (Season 3 Episode 6) - What a good majority of fans watched for since the season was announced. While Lower Decks feels like a spiritual successor to TNG, in this episode, its a love letter to all things Star Trek: Deep Space Nine! Upon arriving out of warp and the view screen showcased the classic space station, with in the background, the familiar notes of its opening theme. A great start to an homage.
Special guest honors go to Nana Visitor and Armin Shimerman as Kira Nerys and Quark. This episode had multiple plot lines, which all worked seamlessly and the animators recaptured DS9 to a tee. Humor, thrills and excitement are in top form. Plus, I loved we finally see Tendi display her Orion pirating skills, FLAWLESS is the word, showing our plucky Orion science officer is more than meets the eye. A great tribute to a classic Trek show.
7) Upper Decks (Season 5 Episode 8) - The command crew are in the center spot light for once.
(Wow, not that different from the Lower Deckers, but then again, I probably lack perspective.) Carol and her senior staff each have their own arc, all happening at the same time! Carol and Stevens scheduled with so many itineraries, Shax confronting and battling his inner demons, Billups and Meredith handle an engineering problem, T'Ana going through procedures to update regarding pain thresholds and Ransom has his hands full with Beta (not leads) and Delta Shifts helping capture a buhgoon, for a visiting Starfleet scientist. All unaware of another alien species planning an infiltration plot. Thrills, suspense, teamworks and plenty of laughs, make this episode great in my book. Even with the minimum amount of the Warp Core Five, they still deliver great dialogue in the time they are given.
6) Caves (Season 4, Episode 8)
Mariner: "I hate caaaaaaa-- (transports) --aaaaaves!"
Loved the opening seconds of her lamenting their group doing a cave mission and lists so many negatives. and regarding Trek famously for doing various "caved themed" episodes. A sort of clip show, of various adventures (new for the episode) of Boimler's, Rutherford's and Mariner's cave missions, each well thought out, and the running gag of Tendi's cave story being her first day on the Cerritos, revealing more that happened after the episode ended. This episode is humor and all heart. And when you get to the end, it will put a smile on your face. It did for me, and still does.
5) Wej duj ("Three Ships" in Klingon)/Season 2 Episode 9) - A popular fan favorite episode, that has earned praise from me as well and I can see why. Introducing soon to be popular fan favorite characters: Ma'ah (Klingon Boimler) and T'Lyn (Vulcan Mariner). The episode branches events that transpire on all three ships perfectly, within the plot.
It was really interesting seeing the Cerritos activities, Ma'ah attempts to climb the chain of command and T'Lyn breaking the Vulcan method of thinking. I swear Spock would be proud of her. All culminating to all three of the vessels in a space battle in the final act. A very well done episode, with many humorous bits and character interactions, especially the mother/daughter bonding time with Captain Freeman and Mariner.
And Ransom sending a young cadet to Boimler to help him with his schedule, telling the kid that Boimler is the most organized guy he knows. He even gives Boimler a friendly wink from across the bar. Boimler's closing line is the manifique close to the episode as the Cerritos goes to warp "“the real action begins on the lower decks”.
4) I, Excretus (Season 2, Episode 8) - For the longest while since getting back into Trek and being a fan, this episode held the # 1 title for the past few years before Season 4. Here, a simple drill administration for Starfleet vessels, led by a Pandronian (Star Trek Animated Series) who for a twist, switches the ranks of the senior staff and lower decks. Many of the scenarios they go through are surely to be recognizable by a sharp eyed Trekkie.
The reason this is a top favorite episode of mine, is not just the humor but also showing that no matter what you do or where your lot in life is, there will always be a pro/con deal. All you can do is make the best of what you have and to have an understanding of it.
The episode had plenty of heart (still iffy on the Naked Time program). And loved that Carol and Mariner beat Shari by showing there's a differences between statistics and the real McCoy. Also, did i forget to mention they got the Alice Krige to guest star as you know who?
3) Empathological Fallacies (Season 4, Episode 5) - This episode knocked the previous one off the leader board. This one, focuses on T'Lyn and her handling being part of the Cerritos crew. Three Betazoid delegates (Dolorex, Katrot, and Cathiw) are being taken to the vacation planet Risa. Sharp eared viewers will recognize Dolorex as Rachel Dratch and Cathiw voiced by the unmistakable Wendie Malick, to all Owl House fans. If Picard had a handful with Troi's ma, would he be able to handle three like her?
And a sub plot, surprisingly well done, is Boimler joining Shax's security crew "program" - in a quiet place doing charades, slam poetry and other assorted games. But you think this is a poor example of security, when the Betazoid's attempt to commander the Cerritos, the Red Alert klaxon sounds, and then, they get serious! In the final act, they're the anti-Worf group (Trekkies will get that). I liked the interaction between Mariner and T'Lyn, and the later decides to continue serving, for a logical reason, but we all know she's likes it there. All is well that end's well for everyone for the Lower Deckers, Command Crew and the Betazoid trio.
2) The New Next Generation (Season 5, Episode 10) - Yes indeed, the grand (still uncomfortable saying it) finale of Lower Decks. As finales go this is as a doozy as TNG's "All Good Things..." DS9's "What You Leave Behind" and Picard's "The Last Generation". This episode is a culmination of all that the Cerritos has been through and is given the biggest mission of its entire run - saving the universe! I kid you not.
With a crazed Klingon commander, the return of Ma'ah and his brother, and this inter-dimensional fissure, you bet we got one overstuffed chalupa of a adventure.
All characters bring their A-game and show it flawlessly. Many changes are made (spoilers) and it gives a pretty heartwarming "adventure continues" type deal.
Doozy, in every sense of the word.
But you're asking, if the finale was all that and a bag of chips, why isn't it # 1 on this top 15 list? Reasons being, there's already one.
1) Fully Dilated (Season 5 Episode 7) - My fav of the series, for the simple reasons of: being another "girl's trip" (ie Mariner, T'Lyn and Tendi mission), it's fun and humorous, and to paraphrase Woody Harrelson's Tallahassee from Zombieland, for the guest star "GOD DAMN! BRENT FREAKIN' SPINER!!!". My fav TNG character (albeit from an alternate universe) but seeing him again and hearing his voice, really warmed my heart. Throughout it, Spiner hasn't lost his touch with Data.
The girl trio try to retrieve wreckage from a crashed shuttle before locals find out (Prime Directive, look it up) and Data's head was among it.
A mishap with the transporter causes the team to be stranded on a planet where time moves faster, for every second a full day happens. During that time is where the funny stuff happens, Tendi tries to vie for the Cerritos senior science officer position and Data helps her with his knowledge; T'Lyn proves exceptional with agriculture and causes our favorite Orion girl's personality to match her skin color. And Mariner, once again the butt monkey, views this could be a "probe life" (TNG "The Inner Light") tries to live a rich and eventful life and every time she tries something, always gets thrown in jail. Mariner has good intentions, they just don't work out the way she plans.
But thankfully, they get beamed back in time. Data tells his time with the girls and feeling to making a recommendation for the senior science officer: BOTH Tendi and T'Lyn are given the job.
And I always find Mariner's final bit with her soap flute smile worthy.
But the maraschino cherry goes to Data's head loading in a photon tube and launched to travel back to his dimension to be reunited with his Enterprise-D. That final bit (French Kiss).
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Thus, we come to the close. I was hesitant with Lower Decks, but its true if you give something a chance, it might surprise you.
To paraphrase David from Wrath of Khan "I'm proud...very proud to be a Lower Decks fan."
And to reinstate it wasn't Discovery, Picard, Prodigy or even Strange New Worlds, it was Lower Decks that brought back my love of Trek.
Happy 5th Anniversary to Lower Decks. I still hold onto hope that a sequel spinoff continuing the Cerritos adventures will be possible. Cerritos Strong!!
And still praying, hoping against hope, somehow someway, a spinoff continuation of the series will be brought into the fold.
