Boldly Exploring the Best Star Trek: Lower Decks Episodes Following the Epic Strange New Worlds Crossover!

Summary

"Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" season 2 crossover with "Lower Decks" is a delight for fans, as Ensigns Boimler and Mariner meet their heroes on the USS Enterprise.

"Lower Decks" is an animated series that humorously honors the extensive heritage and renowned characters of the Star Trek universe. It specifically emphasizes the behind-the-scenes endeavors of Ensigns, who are tasked with less glamorous responsibilities.

Through episodes such as "Second Contact" and "Crisis Point," "Lower Decks" reveals thoroughly crafted characters and explores profound emotional dynamics. This elevates the series beyond mere lighthearted animation, demonstrating it as a multifaceted and engaging comedy.

The crossover episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 with Star Trek: Lower Decks, titled "Those Old Scientists," brings pure joy to fans of both shows. The talented voice actors brilliantly bring Ensigns Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid) and Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome) to life as they visit Captain Christopher Pike's (Anson Mount) USS Enterprise from the 23rd century. There, they have the chance to meet their heroes, Lt. Spock (Ethan Peck) and Ensign Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding). However, who exactly are Mariner and Boimler? What knowledge do they possess about the future? And what's the story behind the koala in the animated opening credits of Strange New Worlds?

Star Trek: Lower Decks, created by Mike McMahan, made its debut in 2020 as the first half-hour animated comedy in the Star Trek franchise. Set aboard the USS Cerritos, a support ship of the California Class that specializes in Second Contact missions, Lower Decks focuses on the Ensigns who handle the less glamorous tasks for Starfleet. This includes Ensigns Mariner, Boimler, Sam Rutherford (Eugene Cordero), and D'Vana Tendi (Noël Wells). As demonstrated by Boimler and Mariner's enthusiasm for all things Starfleet in the crossover with Strange New Worlds, Star Trek: Lower Decks lovingly pays homage to the extensive history and characters of the Star Trek universe while also delivering remarkable comedy. If Strange New Worlds was your introduction to the spirited Ensigns from the USS Cerritos, be sure to watch these standout episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks, presented in chronological order.

10 "Second Contact" (Lower Decks Season 1, Episode 1)

9 "Moist Vessel" (Lower Decks Season 1, Episode 4)

: A Refreshing Introduction to the Characters of Star Trek: Lower Decks

During the ascension ceremony for his new friend Lt. O'Connor (Haley Joel Osment), Tendi unintentionally causes chaos. However, O'Connor confesses that his "ascension" was merely a cry for attention. Surprisingly, he actually begins to ascend, transforming into a non-corporeal being. In this new state, O'Connor gains profound knowledge, such as the revelation that the entire universe is balanced on the back of a gigantic, grinning koala. Frantically, he shouts this realization as his astral form drifts away. This koala can be glimpsed in the post-credits scene of every Star Trek: Lower Decks episode and also makes an appearance in the animated opening credits of Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 7.

8 "Cupid's Errant Arrow" (Lower Decks Season 1, Episode 5)

7 "Crisis Point" (Lower Decks Season 1, Episode 9)

Boimler's girlfriend, Barbara Brinson (Gillian Jacobs), joins the Lower Deckers upon the arrival of the Parliament Class starship Vancouver for a collaborative project with the Cerritos. Mariner expresses doubts regarding anyone's genuine interest in Boimler, and her imagination runs wild with a plethora of theories to explain their relationship. This collection of theories is a treasure trove of Trek Easter eggs, ranging from the plausible (hologram girlfriend) to the unlikely (surgically altered Cardassian spy), and even venturing into the realm of the eerie (possessed by a mind-altering parasite). With her profound knowledge of Trek lore, it is entirely in character for Mariner to be slightly starstruck when encountering Uhura in Strange New Worlds.

Exploring the familiar Star Trek film tropes, "Crisis Point" showcases J. J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek reboot's well-known lens flares. However, it goes beyond that by delving into the complex character of Beckett Mariner. Taking control of Boimler's holodeck bridge program, Mariner embraces the role of the villain, creating a captivating performance reminiscent of Ricardo Montalban's Khan. Yet, as the facade crumbles, Mariner's hidden anguish is revealed, showing that there is more to "Lower Decks" than just a lighthearted animated comedy. With its engaging storyline and exemplary portrayal of a holodeck episode, this gem is definitely worth watching.

6 "We'll Always Have Tom Paris" (Lower Decks Season 2, Episode 3)

5 "An Embarrassment of Dooplers" (Lower Decks Season 2, Episode 5)

On a mission to retrieve a prized "family heirloom" for Dr. T'Ana (Gillian Vigman), Tendi and Mariner bond over light-hearted anecdotes from their personal lives. Mariner reveals her previous service on Deep Space Nine, while Tendi secretly discloses her connections to the nefarious Orion Syndicate. Mariner's genuine friendship with Tendi proves valuable when she and Boimler assist Pike's crew with matters involving the Orions in the 23rd century. Meanwhile, back on the Cerritos, Boimler enthusiastically idolizes esteemed Starfleet officers and attempts to secure an autograph from renowned USS Voyager helmsman Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill) for his treasured collectible plate, a homage to the Hamilton Collection Star Trek plates in the real world.

As the Cerritos' senior staff grapples with an ever-expanding Doopler emissary, Mariner taps into her underground connections in an attempt to secure her and Boimler's entry to a renowned and highly exclusive party at Starbase 25. Despite Boimler's desperate attempt to pass himself off as his own transporter clone, William Boimler, their efforts are in vain as they are denied access. However, in a serendipitous turn of events, they find comfort in a modest dive bar within the base where they discover they are not the only friends who have forged connections in that very spot. According to the bartender, even the legendary Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock frequented the establishment, further solidifying the bond between Mariner, Boimler, and the storied lineage of the Enterprise, even before they embarked on their own adventures.

4 "Where Pleasant Fountains Lie" (Lower Decks Season 2, Episode 7)

3 "wej Duj" (Lower Decks Season 2, Episode 9)

The Renaissance Faire-themed planet Hysperia, where Cerritos Chief Engineer Andrew Billups (Paul Scheer) resides, evokes a sense of fantasy reminiscent of Strange New Worlds season 1, episode 9 "The Elysian Kingdom." However, it adds its own unique twist with the signature humor of Lower Decks. While the focal point of this episode is the profound friendship between Mariner and Boimler, it undergoes a rigorous test when their mission to transport the malevolent AGIMUS (Jeffrey Combs), a sentient computer, to the Daystrom Institute is disrupted. Stranded on a desert planet and armed only with black licorice as provisions, they must survive and resist the influence of AGIMUS, as well as their own growing annoyance with each other.

In Klingon, "wej Duj" translates to "three ships," unveiling how everyday life on different galaxies isn't as contrasting as anticipated. On the USS Cerritos, Boimler sets out on establishing a bond with a higher-ranking officer, while Mariner finds herself compelled to spend time with her mother, Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis). A sneak peek into the lower ranks of the Klingon Bird of Prey IKS Che'Ta' reveals Ma'ah (Jon Curry), an equivalent to Boimler, who dreams of command despite his perceived flaws. T'Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz), resembling Mariner, faces criticism for her "outbursts" and lack of adherence to protocol on the Vulcan cruiser Sh'vhal. Surprisingly, these three vessels play a vital role in a decisive battle against the Pakleds, all thanks to their dedicated and undervalued officers.

2 "Mining the Mind's Mines" (Lower Decks Season 3, Episode 3)

By Star Trek: Lower Decks season 3, the Cerritos has garnered a reputation. Peers from sister California Class starship Carlsbad appear less than enthused about joining Boimler, Mariner, and Rutherford on Jengus IV to deactivate numerous psychic mines that induce fear through illusions. Amongst encounters with Borg snakes, Klingon clowns, and Mariner's greatest fear of all – commitment from her Andorian girlfriend, Jennifer (Lauren Lapkus) – the mission evolves into a fierce competition. Surprisingly, the Carlsbad away team was actually attempting to impress the Cerritos Ensigns, proclaiming them as "the Enterprise of support ships." It's almost as if Mariner and Boimler are being given a taste of their own medicine, seeing as they are the ones being lavishly praised.

1 "Hear All, Trust Nothing" (Lower Decks Season 3, Episode 6)

Before making their live-action debut in the crossover episode of "Strange New Worlds," the beloved Star Trek series, "Deep Space Nine," ventured into the world of animation. In the episode titled "Hear All, Trust Nothing," the crew of the starship Cerritos pays a visit to Deep Space Nine, where familiar faces like Colonel Kira Nerys (played by Nana Visitor) and Quark (played by Armin Shimerman) reprise their roles. Drawing inspiration from the early days of "Deep Space Nine," the storyline focuses on Tendi and her Orion crewmate, Mesk, as they bond over their distinct cultural customs (or lack thereof). Meanwhile, Kira and Lieutenant Shaxs (voiced by Fred Tatasciore) reminisce about their time in the resistance, and Quark continues his relentless pursuit of profits, even as he expands his bar through franchising.

Star Trek: Lower Decks is credited with inventing the term "Strange New Worlds" as a crossover title. This came about in a humorous moment in the season 1 finale when Commander Jack Ransom (Jerry O'Connell) playfully refers to the 23rd century as the "TOS era," an abbreviation for "Those Old Scientists." With three seasons already aired and a fourth one on the horizon, fans have plenty to look forward to with Mariner, Boimler, and the rest of the Cerritos crew. Don't miss the premiere of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 on Thursday, September 7, exclusively on Paramount+.