Boldly Going Where No Star Trek Series Has Gone Before: Unveiling the Epic Evolution of Star Trek: Lower Decks in Season 4

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4, Episode 1 - "Twovix" & Episode 2 - "I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee"

Summary

Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 confidently continues the series with humor and excitement, kicking off with thrilling crises aboard the USS Cerritos and the USS Voyager.

Lower Decks lovingly pays homage to Star Trek: The Next Generation, embracing the rich heritage and expansive universe of the franchise, outshining Strange New Worlds in delivering an epic crossover experience.

The depth and sincerity of the characters in Lower Decks, like Strange New Worlds, is what truly drives the show. Each character embarks on their own personal journey and draws inspiration from the achievements of those who came before them.

Star Trek: Lower Decks is making its highly-anticipated return with a fourth season that perfectly compliments the events of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. The crossover episode between Ensigns Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid) and Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome) as they transitioned to live-action and encountered Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) and the USS Enterprise crew was both uproarious and enlightening. It effectively showcased the compelling parallels between the prequel set in the 23rd century and the animated comedy set in the 24th century, despite their distinct formats.

Star Trek: Lower Decks Is The Perfect Strange New Worlds Follow-Up

Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 continues with its trademark hilarity and an increased level of self-assurance. Taking place after Mariner and Boimler's secret encounter with the 23rd-century USS Enterprise, a topic they are strictly forbidden to discuss due to the preservation of the timeline. In the first episode of Lower Decks season 4, titled "Twovix," both the USS Cerritos and the USS Voyager face similar crises reminiscent of Star Trek: Voyager. Boimler becomes the hero of the day aboard the USS Voyager, previously commanded by Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew). As a result of their brave actions, the Lower Deckers receive promotions to Lieutenant, junior grade. However, Mariner is determined to undo her newfound rank in the second episode of Lower Decks season 4, titled "I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee." These thrilling episodes mark an explosive start to what may be the greatest season of Lower Decks yet, complete with a mysterious new villain targeting unsuspecting Cerritos and other Lower Decker ships.

For those longing for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, especially due to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes causing an indefinite delay for season 3, Star Trek: Lower Decks offers a sense of familiarity and comfort. While Strange New Worlds received praise for bringing back the episodic, planet-of-the-week format to Star Trek, Lower Decks had already embraced this approach since its inception in 2020, two years prior to the premiere of Strange New Worlds. Lower Decks not only pays homage to Star Trek: The Next Generation but also celebrates the rich history and expansive universe of Star Trek. Interestingly, Lower Decks even beat Strange New Worlds to the punch by featuring a crossover with Deep Space Nine in season 3, where the crew of the Cerritos encountered Colonel Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor) and Quark (Armin Shimerman).

Lower Decks' Secret Weapon Is Its Starfleet Characters, Like Strange New Worlds

Strange New Worlds season 2 dared to take on unique storylines, like a comedic episode featuring Spock (Ethan Peck) and his encounters with Vulcan manners, a crossover with Lower Decks, and even Star Trek's first-ever musical episode. However, these bold narrative choices are not unfamiliar in the animated universe of Lower Decks. In season 1, Mariner hilariously worked through her issues with her mother, Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis), by parodying the Star Trek movies in the episode "Crisis Point." Season 2 of Lower Decks presented an unforgettable holodeck episode, where Boimler outsmarted the Borg Queen (Alice Krige). Breaking away from convention, season 3 of Lower Decks stunned audiences with the mind-bogglingly bizarre and captivating episode "A Mathematically Perfect Redemption," where the rogue Exocomp Peanut Hamper (Kether Donahue) visited a planet inhabited by bird people. Remarkably, Lower Decks manages to deliver complex and exhilarating hour-long Star Trek stories in just 22 minutes of hilarious comedy.

The characters in Strange New Worlds and the crew of the USS Cerritos are easily lovable. What sets Star Trek: Lower Decks apart is the profound and sincere nature of its characters. Mariner, although explosive at times, possesses unwavering loyalty and courage as she redefines her own understanding of being a Starfleet Officer. Boimler exhibits great potential as a Captain once he conquers his insecurities. Sam Rutherford (Eugene Cordero) has transformed from a troubled past into a beacon of enthusiasm as a Starfleet engineer. D'Vana Tendi (Noel Wells) is an endlessly optimistic force of nature that restores respect to Orions. T'Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz), the newest member of the Lower Deckers, has a personal mission to prove herself to the Vulcan High Command, and her dry yet deadpan Vulcan humor perfectly complements the dynamic aboard the Cerritos.

The palpable love and appreciation for Starfleet and the Star Trek franchise is evident in the overwhelming joy of Star Trek: Lower Decks. In years, Strange New Worlds boasts the best and brightest cast in live-action, while Lower Decks' Lieutenants draw inspiration from the achievements of their predecessors. Both series, with their shared spirit of boldly exploring new frontiers, beautifully complement each other within the Star Trek generations. Paramount+ is currently streaming season 4 of Star Trek: Lower Decks.