Breaking the Space-Time Continuum: Mind-Blowing Star Trek Timeline Chaos in the Epic Strange New Worlds Crossover

Summary

In an effort to prevent the potential misuse of Boimler's advanced communicator badge, the crew on board the USS Enterprise meticulously analyze its capabilities to ensure it remains secure.

Boimler's interactions with the USS Enterprise crew impart valuable life lessons and contribute to Captain Pike's positive lasting impact.

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2, Episode 7 - "Those Old Scientists" Star Trek: Lower Decks' Ensigns Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid) and Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome) predictably break the strict rules regarding time travel as they cross paths with the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds cast. Making an early debut on Paramount+ to coincide with a special screening at San Diego Comic-Con, the highly anticipated crossover exceeded expectations. "Those Old Scientists," the seventh episode of Strange New Worlds season 2, strikes the perfect balance between uproarious humor and genuine heartfelt moments, paying tribute to the beloved Star Trek franchise and its dedicated fanbase.

Like every other awestruck fan, Boimler finds himself at a loss for words when he comes face-to-face with Starfleet legends such as Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), Lt. Spock (Ethan Peck), and Ensign Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding). Boimler's inability to articulate his thoughts violates Starfleet's Temporal Prime Directive, much to the annoyance of Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong), who has had prior experience with Star Trek's Department of Temporal Investigations. However, instead of jeopardizing the future, the knowledge shared by Boimler and Mariner about the accomplishments of the USS Enterprise crew imparts valuable life lessons to Pike and his team.

11 Boimler's Communicator Badge Is Analyzed By Strange New Worlds' Number One

It is crucial for time travelers to ensure that their advanced technology does not end up in the wrong hands. A prime example of the importance of this rule can be seen in the Star Trek: Voyager episode "Future's End" when Henry Starling (Ed Begley Jr.) gains control of a time ship from the 29th century. Fortunately, the reputable crew of the USS Enterprise thoroughly examines Boimler's futuristic communicator badge and would never consider using it for malicious purposes. Moreover, the communicator badge serves as a simple communication device, enhancing convenience for Starfleet officers. However, Captain Pike hints to Number One (Rebecca Romijn) that flipping the communicator holds a certain charm compared to merely pressing the badge.

10 Worf's Honor

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' season 2 premiere showcased the lingering tensions following the Klingon War in Star Trek: Discovery. However, inadvertently, Boimler discloses that the situation will eventually improve for both Starfleet and the Klingon Empire. Following a briefing from Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh regarding the importance of refraining from interference and withholding future knowledge, Boimler assures that he won't repeat the mistake. In a gesture to prove his determination to La'an, he invokes "Worf's Honor," referring to Starfleet's inaugural Klingon officer—yet another instance of divulging future information. Boimler swiftly realizes his blunder and continues to make comical and heartwarming errors throughout "Those Old Scientists."

9 Dr. M'Benga's TS-120 Tricorder

In addition to his admiration for the USS Enterprise crew, Boimler's enthusiasm reaches new heights when he gets the chance to handle a tricorder in the style of Star Trek: The Original Series. Boimler's optimism about the arrival of a fresh model aligns with the ongoing advancement of technology. However, his revelation about the TS-120 tricorder's flaw, which renders it prone to explosion, understandably worries Dr. Joseph M'Benga (Babs Olusanmokun). It is possible that M'Benga proposes a thorough investigation by Starfleet's technical divisions to address this issue, subsequently leading to the creation of the medical tricorders seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

8 Orion Scientists

It can be argued that Boimler's discovery regarding Orion scientists not only preserves the timeline but also prevents its disruption. If it weren't for Boimler's persuasion, Captain Pike's decision to attack the Orion science vessel would have erased Ensign D'Vana Tendi (Noël Wells) from the 24th-century realm of Star Trek. In the crossover episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Tendi reprimands Boimler for stereotyping all Orions as pirates. By reintroducing a more progressive perspective on Orions to the less enlightened 23rd century, Boimler safeguards the existing timeline and ensures the survival of Tendi's great-grandmother.

7 Boimler Makes 24th-Century Alterations To The Enterprise

When the Krulmuth-B time portal is stolen by the Orion scientists, tracking their ship becomes impossible. However, thanks to Boimler's future knowledge and the improved relations with the Orions in the 24th century, he manages to find a solution for the Enterprise, even though he had promised La'an otherwise. In a hilarious turn of events, Boimler convinces everyone to look away in order to preserve the timeline while he tinkers with the wiring beneath the scanner. Presumably, Boimler undoes his workaround to prevent the Enterprise from reverse engineering his actions. However, it is possible that Mariner's sudden arrival distracts him from this important rule of the Temporal Prime Directive.

6 Captain Pike Day

Not only Captain Picard, but also Captain Pike has his own holiday, as Boimler informs Nurse Christine Chapel and Lt. Erica Ortegas that Captain Pike's birthday is a national holiday in the 24th century. This leads them to plan a surprise birthday party for Captain Pike, despite his initial objection. Pike's special bond with Boimler is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the Lower Decks crossover, as it shows the positive impact he has on future Starfleet officers and proves that his future is not doomed.

Boimler's admiration for Pike helps him out of trouble in the crossover episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Mariner reveals that Boimler once dressed up as Pike for Halloween, further supporting the Ensign's case. Pike's acknowledgment of his own future inspires Boimler to deliver a moving speech about those who will cherish the opportunity to speak to the Enterprise Captain after his tragedy. This inspires Pike to host the inaugural Captain Pike Day in his quarters at the end of "Those Old Scientists".

5 Boimler Jeopardizes Spock & Chapel's Romance

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds viewers are aware that the relationship between Spock and Chapel is destined to end, as they are no longer together in Star Trek: The Original Series. However, Boimler's well-intentioned concern regarding the more human side of Spock on board the USS Enterprise might have accelerated the breakdown of their relationship. Boimler engages in a conversation about Spock's significance in future history, expressing worry that something must have gone awry since the history books have evidently overlooked the Vulcan's love life. This clever joke addresses fans' anxieties about adhering to established canon, while also providing Nurse Chapel with a melancholic glimpse into her future.

4 Holy Q!

Upon surprising Boimler in the shuttlecraft, Mariner's exclamation of "Holy Q!" reveals yet another perilous nugget of futuristic knowledge. Fortunately, no witnesses are present to hear their conversation. Mariner then reminds Boimler that the Q continuum is not encountered by Starfleet in the Star Trek: TOS series. However, she does acknowledge the existence of a similar phenomenon involving Trelane, as illustrated in the TOS episode "The Squire of Gothos". This observation may dismiss the conjecture put forth in peripheral media that Trelane (portrayed by William Campbell) was a member of the Q Continuum.

3 Mariner Teaches Uhura How To Party

In the crossover episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Mariner embarks on a daring venture as she teaches Uhura the art of partying, risking the creation of a predestination paradox. Drawing from the wisdom and experiences left behind by Uhura, Mariner endeavors to help the Enterprise's communications officer loosen up a little. Paradoxically, without Mariner's tutelage, Uhura would not have journeyed back in time to inspire her own relaxation. This time travel conundrum proves to be a monumental headache, dwarfing even the notorious Orion Hurricanes that Mariner is known for.

2 Mariner Tells Number One That She Inspires Star Trek's Next Generation

Mariner clarifies the misconception about Number One's pin-up status, ensuring that Numero Una gets the recognition she deserves. Starfleet recruitment later adopts Number One's motto "Ad Astra per Aspera" to inspire future recruits, including Boimler. This addition to their knowledge of the future serves as a poignant reminder of Una's triumph during the Strange New Worlds trial. Upon returning to the USS Cerritos in their own time, Boimler and Mariner catch a glimpse of Una's poster. While they hold Una's accomplishments in high regard, Commander Jack Ransom (Jerry O'Connell) takes a regressive stance by referring to her as Starfleet's "hottest first officer in history". This characterization seems unfair to Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes).

1 Starfleet Discover Orion Booze Much Earlier

Content Mariner discovered Mariner's improvised Orion Hurricanes and used a newly acquired bottle of Orion delac to mix some authentic cocktails. It appears that Starfleet officers in the 24th century don't develop a taste for Orion delac for a good reason, as it has a strong effect on the crew of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. The closing scene of the Star Trek: Lower Decks crossover is an animated surprise, depicting the amusing effects of the potent Orion spirit on characters like Spock and Nurse Chapel. This brings the joyful Star Trek time travel adventure to a close. Don't forget to catch Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 streaming on Paramount+ every Thursday.