Commander Mariner's Top 10 Star Trek Episodes, Ranked

Article Overview

Beckett Mariner is a multifaceted individual who displayed exceptional academic prowess in Starfleet. However, she deliberately undermines herself while serving on the lower decks of the USS Cerritos, preferring to stay within her familiar boundaries and evade any potential disappointments.

Throughout the series, Mariner embarks on a transformative path where she confronts her self-destructive tendencies, gradually placing her trust in her superiors. Simultaneously, she unravels the enigma surrounding her past and confronts the strained relationships within her family.

Mariner displays an unwavering commitment to her friends, family, and fellow crew members, reflecting the core values of Starfleet as she strives to make a positive impact despite feeling vulnerable and fearful.

Introduced in Star Trek: Lower Decks, Lieutenant Beckett Mariner is a spirited and capable character who serves on the lower decks of the USS Cerritos alongside her brave and optimistic shipmates. With her mother, Captain Carol Freeman, as her commanding officer and her father serving within the admiralty, Mariner navigates the challenges of an unusual crew and familial tensions. She dedicates herself to upholding Starfleet's highest ideals and the pursuit of peace.

Beneath her loud and unpredictable demeanor, Mariner carries a deep and raw vulnerability - a distrust of authority and a fear that she will be abandoned by those she cares about. These defining qualities frequently come to the forefront in significant episodes centered around Mariner.

10. Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 1, Episode 7

Beckett Mariner's journey in Starfleet Academy and her subsequent assignments aboard Deep Space Nine and the Cerritos' lower decks make for an intriguing story. Despite her undeniable talent, Mariner's tendency to undermine herself and avoid advancement has been a constant obstacle. However, a reassignment to Starbase 80 and the encouragement of Commander Jack Ransom prompts her to confront her behavior. As Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 progresses, Mariner's enigmatic past starts to unravel, revealing tragic losses and renewed connections. Join us as we explore Beckett Mariner's standout episodes in the beloved series.

"Much Ado About Boimler"

9. Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 4, Episode 1

Ensign Beckett Mariner comes face to face with someone from her past when her former best friend from Starfleet Academy temporarily assumes command of the USS Cerritos. While their initial reunion is filled with excitement, Mariner is quickly appointed as Captain Amina Ramsey's first officer, revealing the contrasting nature of their ambitions and career approaches. Mariner maintains her usual informal and unprofessional manner, in stark contrast to Ramsey's efficient officers, until Ramsey confronts her about this intentional behavior. Ultimately, they find a comfortable compromise, providing a clear illustration of Mariner's deliberate undermining of her position and responsibilities, viewed through an unbiased perspective.

"Twovix"

Referencing the various adventures of Star Trek: Voyager, this episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks showcases the crew of the USS Cerritos as they lend a helping hand in organizing museum exhibits specific to Voyager. As expected, chaos ensues and a nod is given to "Tuvix," a season 2 episode of Star Trek: Voyager, where a transporter accident leads to the merging of two crew members. With the situation deteriorating and transporter mishaps becoming more frequent, Mariner finally has a heart-to-heart with Ensign Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid) and resolves the misunderstandings, insecurities, and pain that stemmed from Boimler's transfer. It is a tranquil moment, as their friendship finds its footing once again, only to be disrupted by Mariner's promotion to Lieutenant, junior grade, thus throwing her off balance.

8. Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 3, Episode 2

"The Least Dangerous Game"

Intent on testing and establishing his authority over his newly assigned wayward subordinate, Commander Ransom decides to involve Mariner in a small away mission landing party, entrusting her with engineering tasks. Working together as the Ransom-Mariner team, they face a variety of challenges throughout the episode, blending humor and entertainment with the difficulties encountered by the engineering members who are not used to diplomatic assignments. This storyline provides a captivating glimpse into Mariner's evolving mindset, which is becoming increasingly chaotic, turbulent, and rebellious. It also sheds light on the intricate personal and professional dynamics between Mariner and Commander Ransom. Despite her initial stubbornness and unwavering opinions, Mariner's character undergoes development as she begins to absorb Ransom's informative lessons.

7. Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 3, Episode 1

"Grounded"

Through a sequence of amusing, problematic, yet well-intentioned endeavors, Mariner and the crew of Star Trek: Lower Decks formulate a scheme to rescue their Captain. The Captain had been falsely accused and apprehended for annihilating the Pakled planet during the explosive finale of Lower Decks season 2. Although their actions ultimately prove to be unnecessary, it serves as a timely reminder of the subordinate status and limited influence of the Lower Deckers. Now under the command of Commander Jack Ransom, Beckett Mariner risks the repercussions of her choices, facing the remainder of the series without the safety net of her family. Overwhelmed, restless, and driven by the desire to reinstate justice, Mariner acknowledges the importance of her family ties in this particular episode, in a manner that had not been done before.

6. Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 3, Episode 10

"The Stars At Night"

Following the events in the previous episode,

5. Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 4, Episode 2

, the final episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 3, delves into the immediate emotional aftermath and seamlessly propels the narrative forward with fresh mission assignments. Throughout the series, Mariner's character has consistently showcased a fear of losing those dear to her. However, this particular story arc intriguingly reverses that notion as she is compelled to depart. Although it undoubtedly presents a significant loss, it becomes a compelling catalyst for growth as Mariner ultimately realizes that her life holds greater meaning within the realm of Starfleet than outside of it. This episode serves as a testament to Mariner's remarkable journey since the first season of Lower Decks.

"I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee"

This impactful episode in season 4 of Star Trek: Lower Decks focuses on Mariner's tendency to undermine herself and introduces the endearing yet alarmingly dangerous character, Moopsy. Additionally, it explores the evolving dynamic between Mariner and Commander Jack Ransom, as Mariner gradually learns to have faith in the positive intentions of her superiors. After being promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade in the previous episode, Mariner mistakenly overhears a conversation between Ransom and Security Chief Shaxs (Fred Tatasciore) and mistakenly believes they plan to demote her back to Ensign. In an attempt to provoke the demotion, Mariner engages in a series of unprofessional actions but ultimately comes to terms with her new position instead.

4. Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 1, Episode 9

"Crisis Point"

In this episode, Beckett Mariner fully embraces her darker and more chaotic side, taking control of Boimler's questionable holodeck interview-practice program. She creates a thrilling movie-esque scenario, where she portrays the violent and vengeful arch-villain Vindicta, pitted against Captain Freeman. Despite Mariner's well-known mischievous tendencies throughout the first season of Star Trek: Lower Decks, her close friends begin to question her actions and decisions. This exploration provides an exciting and enlightening contrast to Mariner's typically chaotic-good nature in previous episodes. While the experience ultimately does not have a lasting impact on her overall persona, Mariner does have several significant personal realizations.

3. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Season 2, Episode 7

"Those Old Scientists"

2. Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 4, Episode 9

Directed by Jonathan Frakes, known for his role in Star Trek, the crossover episode of Lower Decks and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds takes Ensigns Beckett Mariner and Brad Boimler on a time-traveling adventure through a portal to the 23rd-century USS Enterprise. Tawny Newsome's portrayal of live-action Mariner is exceptional, effortlessly capturing the character's energetic and chaotic nature in comical and intriguing situations. The episode also highlights Mariner's personal growth, as she shares heartfelt moments with Ensign Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) and Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount). This episode holds great significance for Beckett Mariner, showcasing her emotional depth and maturity in both animated and live-action formats.

2. Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 4, Episode 9

"The Inner Fight"

In this crucial and noteworthy chapter, Beckett Mariner grapples with intense emotional turmoil, which does not go unnoticed by her friends and fellow crew members, who have grown increasingly concerned about her reckless behavior. A confrontation with the Klingon warrior Ma'ah (Jon Curry) is abruptly halted by an ice shower reminiscent of a knife, leading to a revelation that during her time at Starfleet Academy, Mariner had a close friendship with Bajoran Ensign Sito Jaxa (Shannon Fill) from Star Trek: The Next Generation. We also discover her connection to the disgraced individual Nick Locarno (Robert Duncan McNeill) and Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton). The tragic death of Jaxa deeply impacted Mariner, causing her to deliberately sabotage any opportunities for career advancement in order to protect those under her command.

1. Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 4, Episode 10

"Old Friends, New Planets"

In the gripping and action-packed season 4 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks, Lieutenant Beckett Mariner embarks on a mission to save the galaxy from the malicious plots of disgraced former Starfleet Cadet Nick Locarno. Together with the formidable Nova Fleet, named after the prestigious Academy-based Nova Squadron featured in Star Trek: The Next Generation's episode 19 of season 5, "The First Duty," Locarno endeavors to wield a pilfered Ferengi Genesis Device to gain control over the entire galaxy. Breaking free from captivity with the Device, Mariner teams up with the crew of the USS Cerritos, bravely navigating her way through moments of adversity from her past, which could potentially lead to personal growth and triumph.

Beckett Mariner, a Lower Decker aboard the USS Cerritos, is a highly intelligent and multifaceted individual. She possesses exceptional communication skills, values peace, and genuinely cares about people. Despite her diverse range of talents developed through various experiences, her strained relationship with her parents and a tendency to defy authority have hindered her career progression. However, aboard the USS Cerritos, she has found solace, a sense of belonging, and a place she can call home. Determined and dedicated, Beckett Mariner prioritizes her relationships with friends, family, and fellow crew members, going above and beyond to assist others and contribute to the greater good.

Stream the fourth season of Star Trek: Lower Decks on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Star Trek, I am excited to see the return of Commander Mariner in the upcoming season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Mariner is a complex and well-developed character who has resonated with fans since her introduction in the first season. Her journey of self-discovery and growth has been a highlight of the series, and I am eager to see where her story takes her next.

One of the things I appreciate most about Mariner is her vulnerability. She is a strong and capable woman, but she is also deeply flawed. She has a hard time trusting others and often pushes people away. However, she is also fiercely loyal to her friends and family, and she is always willing to fight for what she believes in. I think Mariner's vulnerability makes her a relatable character, and it is one of the reasons why fans have connected with her so strongly.