From Mirror Archer to Movie Spock: Collecting Boimler's Star Trek Action Figures Demystified

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

Summary

In his newly assigned quarters in season 4, episode of "Star Trek: Lower Decks," Lieutenant Brad Boimler proudly showcases his collection of action figures, including Mirror Universe Archer and Captain Spock.

While Boimler's fondness for the NX-01 Enterprise from the 22nd century justifies his possession of the Archer action figure, the presence of a Mirror Universe Archer comes as a pleasant surprise.

Boimler, portrayed by Jack Quaid, possesses a Spock action figure in the famous crimson Naval uniform seen in the Star Trek movies. This choice is a logical one considering Boimler's deep admiration for Spock and extensive knowledge of Starfleet history. In season 4, episode 2 of Star Trek: Lower Decks, Lieutenant Brad Boimler is given new quarters, prompting him to transport his collection of valuable items, including action figures of Mirror Universe Archer from Star Trek: Enterprise and Captain Spock from the Star Trek: The Original Series movies. Boimler's promotion to Lt. junior-grade at the end of Lower Decks season 4's premiere was a result of his heroic actions in rescuing the USS Voyager from devious holographic villains. Boimler's prized possessions, including the Mirror Archer and Spock figures, accompany him wherever he goes.

Boimler’s Mirror Archer & Spock Star Trek Action Figures Explained

: Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 takes place after the crossover event with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, although technically Lower Decks occurs chronologically after Strange New Worlds. During the crossover episode titled "Those Old Scientists," Boimler and Ensign Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome) are transported through time and join the live-action world aboard the 23rd-century USS Enterprise under Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount). Boimler initially finds great excitement in meeting his idols, such as Lt. Spock (Ethan Peck), yet it is Pike and Boimler's mutual admiration for Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) and the 22nd-century NX-01 Enterprise that allows Mariner and Boimler to find a way back home.

In Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, Lieutenants Boimler and Mariner have a special surprise for fans with their crossover appearance in Strange New Worlds. Although they are not allowed to discuss it, episode 2 titled "I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee" subtly hints at this exciting collaboration through Boimler's collection of action figures. While searching for a new living space, Bradward proudly showcases his Mirror Archer and Mirror Spock dolls alongside a collectible plate featuring the USS Cerritos. It's understandable for Boimler to have an Archer action figure given his admiration for the 22nd-century NX-01 Enterprise. However, the addition of a Mirror Universe Archer adds an intriguing twist. Perhaps Brad simply can't resist the charm of Jonathan Archer donning Captain Kirk's iconic lime green wraparound shirt from Star Trek: The Original Series.

How Does Lower Decks’ Boimler Know About Star Trek: Enterprise’s Mirror Universe?

It is rational for Boimler to possess both an action figure of Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and one dressed in the iconic crimson Naval uniform from the Star Trek: The Original Series movies. As demonstrated in the crossover with Strange New Worlds, Boimler highly admires Spock and has extensively studied the numerous books about this legendary half-Vulcan of Starfleet. However, Boimler unintentionally disrupted the romantic relationship between Spock and Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush). Nonetheless, Boimler finds inspiration in revering the older Spock, who perished and came back to life in the Star Trek movies, especially considering Boimler's own encounters with near-death situations in his early Starfleet career.

By possessing a Mirror Archer action figure, it is evident that Boimler is well aware of the Mirror Universe and the unfortunate fate that befell Jonathan Archer in that alternate reality. In the fourth season of Star Trek: Enterprise, specifically in the two-part episode titled "In a Mirror, Darkly," Commander Jonathan Archer from the ISS Enterprise devised a plan to seize control of the stranded USS Defiant, a Constitution Class starship from the main Star Trek timeline. Archer aimed to utilize its advanced 23rd-century technology to proclaim himself as the Emperor of the Terran Empire. Despite coming remarkably close to achieving his goal, Mirror Archer's ambitions were thwarted when he was poisoned by his former lover, Hoshi Sato (portrayed by Linda Park), who subsequently assumed the role of Empress following Archer's demise.

In the 24th century of Star Trek: Lower Decks, the history of the Mirror Universe has become widely known thanks to the many crossovers in Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Lt. Brad Boimler, a devoted Starfleet fan, has made it his mission to gather as much knowledge about the Mirror Universe as possible. While Captain Archer from Star Trek: Enterprise is admired, it is Mirror Universe Archer who holds the highest regard among Starfleet enthusiasts in Star Trek: Lower Decks. Don't miss out on streaming season 4 of Star Trek: Lower Decks every Thursday on Paramount+.