Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4, Episode 4 - "Something Borrowed, Something Green"
Summary
Lt. D'Vana Tendi's sister gets abducted on their native planet of Orion, prompting Tendi, Mariner, and T'Lyn to journey there as tourists and explore the Orion homeworld.
While previous depictions of Orions in Star Trek have frequently leaned on stereotypes, Tendi actively challenges these perceptions and illuminates the intricate nature of Orion culture.
Mariner and T'Lyn create a historic moment as they become the first human and Vulcan Starfleet Officers to journey to Orion, serving as esteemed representatives of Earth, Vulcan, and Starfleet. In a groundbreaking event for Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, they embark on a visit to the Orion homeworld, guided by a native Orion, presenting a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. Episode 4, titled "Something Borrowed, Something Green," finds Lt. D'Vana Tendi returning to her home on Orion to celebrate her sister D'Erika's wedding, only to discover that she has been abducted. Joined by Lieutenants Beckett Mariner and T'Lyn, Tendi's journey takes an unexpected turn as they explore the sights and experiences as guests within the Orion community.
Star Trek: Lower Decks Had The First Human & Vulcan Visit Orion Together
The Orions, introduced in "The Cage," Star Trek's original pilot that was rejected, were among the first extraterrestrial beings in the series. Captain Christopher Pike, played by Jeffrey Hunter, was captivated by an Orion slave girl in a mesmerizing illusion created by the telepathic Talosians. Throughout the Star Trek franchise, Orions have frequently been portrayed as pirates, criminals, or objects of sexual desire, particularly the Orion slave girls. However, Lieutenant Tendi actively challenges these stereotypes. While Starfleet Officers have explored Orion colonies and outposts, surprisingly, the Orion homeworld itself remains unexplored until the events of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4.
In a moment of quiet significance, Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, episode 4, known as "Something Borrowed, Something Green," etches its place in history as Lieutenants Beckett Mariner and T'Lyn become the first human and Vulcan Starfleet Officers to venture into the mysterious world of Orion. Furthermore, they find themselves as esteemed guests of the very first Orion Starfleet Officer. Originally joining Tendi and Mariner to document and report on Orion for the Vulcan High Command, T'Lyn ultimately disregards her initial intentions and, respecting Tendi's desires, discards her "damaged" PADD to safeguard Orion's secrets.
What Mariner & T’Lyn Learned About Tendi & Orions
In the 22nd century, Zephram Cochrane, portrayed by James Cromwell, is said to have visited Orion, potentially becoming the first human to step foot on the Orion homeworld, as stated in Star Trek: Star Charts. However, it should be noted that the legitimacy of Star Trek: Star Charts as official canon is questionable. What can be considered canon is the portrayal of Mariner and T'Lyn representing Earth, Vulcan, and Starfleet, who were warmly received as honored guests by Tendi and her family. During their visit, Mariner and T'Lyn had the opportunity to witness an Orion wedding, along with various peculiar (and sometimes violent) customs practiced by the green-skinned race.
Lt. D'Vana Tendi, also known as the "Mistress of the Winter Constellations," had a fascinating backstory revealed in Star Trek: Lower Decks. Despite her impressive title, Tendi chose a different path by joining Starfleet, rejecting her original destiny as an Orion assassin known as a Prime. Nonetheless, her exceptional combat abilities, which she has demonstrated on numerous occasions, can be attributed to her past as a Prime. Interestingly, D'Vana's sister ultimately assumed the role of a Prime, a position that D'Erika did not initially aspire to.
According to Tendi, the Orion culture is much more intricate than just piracy, even though they are a dangerous and violent group prone to criminal activities. Mariner experienced being stabbed multiple times by throwing knives, and she and T'Lyn observed that some Orions emit pheromones that make them alluring and irresistible. Additionally, Orions have a unique way of resolving conflicts through a game called the "murder bug drinking game." It is understandable why Tendi avoids the unpleasant aspects of Orion culture and instead embraces a more open-minded appreciation for science and the galaxy as a Starfleet member. Star Trek: Lower Decks beautifully portrayed the Orion homeworld, finally allowing Mariner and T'Lyn to take pride in being the first human and Vulcan Starfleet Officers to set foot on Orion. Don't miss the streaming of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 on Paramount+ every Thursday.
