Star Trek: Lower Decks - A Comprehensive Ranking of All 4 Seasons

Article Overview

Season 4 of Star Trek: Lower Decks surpasses all expectations, boasting a captivating and audacious storyline along with the highly anticipated comeback of a cherished character. In season 2, the spotlight shines brightly on the characters and their intricate relationships, presenting tender moments and heartwarming friendships.

Season 3 of Lower Decks is packed with exciting Star Trek references, but it may be perceived as overly busy and less fulfilling compared to previous seasons.

Having completed four seasons, fans are bound to start ranking Star Trek: Lower Decks seasons 1 to 4 from least to most favorite. This animated comedy series has quietly emerged as one of the finest in the contemporary Star Trek franchise, skillfully blending humor, emotional depth, and grand science fiction concepts. While labeling any season of Lower Decks as the "worst" would be unjust, it is true that the show took some time to resonate with viewers. The fast-paced dialogue and abundance of jokes in animated form proved to be overwhelming for certain fans who preferred a more serious tone for their Star Trek experience.

4. Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 1

Star Trek: Lower Decks has admirably remained true to its vision and has grown increasingly confident over time. The gripping two-part finale of its fourth season rivaled the excitement of the finest Star Trek films, skillfully blending obscure references to past events with uproarious moments of humor. Serving as a satisfying culmination of the show's impressive four-season run, it ingeniously connected with the beloved Star Trek: The Next Generation episode that initially sparked its creation. As we eagerly await the fifth season, it will be captivating to witness the Lower Deckers' progression up the ranks of Starfleet in their continuing careers.

Star Trek: Lower Decks season 1 surpasses many of its esteemed counterparts within the franchise by effectively establishing its own identity. The animated format and irreverent tone of Lower Decks proved to be both advantageous and disadvantageous in its debut season. On one hand, it allowed the show to confidently pave its own path and break new ground within the Star Trek universe. However, not everyone resonated with this tone, leading to unfair criticism from fans who compared it to more audacious sci-fi comedies like Rich & Morty, a series created by Mike McMahan, the mastermind behind Lower Decks.

Star Trek: Lower Decks season 1 offers a plethora of remarkable moments, ranging from the appearance of Captain Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes) from Star Trek: TNG to the brilliant satirical take on the Star Trek films. These instances were not mere fan service, but rather meticulously crafted to deeply impact the characters. For instance, the homages to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan served as a creative means to delve into the inner psyche of Ensign Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome) and reveal the revelation that she is the daughter of Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis) to Ensign Bradward Boimler (Jack Quaid). Essentially, Lower Decks season 1 encapsulates all the elements that make the show exceptional, albeit in its early stages.

3. Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 3

In season 3 of Star Trek: Lower Decks, the show demonstrates a remarkable confidence in its place within the larger franchise. Notably, the season begins with an intriguing cliffhanger resolution, as Mariner leads the Lower Decks on an unsanctioned and ultimately unnecessary mission to vindicate Captain Freeman. The opening episode alone features an impressive array of cameos, from Lt. Tuvok of Star Trek: Voyager (played by Tim Russ) to Zefram Cochrane (played by James Cromwell). This bold statement of intent sets the stage for Lower Decks season 3. However, as the season progresses, there is a lingering sense that it may become overly hectic for its own good.

The return of Deep Space Nine is the highlight of Star Trek: Lower Decks' third season. It updates viewers on the whereabouts of Quark and Colonel Kira Nerys from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The season excitedly explores the Star Trek universe but relies heavily on continuity references. While filled with thrilling Star Trek nods, season 3 is not as fulfilling as seasons 2 and 4 of Lower Decks.

Additionally, season 3 of Star Trek: Lower Decks introduces the return of William Boimler, who joins Section 31 and may potentially come back for season 5.

2. Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 2

Star Trek: Lower Decks season 2 took the foundation laid by its predecessor and elevated it to new heights. The show became even more confident, placing a stronger emphasis on character relationships. This approach allowed for the humor to soar, as it derived from the interactions and dynamics of the characters themselves. The spotlight on Ensigns Sam Rutherford (Eugene Cordero) and D'Vana Tendi (Noël Wells) amplified their charm and endearing friendship, endearing them even further to the audience. Lower Decks' finest episodes exuded genuine heartfelt moments, and season 2 proudly showcases this sentiment.

Nowhere is

1. Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4

this better demonstrated than the thrilling return of the cliffhanger intertitle, reminiscent of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It not only evokes nostalgic feelings associated with 90s Star Trek, but also captivates viewers due to its impact on the characters. The arresting of Captain Freeman for the destruction of Pakled Planet serves as a genuinely shocking cliffhanger that visibly and emotionally affects every member of the USS Cerritos crew. With this cliffhanger alone, season 2 distinguishes Star Trek: Lower Decks as a matured series.

1. Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4

Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 surpasses all previous seasons, showcasing the animated comedy's greatest confidence and boldness since its debut in 2020. Showrunner Mike McMahan's trust in his writing team is evident in the audacious return of Robert Duncan McNeill's Nick Locarno, which is executed flawlessly. This season boasts the most prominent storyline yet, from the enigmatic ship to the thrilling revelation of Locarno's Nova Fleet in the finale. However, the true charm of season 4 lies in its well-developed characters and the audience's deep attachment to them.

The addition of Provisional Lieutenant T'Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz) breathes new life into the show, infusing it with Vulcan charm that is truly one-of-a-kind. Mariner's previously rebellious and edgy behavior now becomes a cause for concern for her fellow Lower Deckers and viewers alike. The triggering of Mariner's existential crisis by her recollection of Ensign Sito Jaxa's (Shannon Fill) death is a prime example of how Mike McMahan injects genuine depth into what could easily be dismissed as mere fan service. Furthermore, the clever reference to a memorable episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, which inspired the inception of Star Trek: Lower Decks, helps to bring the series full circle. With season 5 already confirmed, the possibilities are limitless for the USS Cerritos crew.

All episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks are streaming now on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about Star Trek: Lower Decks. On the one hand, I appreciate its humor and irreverence. The show is not afraid to poke fun at itself and the Star Trek franchise as a whole. I also enjoy the characters, who are all well-developed and likable. On the other hand, I sometimes find the show to be too silly and over-the-top. I would prefer it if there was a bit more balance between the humor and the drama.

Overall, I think Star Trek: Lower Decks is a good show, but it is not my favorite Star Trek series. I would recommend it to fans of the franchise who are looking for something a little different. However, I would caution those who are looking for a more serious Star Trek experience to look elsewhere.