WARNING: Spoilers ahead for the season 4 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks!
Star Trek: Lower Decks has concluded its current season, but fans can look forward to season 5 as it has already been confirmed by showrunner Mike McMahan. In the season 4 finale titled "Old Friends, New Planets," Lieutenant junior grade D'Vana Tendi (Noël Wells) made a sacrifice by ending her Starfleet career to save Lt. JG Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome), leaving Lieutenant junior grade Sam Rutherford (Eugene Cordero) saddened by her departure. However, the other Lower Deckers are optimistic that Tendi will return for season 5.
The season 4 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks has set up several plotlines that will be explored in future episodes. Yet, showrunner Mike McMahan has cautioned fans not to become too complacent about the show's security, as the cancellation of Star Trek: Prodigy season 2 serves as a reminder that even with a commission, there's no guarantee a show will make it to air. Nevertheless, with the continued success of Star Trek: Lower Decks, there is hope that not only will season 5 air, but that future seasons will also be produced.
Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Is Confirmed
Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 was confirmed before a single episode of season 4 aired, showcasing Paramount's unwavering confidence in the show. While the lackluster treatment of Star Trek: Prodigy season 2 prompts some contemplation, the two-part Lower Decks finale proved to be an exhilarating film, ultimately dispelling any notion that it is solely a Star Trek comedy. The exhilarating climax of Lower Decks, coupled with the overwhelmingly positive responses from viewers, should undoubtedly ensure the continuation of further adventures for the esteemed crew of the USS Cerritos.
When Will Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Be Released?
The announcement of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 before the airing of season 4 suggests a potential release date in late summer 2024. However, the ongoing strike by SAG-AFTRA poses a challenge as voice actors are currently unable to record their lines for season 5. During NYCC, Mike McMahan shared details about the upcoming season, mentioning that the scripts are nearing completion in anticipation of a 2024 release. Fortunately, animated productions generally have a faster turnaround time compared to live-action, allowing for the possibility of Lower Decks season 5 adhering to its planned 2024 release date if an agreement between SAG-AFTRA and the studios is reached in a timely manner.
Is Everyone Back For Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5?
Despite Tendi's departure from the USS Cerritos to rejoin the Orions in Star Trek, the Lower Deckers remain optimistic about her eventual return to Starfleet. Joining the cast of Star Trek: Lower Decks in season 5, Provisional Lieutenant T'Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz) has quickly won over audiences and will continue serving aboard the USS Cerritos. Following her resolution regarding promotion-related issues, Mariner is back on the Cerritos with a renewed commitment to avoiding self-destructive behavior in season 5 of Lower Decks. The dynamic duo of Bradward Boimler (Jack Quaid) and Sam Rutherford, known for their peculiar living arrangement, will also be making a comeback alongside the rest of the supporting cast.
What Could Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Be About?
In season 5, Mike McMahan hints at a possible return to Orion and hints at some potential romantic developments for Scott Bakula's character, Star Trek: Enterprise. Boimler, after his short period as acting Captain, is expected to pursue a career in command. However, his transporter clone, William Boimler, remains at large and may serve as the main antagonist for season 5. Additionally, the reformed hologram Goodgey, portrayed by Jack McBrayer, could introduce exciting new storylines for Rutherford and the rest of the USS Cerritos crew in Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5.
All episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 are streaming now on Paramount+.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the announcement of Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5. The show has been a breath of fresh air for the Star Trek franchise, and I can't wait to see what the next season has in store.
I'm particularly excited to see how the show will deal with Tendi's departure. Her sacrifice in the season 4 finale was a powerful moment, and I'm curious to see how the other Lower Deckers will cope without her. I'm also hoping that we'll get to see more of T'Lyn in season 5. She was a great addition to the cast in season 4, and I'm eager to see how her character develops.
Overall, I'm very optimistic about the future of Star Trek: Lower Decks. The show has a great cast, a talented writing team, and a passionate fan base. I can't wait to see what the next season has in store.