Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4 Finale - "Old Friends, New Planets"
Article Overview
In Lower Decks season 4's finale, Lt. Brad Boimler transitions into the role of Acting Captain Boimler and impressively excels in his inaugural experience commanding a starship. Fulfilling his long-held aspiration of becoming a starship captain, Boimler displays potential for greatness, despite his enthusiastic nature and neurotic tendencies.
Lt. T'Lyn, the new Vulcan officer on board the USS Cerritos, perfectly embodies the Spock-like qualities of a First Officer, complimenting Captain Boimler's leadership akin to Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek series.
In the season 4 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks, Lieutenant Brad Boimler's future as Captain Boimler shines brilliantly. Titled "Old Friends, New Planets," the conclusion of Lower Decks season 4 depicts the USS Cerritos defying Starfleet in a daring rescue mission to save Lieutenant Beckett Mariner. Trapped in the Detrion System by the disgraced ex-Starfleet Cadet Nicholas Locarno, Mariner's salvation comes at the price of an insurrection. Throughout season 4, Locarno, portrayed by Robert Duncan McNeill, served as the formidable adversary and attempted to establish himself as the leader of the Nova Fleet using a stolen Ferengi Genesis Device as leverage.
Ensign Brad Boimler kicked off season 4 of Star Trek: Lower Decks with a newfound sense of purpose, thanks to his life-altering encounter with Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the USS Enterprise in the 23rd century. Boimler and Mariner found themselves thrust into a time-traveling adventure during the crossover with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2. In this unique experience, they had the privilege of meeting their esteemed idols: Captain Pike, Lt. Spock, Number One, and Ensign Nyota Uhura. Fascinatingly enough, Boimler utilized his ingenuity to find his way back to the 24th century by reactivating a time portal. Despite his occasional blunders, Bradward managed to leave a positive impression on Captain Pike. As someone who aspires to one day command a starship, Boimler drew inspiration from his time in "the golden age of exploration." Furthermore, his heroic actions in saving the USS Voyager resulted in his well-deserved promotion to Lieutenant, junior grade, in the season 4 premiere of Lower Decks, titled "Twovix."
Lower Decks Just Showed Boimler’s Future As Captain
Boimler's first command of the USS Cerritos was a big success.
In the final episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, Lieutenant Brad Boimler stepped into the role of Acting Captain Boimler and impressed everyone with his exceptional command skills. Taking charge of the Cerritos' bridge, Boimler gave Captain Carol Freeman the opportunity to personally lead the rescue operation for Mariner on her Captain's Yacht. Boimler's crucial task was to utilize the Cerritos' tractor beam in order to tow a massive Orion battleship and forcefully hurl it into Nick Locarno's Trynar Shield. This daring plan proved successful, breaking down the shield temporarily and allowing Freeman's Captain's Yacht to smoothly navigate through and save Mariner.
In Star Trek: Picard season 3, Captain Will Riker threw an asteroid at the Shrike, similar to Boimler throwing a battleship. However, Brad accomplished this feat 20 years prior to Will.
From the Strange New Worlds crossover, it was revealed that Boimler has always aspired to become a starship captain ever since he saw a recruitment poster featuring Number One and her motto, "Ad Astra Per Aspera," which inspired him to join Starfleet. While Boimler has played the role of a starship captain on the holodeck, it wasn't until the finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 that he got a chance to command for real. Despite Brad's eager nature, desire to please, and neurotic tendencies, he possesses a genuine love for Starfleet and has an extensive knowledge about it. It is clear that Boimler is destined to become a starship captain and he exhibits potential to be an exceptional one.
T’Lyn Is The Perfect Spock To Boimler’s Captain Kirk
A great starship Captain needs a Vulcan First Officer.
In Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, it became evident that Lt. Brad Boimler had great chemistry with the USS Cerritos' new Vulcan officer, Lieutenant T'Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz). Together, they exuded a dynamic reminiscent of the iconic duo Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) from Star Trek: The Original Series. In the season 4 finale of Lower Decks, T'Lyn seamlessly took on the role of Spock, standing by Acting Captain Boimler.
In the episode "I Have No Bones, Yet I Must Flee" of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, Lt. T'Lyn gave Boimler the confidence to lead Ensigns on his first away mission as a Lieutenant. T'Lyn has proven to be a valuable addition to the Cerritos crew, and she decided to stay on the ship in the season 4 finale. As a Vulcan among the energetic Starfleet Officers, she provides a perfect balance for Brad Boimler. While their future in Star Trek: Lower Decks remains uncertain, it would be a logical choice for T'Lyn to become Captain Boimler's First Officer if he ever commands a starship.
Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 is available to stream on Paramount+.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited to see the rise of Captain Boimler in Star Trek: Lower Decks. Boimler is a relatable character who has worked hard to achieve his dream of becoming a starship captain. His journey is inspiring, and I believe he will make an excellent leader.
I also appreciate the dynamic between Boimler and his Vulcan First Officer, T'Lyn. Their relationship is reminiscent of the iconic Captain Kirk and Spock duo, and I think it will be interesting to see how it develops in future seasons.
Overall, I am very excited about the future of Star Trek: Lower Decks. The show has a great cast of characters, and I can't wait to see what they get up to next.