The Surprising Reason Starships in Star Trek Are Carpeted
Discover the quirky carpet mystery aboard starships in Star Trek Unveiling the connection between Picard Season 3 and the need for carpets on the Enterprise-G Dive into the fascinating world of starship aesthetics
Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4, Episode 5 - "Empathalogical Fallacies"
Summary
"Star Trek: Lower Decks" uncovers the reason behind the presence of carpeting on Starfleet starships, as Betazoid diplomats humorously remark that it provides the perfect spot for taking a snooze.
The inclusion of the carpet joke in "Lower Decks" mirrors a comparable quip made by Admiral Jean-Luc Picard in season 3 of "Star Trek: Picard," injecting lightheartedness into poignant occasions.
Carpeting on starships may appear impractical, but it offers a more comfortable landing surface for crew members during turbulent situations. Star Trek: Lower Decks recently uncovered a potential explanation for the prevalence of carpeting on Starfleet's starships. In season 4, episode 5 titled "Empathalogical Fallacies," the USS Cerritos transports three Betazoid diplomats from Angel One to Risa. These three women clearly enjoyed their time at parties on Angel One and intend to continue their festivities aboard the Cerritos. Captain Carol Freeman, Commander Jack Ransom, and Lt. T'Lyn accompany them to their quarters, engaging in flirtation and playful banter regarding their "mission."
Star Trek’s Carpet Joke Follows Picard Season 3’s Carpet Joke
As the Betazoid diplomats from Star Trek: Lower Decks leisurely enjoy their Angel One souvenir cups filled with large beverages, one of them delightfully remarks, "Oh, I absolutely adore your Starfleet carpeting. It's absolutely perfect for comfortably passing out." This clever quip is swiftly delivered at the outset of the episode, offering an unexpected explanation to a question that viewers may never have pondered: Why do starships have carpet? While it certainly holds true that carpeting would be the preferred choice over hardwood or tile when one intends to lose consciousness, this humorous remark also echoes a witty comment previously uttered by Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) in the third season of Star Trek: Picard.
Commodore Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) surprises everyone in Star Trek: Picard season 3, episode 9, "Vox," by revealing his remarkable feat of completely rebuilding and restoring the USS Enterprise-D. As the former TNG crew steps foot onto the iconic ship's bridge after an absence of decades, Admiral Picard nonchalantly interjects, "You know, it's in this moment, being reunited with all of you, that I suddenly realize what I miss the most. The carpet." It's a lighthearted remark from Jean-Luc Picard, a character not known for excessive displays of emotion, and it adds a touch of humor to an otherwise profoundly emotional encounter.
Upon further contemplation, it is indeed peculiar that starships would possess such a copious amount of carpeting when materials like metal or tile would undoubtedly prove more pragmatic. Considering the countless predicaments Starfleet vessels encounter, it appears that carpeting not only poses a sanitation issue but also constitutes a distinct fire hazard. Nevertheless, reflecting upon Star Trek: The Next Generation, it is worth noting that the members of the bridge crew frequently find themselves propelled out of their chairs by energy beams, hostile extraterrestrial weaponry, or enigmatic spatial phenomena. In such instances, landing upon carpeting would undeniably yield a more comfortable sensation compared to the jarring collision with an unyielding metal floor.
Star Trek: Picard’s Titan Didn’t Have A Carpet But Enterprise-G Needs One
When Star Trek transitioned to the modern era of television, it revamped its starship designs. The USS Titan-A opted for a sleek grey flooring instead of carpeting. Despite the abundance of lights and the polished gleam of the floors, the bridge exudes a darker ambiance compared to that of the Enterprise-D. The Titan's sleek and brooding aesthetic perfectly complemented the narrative of Picard season 3. Numerous intense moments unfolded on this bridge, including the unfortunate demise of several officers. A bright and cheerful bridge with red carpets would have felt entirely incongruous.
Perhaps, if Captain Liam Shaw (Todd Stashwick) had landed on soft carpeting instead of the hard floors of the Titan's bridge, he wouldn't have suffered so many injuries. To give the proposed Picard spin-off, Star Trek: Legacy, a fresh and different atmosphere, it could be beneficial to redesign the bridge of the USS Enterprise-G with a brighter look and the addition of carpeting. This change might also be helpful for situations when officers are thrown out of their chairs or require rest. Taking inspiration from the Betazoids in Star Trek: Lower Decks, integrating Starfleet carpeting could be a wise choice. Don't forget to catch Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, streaming on Paramount+ every Thursday.
