The Ultimate Crossover: Star Trek & Twin Peaks' Mind-Blowing Connection!

Summary

Lt. Boimler's first away mission in Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, episode 3, "In the Cradle of Vexilon," sends him to a strange room resembling Twin Peaks' Red Room.

The Red Room's resemblance to Twin Peaks is probably just a reference and holds no significant significance in the Star Trek world. Both Twin Peaks and Star Trek share connections such as actors and the presence of Catherine E. Coulson, who contributed to both franchises. Additionally, the recurring gag of the enigmatic koalas in Lower Decks adds to this connection.

WARNING: Spoilers ahead for episode 3 of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, titled "In the Cradle of Vexilon."

Although Star Trek and Twin Peaks may seem unrelated, a surprising connection is made in the latest episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks. In this episode, titled "In the Cradle of Vexilon," Lieutenant Brad Boimler finds himself in the same location where Laura Palmer used to reside. Now a newly promoted lieutenant, Boimler leads his inaugural away mission while Captain Carol Freeman endeavors to fix the ancient computer controlling Corazonia. Meanwhile, Boimler and his team focus on replacing power tubes at the planet's power station.

Star Trek: Lower Decks' Twin Peaks Easter Egg Explained

Struggling with his confidence as a leader, Boimler avoids risking the lives of the ensigns on his team by shouldering most of the tasks himself. Only when circumstances reach a critical point does he reluctantly seek assistance. As the situation becomes increasingly perilous, Boimler commands the ensigns to evacuate, providing Captain Freeman with the time she requires to reboot the computer. Although Boimler successfully shuts down the power station, he finds himself engulfed in a massive explosion. Believed to be deceased, Boimler awakens in an eerie room that bears resemblance to the enigmatic and beloved setting of David Lynch's cult classic, Twin Peaks.

After his demise in season 4, episode 3 of Star Trek: Lower Decks, Lt. Boimler awakens in a peculiar chamber adorned with zig-zagging stripes on the floor. The only furnishings present are a solitary armchair and a lamp. This room bears a striking resemblance to the enigmatic Red Room featured in Twin Peaks. Twin Peaks revolves around the investigation of the untimely death of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) and encompasses a plethora of surreal and fantastical elements, including the Red Room, also known as the Black Lodge. Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan), the lead investigator in Laura's murder case, occasionally envisioned this enigmatic room where he would engage in conversations with the deceased Laura Palmer.

Other Star Trek And Twin Peaks Connections

Before Gillian Vigman's character, Dr. T'ana, resurrects Boimler in Lower Decks, he encounters a peculiar glowing koala that communicates with him in reverse, reminiscent of the creatures in Twin Peak's Black Lodge. While the full explanation of this enigmatic koala remains a mystery, it has evolved into a recurring comedic element since the first season of Lower Decks. The inclusion of the Red Room in Lower Decks likely serves as a subtle homage to Twin Peaks rather than having a profound narrative significance. Nevertheless, it showcases a clever connection between these distinct television series. While this reference may be the most overt nod to Twin Peaks in the Star Trek franchise, it is not the sole link between these two iconic worlds.

During the 1990s, both Twin Peaks and various Star Trek series captivated audiences. Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered in 1987, paving the way for Star Trek's dominance in the decade. Given their similar genres and intertwined timelines, it comes as no surprise that numerous actors appeared in both Twin Peaks and Star Trek. Some notable individuals who graced the screens of both shows include David Warner, Ray Wise, and Carel Struycken. Furthermore, the 2017 revival of Twin Peaks on Showtime even saw the appearance of a few Star Trek actors, such as Ashley Judd and John Billingsley.

Fans of Twin Peaks will immediately recognize the iconic log lady portrayed by the late Catherine E. Coulson. Although Coulson did not appear in Star Trek herself, she made a significant impact on the franchise. Coulson broke barriers by serving as the First Assistant Camera for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, making her one of the pioneering women in this role. In this position, Coulson played a vital role in shaping the visual style of Wrath of Khan, overseeing the coordination of up to five cameras simultaneously. Despite the apparent differences between Star Trek and Twin Peaks, the latest addition to the Star Trek universe, Lower Decks, establishes another connection between the two. And as for the enigmatic koala? Well, things are not always as they seem with the koalas. Don't forget to catch the streaming of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 on Paramount+ every Thursday.