The Unbelievable Secret Behind the Mysterious Koala in Star Trek

Summary

The smiling koala in Star Trek: Lower Decks is a mysterious entity that appears in the background and is referenced by various characters throughout the series.

The koala, portrayed as a gatekeeper between life and death, becomes significant when Lieutenant Junior Grade Brad Boimler encounters it following his demise in the most recent episode.

Creator Mike McMahan of Lower Decks affirms that the show, along with the presence of the cosmic koala, is considered canon in the Star Trek universe and includes deliberate references to the history of Star Trek.

WARNING: This contains spoilers for episode 3 of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, titled "In the Cradle of Vexilon." A peculiar and enigmatic presence has emerged in Star Trek: Lower Decks, and it takes on the form of a koala. To add to its intrigue, this koala is depicted with a cheerful expression but holds onto some hidden knowledge. This adorable celestial creature can be spotted in the background of the introductory sequence that plays before each episode of Lower Decks, immediately following the USS Cerritos swiftly passing by the Star Trek logo. It also makes an appearance in the animated opening credits of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 7, titled "Those Old Scientists," which has a crossover with Lower Decks. Moreover, the koala is mentioned at least once per season in Lower Decks, and those who have claimed to have seen it share a common trait.

For instance, in season 1 of Star Trek: Lower Decks, episode 4, titled "Moist Vessel," Lieutenant O'Connor (Haley Joel Osment) discloses during his spiritual elevation that the universe rests upon the back of a cheerful koala. Ensign Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid) asserts having encountered the koala while unconscious in season 2, episode 10 of Lower Decks, titled "First First Contact." Additionally, in season 3, episode 3 of Lower Decks, titled "Mining the Mind's Mines," Lt. Commander Steve Stevens (Ben Rodgers) references the koala after being petrified. Lastly, in season 3, episode 8 of Lower Decks, titled "Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus," a character within the holodeck invokes the koala while exuberantly expressing their blessings.

Star Trek: Lower Decks’ Koala Explained

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In Star Trek: Lower Decks, the koala serves as a guardian between life and death. In the third episode of season four, titled "In the Cradle of Vexilon," Lieutenant Junior Grade Brad Boimler, who has recently been promoted, encounters both the koala and his own demise. Following his death, Boimler finds himself in a room with a radiant koala. The koala cryptically utters a phrase that sends Boimler back to his charred body. However, upon reversing the audio, it becomes clear that the koala is actually saying, "It is not your time, Bradward Boimler." Fortunately, Boimler's valiant death and subsequent resurrection align him with a long list of Star Trek characters who have returned from the dead.

All the characters who have encountered the koala or acknowledge its existence have undergone an experience that separates their conscious mind from their physical body, assuming they have one. Lieutenant O'Connor's transcendence places him beyond the realms of both life and death, making him a suitable candidate to uncover the secrets of the koala. Lieutenant Commander Stevens, after encountering psychic mines, finds his physical form transformed into stone, only to have his body restored upon returning to the Cerritos. It can be inferred that his consciousness was connected with the koala during this time. While only a select few Star Trek holograms possess true sentience, Boimler's program is aligned with his unconscious knowledge, as it conforms to his own expectations.

Yes, Lower Decks’ Koala Is Star Trek Canon

All official Star Trek television series and movies, including Star Trek: Lower Decks and its cosmic koala, are considered canon. Creator Mike McMahan has confirmed that Lower Decks is part of the canon, as it intentionally references Star Trek history. Additionally, the crossover with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds places Lower Decks within the live-action timeline. The presence of the cosmic koala is a nod to the inherent weirdness that has always been a part of the Star Trek universe, as seen in previous series like Star Trek: Voyager. While the cosmic koala is currently unique to Star Trek: Lower Decks, there is always a possibility of its return. Only time will tell. Catch the latest episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 streaming on Paramount+ every Thursday.