Summary
The new episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks features a cave monster called the Grafflax, which is reminiscent of the Horta from the original Star Trek series.
Lieutenant Rutherford assumes a role akin to Mr. Spock in the Original Series, utilizing his engineering expertise to discover non-aggressive resolutions and engage in communication with the Grafflax.
Rutherford's approach resonates with the Star Trek doctrine of comprehending and advocating for peace, emphasizing the conscious intentions of apparently perilous beings.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for season 4, episode 8 of Star Trek: Lower Decks titled "Caves."
In the latest episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks, a new creature in a cave brings back memories of a classic alien from the original Star Trek series. Lieutenant Samanthan Rutherford finds himself in a role similar to that of Mr. Spock as he navigates the challenges of this unexpected encounter. Stranded in a cave during a mission gone wrong, the crew members of the USS Cerritos, known as the Lower Deckers, take turns recounting their past experiences with cave-related missions. Rutherford shares his account of facing the formidable Grafflax alongside Dr. T'Ana, a monstrous creature that was believed to have vanished from the memories of the inhabitants of Balkus 9, including their guide Thusa.
Star Trek: Lower Decks' latest episode depicted a flashback where Rutherford and T'Ana were dispatched to Balkus 9 with the task of obtaining a specific type of fern. This particular plant was crucial for developing a much-needed medication, and it could only be found in the shallow pools of the planet's caves. The storyline followed a classic Star Trek: The Next Generation-era plot.
During their time on Balkus 9, Rutherford and T'Ana received guidance from a local resident named Thusa on gathering the plant. Thusa reassured them that the Grafflax, a potentially dangerous creature, hadn't posed a threat for generations. However, just as Thusa finished speaking, the monster suddenly emerged from the darkness, attacking her. In a tragic turn of events, Thusa transferred her offspring into Rutherford before passing away. This left Samanthan and Dr. T'Ana responsible for caring for the baby while they searched for an escape route.
In a later encounter, the Grafflax spotted the child, aggravating the situation. This ultimately led to the successful escape of the away team from the Cerritos.
Star Trek: Lower Decks' New Cave Monster Calls Back To TOS' Horta
In Star Trek: Lower Decks's "Caves" episode, the Grafflax pays homage to the Horta from Star Trek: The Original Series season 1, episode 26 "The Devil in the Dark". Similar to the Grafflax, the Horta resides in caves and eliminates trespassers who encroach on its territory, which is being exploited by invasive mining. While investigating the perplexing deaths, the USS Enterprise realizes that the Horta, a slug-shaped creature composed of silicon, displays signs of intelligence through its responses to Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), suggesting a higher level of consciousness. By engaging in a mind-meld with the Horta, Spock uncovers two significant revelations: the Horta is sentient and fiercely guarding its eggs.
How Lower Decks' Lt. Rutherford Echoed Spock In TOS
The Grafflax is fulfilling its duty by safeguarding its young from intruders who are pilfering resources from their cave habitats. It comes to light that the crucial biomatter required by Rutherford and Dr. T'Ana to produce the medicine is found on the backs of juvenile Grafflaxes, which can easily be mistaken for cave-dwelling plants in the shallow pools. Due to their exceptional camouflage, the Grafflax appendages detach from the creatures upon harvesting, hence remaining unnoticed. The people of Balkus 9, on the other hand, falsely perceive the Grafflax as a mindless beast that kills without discrimination, while the Grafflax assumes the humanoid presence aims to harm its offspring intentionally.
Lieutenant Rutherford in Star Trek: Lower Decks resembles Mr. Spock from Star Trek: The Original Series in terms of finding a clever solution. The miners and Kirk fail to understand the Horta's attempts to communicate, leading them to call for its termination in order to protect themselves. On the other hand, Spock manages to comprehend the Horta's intentions through a mind meld, allowing it to express its pain and aversion to death. Similarly, Rutherford displays his quick thinking and engineering prowess by converting his tricorder into a makeshift translator for the Grafflax's vocalizations. While interacting, the Grafflax notices Rutherford's child, and the two connect over the shared experience of parenthood. Consequently, the Grafflax clarifies that it was merely defending its offspring.
Lt. Rutherford, a knowledgeable Starfleet officer in historical records, may be taking inspiration from Spock's mission report. Similar to Spock, Rutherford avoids resorting to killing, even in self-defense, and instead focuses on peaceful communication. Both Spock and Rutherford prioritize the survival of not only themselves but also others by considering the motivations of seemingly violent beings. This strategy promotes understanding and reflects the longstanding principles of Star Trek, which are also evident in Star Trek: Lower Decks, streaming on Paramount+ every Thursday.
