Unveiling the Ultimate Holodeck Dream Team in Star Trek - Say Farewell to Bashir & O'Brien
Lower Decks' Rutherford and Boimler reign supreme as Star Trek's ultimate holodeck duo, surpassing DS9's Bashir and O'Brien Experience their unrivaled cosplay adventures in this beloved Star Trek tradition
Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4, Episode 4 - "Something Borrowed, Something Green"
Summary
Boimler and Rutherford elevate themselves as the ultimate holodeck duo in Star Trek, outshining the legendary pairing of Bashir and O'Brien.
In a unique twist, they mend their differences by immersing themselves in a captivating Mississippi riverboat fantasy, donning the personas of Mark Twain.
Boimler and Rutherford, the new dynamic duo in Star Trek: Lower Decks, continue the tradition of entertaining holodeck adventures. Joined by the comedic talents of Lieutenant Brad Boimler (played by Jack Quaid) and Lieutenant Sam Rutherford (played by Eugene Cordero), they take the place of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's iconic duo, Dr. Julian Bashir (Alexander Siddig) and Chief Miles O'Brien (Colm Meaney). As newly promoted Lt. junior grade Boimler and Rutherford become roommates on the USS Cerritos, their unique bond may unsettle some, like Lt. T'Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz). However, their occasional disagreements and peculiar problem-solving methods within the holodeck keep things far from harmonious.
Lower Decks’ Boimler & Rutherford Replaced DS9’s Bashir & O’Brien As Star Trek’s Best Holodeck Duo
In Star Trek: The Next Generation, holodecks were introduced as a groundbreaking feature that expanded the storytelling possibilities beyond science fiction. These holodecks have enabled the crew of the USS Enterprise-D to recreate iconic settings such as the Sherwood Forest of Robin Hood or the 19th-century London of Sherlock Holmes. On Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, individuals could rent holosuites at Quark's Bar for a nominal fee of Latinum, allowing them to indulge in their wildest fantasies, including exciting gambling experiences in a 1962 Las Vegas casino and enjoying the enchanting performances of Vic Fontaine crooning golden oldies. Although some prefer to explore the holodeck alone, it is undeniably more enjoyable with a companion. Chief O'Brien and Dr. Bashir, renowned as Star Trek's finest holodeck duo, held this title until Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4.
In Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, episode 4, "Something Borrowed, Something Green," Lt. Brad Boimler and Lt. Sam Rutherford proved themselves to be the ultimate holodeck duo. When their peaceful coexistence as roommates came crashing down due to a disagreement over their bonsai tree, they turned to the holodeck to settle their dispute. Surprisingly, they both chose to cosplay as Mark Twain in a 19th-century Mississippi riverboat setting. Amidst a heated exchange of clever insults, Brad and Sam realized that channeling Twain's persona helped them find common ground and restore their friendship. Unfortunately, their Mark Twain fantasy was banned by Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis). Consequently, the dynamic duo hilariously switched gears and began portraying Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart together, keeping their unique and entertaining bond intact.
Boimler and Rutherford's hilarious holodeck cosplays continue the tradition set by Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's iconic duo, Dr. Bashir and Chief O'Brien. Just like Julian and Miles, who often disappeared for hours on end in Quark's holosuites, immersing themselves in simulations of historical events like the Battle of Britain and the Alamo, Boimler and Rutherford's friendship thrives in the world of holographic fantasies. These whimsical cosplay adventures served as a source of sanity during the darkest periods of the Dominion War. Unfortunately, Bashir and O'Brien's escapades came to an end when they went their separate ways after Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. However, Boimler and Rutherford are now boldly treading the path blazed by their predecessors, but with an even greater dose of humor and peculiarity.
Holodeck Duos Are A Great Star Trek Tradition Lower Decks Maintains
Star Trek: Lower Decks continues the beloved tradition of Star Trek holodeck duos. From Lt. Commanders Data and Geordi La Forge embarking on Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson adventures in Star Trek: The Next Generation, to Lt. Tom Paris embracing the role of Captain Proton alongside Buster Kincaid, portrayed by Ensign Harry Kim in Star Trek: Voyager, these holodeck partnerships always guarantee an enjoyable experience for Star Trek fans. The dynamic duo of Dr. Bashir and Chief O'Brien on DS9 set the gold standard for running gags in the series.
Before Chief O'Brien, Dr. Bashir fulfilled his secret agent dreams as Julian Bashir, the holodeck's very own James Bond. Accompanied by Garak (Andrew J. Robinson), the duo became the ultimate holodeck team in Star Trek. Now, after Julian and Miles have gone their separate ways, Lt. Brad Boimler and Lt. Sam Rutherford have taken up the mantle as a hilariously entertaining holodeck duo. Hopefully, they continue exploring even stranger holodeck fantasies on Star Trek: Lower Decks. Catch season 4 of Star Trek: Lower Decks streaming on Paramount+ every Thursday.
