The fifth and final season of Lower Decks has aired and as always, we have been a fan of this show since the beginning, so we are more than willing to jump in with another Conner’s Critique of the series.
Like prior years, we cover the series by talking about the story, acting, and overall. So let’s jump on into the final season of Lower Decks!
Story 9.5/10
The season starts off pretty straightforward, the crew is forced to run around and clear up small breaches within the fabric of the multiverse. It’s not explained exactly what these are, how they’re fixing them per se, or what’s causing them, but it is a recurring theme throughout the season. The series, however, continues on and the show still focuses on its regular episodic format with a connecting story of these persistent tears opening and effecting their journeys.
Early on in the series, however, Mariner and Boimler become accidentally thrust into an alternate dimension’s universe alongside the rest of the crew of the Cerritos. In this universe, Boimler is a very successful version of himself, with the beard. Through thievery, Boimler takes the tablet from the version of himself that is successful so he can learn how he became more successful.
One of the series greatest stories comes into play though, when Boimler’s old transporter clone, believed to be dead, is travelling the multiverse collecting lost and fractured figures from time and space, to help him in his top secret mission to save multiverse, and stop the person fracturing the universes.
When he has to choose one universe to deal with the consequences of the effects of the fallout, he turns to his original world, and leaves it all in the hands of the original Cerritos and crew.
Without spoiling the finale, I will specifically say the conclusion of this show is incredibly heartfelt, inclusive, while also leaving open the chance for their story to continue in a different way. If the people at Paramount so wish it.
Acting 10/10
The crew of the Cerritos have had a chance throughout this season to fully reach their peak, have journeys to break through their molds, while also being skillfully voice acted. Rutherford, voiced by Eugene Cordero, goes from seeing the benefits of upgrading his hardware, to immediately respecting needs for emotions and humanity. Newcomer T’Lyn voiced by Gabrielle Ruiz, learns about relationships, and how others feel. Boimler, voiced by Jack Quaid, takes a great journey from willing to do whatever it takes to be successful, to learning to trust himself, and his friends. Tendi, voice by Noël Wells, fights to get back her chosen life, and learns to respect her own skills and not compare it to other people’s skills.
Mariner, voiced by Tawny Newsome, has a more subtle growth through the season. In an alternate universe she sees a version of herself that’s rigid, follows rules and regulations, but desperately wishes to go back to a world where she can be like the original Mariner. Through the season Mariner learns she isn’t who she was in Season One, or like that alternative Mariner. She a mix of both, and is ready to move forwards as a member of the Federation.
Overall 10/10
As far as the series goes, I will specifically say that Lower Decks is a fun and enjoyable journey. While it’s short seasons makes it incredibly easy to rewatch, but the length of five seasons, at 50 episodes, leaves you wanting more without overstaying its welcome.
While I would love many more seasons of Lower Decks, it’s easy to think that a show that makes fun of the history of Star Trek while also walk the thin line of respecting it, may overstay its welcome if given the chance. Thankfully, the writing, acting, and love of this series has protected that from occuring.
Conner’s Final Thoughts
The Cerritos is a California Class Starship, and much like California the state itself, It’s beautiful, outdated in some ways, and has a charm you can’t find with any other ship in the federation. That being said, much like most of California, the Cerritos has always had a stink to it. Having it led by Captain Ransom, is funny to think about, but this series is made so much funnier by the shows ending. When given his chance to come up with his signature call to warp speed, Captain Ransom makes a reference to lifting weights.
What would be your signature phrase to warp if you were a captain of a Star Trek ship?
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