Thankfully, “Shades of Green” is NOT a clip show; Star Trek: Lower Decks S5E2

Thankfully, "Shades of Green" is NOT a clip show; Star Trek: Lower Decks S5E2

As a long-time Star Trek enthusiast and someone who’s been through more than a few “Shades of Gray,” I must confess that the latest episode of Lower Decks left me feeling a bit underwhelmed, much like a dilithium crystal after it’s been overcharged.

Initially, upon learning that Season 5 Episode 2 of Star Trek: Lower Decks will be titled “Shades of Green,” I couldn’t help but reminisce about the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode titled “Shades of Gray.” Unlike its predecessor, this new Lower Decks episode isn’t a compilation of previous scenes. Instead, it delves deeper into the narratives of various characters.

Episode summary

In “Shades of Green”, there are three separate storylines unfolding. One of the two primary threads involves Mariner and Boimler working together to save Boimler’s ensigns, who find themselves in trouble on Targalus IX – a planet that has recently entered a state of post-scarcity, meaning it no longer relies on money. The other narrative focuses on D’Vana Tendi as she strives to mediate a family dispute between her kin and the Blue Orions, a conflict hinted at in the closing moments of the previous episode.

In a shift of roles, it falls to Mariner to advocate for a structured leadership style, while Boimler, aiming to emulate the laid-back leader he encountered in another universe, is pushing for a more carefree approach. Notably, Boimler is also attempting to grow a beard like his alternate counterpart.

Simultaneously, Tendi assists her family in their conflict against the Blue Orions, only to learn that her sister, D’Erika, is expecting. As the resolution of the war approaches through a solar sailing race, Tendi becomes increasingly anxious about D’Erika’s well-being. Eventually, Tendi and D’Vana have a deep conversation, leading them to establish an alliance with the Blue Orions.

In a captivating third storyline, T’Lyn made a valiant effort as a Vulcan to bond with Rutherford, who was mourning the absence of Tendi. This connection was nurtured through the dilapidated spacecraft known as the Sequoia. T’Lyn worked on repairing it, believing this would lift Rutherford’s spirits, yet she discovered that he had treasured their shared work on the shuttle with Tendi.

At the finale of the episode, Boimler, Mariner manage to save Boimler’s ensigns, an important lesson about teamwork being demonstrated through their disassembly of the Sequoia. Tendi returns to the Cerritos, bringing a sense of resolution and normalcy back to the show.

Details and questions

In contrast to “Dos Cerritos,” this episode seemed to contain fewer distinct Easter eggs or nods to previous episodes that caught my attention, apart from the Titan-related reference in the title. Still, some intriguing details prompted me to wonder:

Why do the casual clothes we see D’Vana and D’Erika wearing in the teaser just look like clothes from the 2020s? Given Star Trek’s history of rather eccentric non-uniform garb, it seems like a missed opportunity to just put them in T-shirts and yoga pants.
Also in the Teaser, when D’Erika says she has heartburn, D’Vana says, “Well, luckily, we have a doctor in the room.” Although Tendi had previously worked as a medic for Dr. T’Ana, there never seemed to be any indication that she was a physician. Maybe Tendi was just using the term loosely, but it was also a confusing comment.

Thoughts on the episode

In simpler terms, this episode seemed lackluster due to its monotonous nature. The main storylines appeared more like time-fillers than engaging narratives. The subplot involving T’Lyn and Rutherford, however, was intriguing, but it didn’t get enough screen time to evoke a strong emotional response.

Beyond this, the episode humorously explores questions that could potentially be intriguing topics in their own right. For instance, entire episodes might delve into the transition of a planet into a society without money, like the Federation, or the complexities of Tendi’s understanding of Starfleet and humanity that has overshadowed her deep-rooted Orion culture, extending far beyond violence and piracy.

Despite the absence of obvious connections in this particular episode, I find myself questioning whether references are truly the only tools that Lower Decks possesses. It appears to shy away from fully embracing the classic Star Trek style, instead choosing to hint at it subtly.

Essentially, “Shades of Green” seemed to be penned without much thought or passion. I’m eager for the rest of the season to show more heartfelt connections to keep the series ending on a memorable and delightful note.

2024-10-26 02:23