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An abundance of Harry Kims in Star Trek: Lower Decks’ penultimate episode; S5E9

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As a long-time Trekkie with memories of Starfleet Academy etched deeply into my neural net, I must say that “Fissure Quest” was a rollercoaster ride through the annals of Star Trek history. It’s like being transported back to the Berman Era, where the Federation’s greatest moments and characters were revisited in animated splendor.

We’ve nearly wrapped up the journey for “Star Trek: Lower Decks“. Following this episode, titled “Fissure Quest”, we delve deeply into what this show is recognized for – sprinkling in callbacks and nods to Star Trek series from the 90s and 00s.

Episode summary (spoilers)

The adventure titled ‘Fissure Quest’ opens in the USS Cerritos’ bar, where our Lower Deck characters are conversing leisurely. During their chat, T’Lyn queries Boimler about his transporter duplicate, William Boimler, who supposedly perished during Season 3. Subsequently, we move to the Anaximander, a Defiant-class starship under the command of Captain William Boimler – our deceased captain, surprisingly still alive and working for Section 31.

Via a captain’s journal entry, it is revealed that William Boimler is striving to seal every quantum rift appearing throughout this season. Accompanying him on this mission are characters from different universes, who previously appeared in Star Trek series, such as T’Pol, Garak, Curzon Dax, a holographic Doctor Bashir, and numerous Harry Kims.

Following the rescue of another Universe’s Lieutenant Harry Kim (this time as a lieutenant), William Boimler voices his exhaustion regarding the multiverse situations. Subsequently, the spaceship Anaximander saves an individual from a shuttlecraft of another universe, who turns out to be that universe’s Beckett Mariner. Despite her being less impulsive than Prime Mariner, William Boimler is elated upon seeing her.

Using AU Mariner’s assistance, the crew manages to locate a method to intercept the ship responsible for the quantum rifts. To our surprise, it turns out to be none other than the Beagle, captained by an AU Lily Sloane, who resembles Alfre Woodard from Star Trek: First Contact. Instead of warp drive, they and their Zefram Cochrane have developed a quantum propulsion system to traverse dimensions.

Following a dispute, the team aboard the ships, the Anaximander and Beagle, decide to collaborate, but then Lt. Harry Kim instigates a rebellion, involving all the Ensign Kims, and seizes control of the Beagle. Most of the Kims later rejoin the Anaximander, but Lt. Kim remains absent and intentionally overloads the Beagle, putting the balance of the multiverse at risk.

In this situation, William Boimler channels all quantum energy towards the main universe (Cerritos in the Prime universe), trusting that his brother Brad Boimler and the rest of the Lower Deck crew from the Prime Cerritos have the skills to tackle the issue. Following this, we revert back to the Prime universe, where Brad Boimler receives a cautionary message from William, causing him to panic severely. Finally, “To be continued…” is displayed.

Thoughts on the episode

This episode seems to encapsulate the essence of what we’ve come to know as “Lower Decks”. It offers engaging, unique characters, but instead of solely focusing on these elements, it draws heavily from the Berman Era of Star Trek. This period spans from the tail end of “The Next Generation” right through to “Deep Space Nine”, “Voyager”, and “Enterprise”.

As a devoted Star Trek enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the Berman Era for its significant contribution to the franchise’s enduring appeal. This era introduced fresh characters and unexplored galaxies, keeping the spirit of Star Trek alive while steering away from excessive references to its past.

As delightful as it can be to hear the familiar voices of our favorite characters and see them rendered in the Lower Decks art style, it also diminishes what Lower Decks has to offer itself. After all, Mariner, Boimler, Tendi, Rutherford, and even T’Lyn are all strong, relatable, entertaining characters in their own rights. There are also episodes that stand as good comedy and good Star Trek episodes.

It’s disheartening that after 49 episodes, Star Trek: Lower Decks hasn’t managed to break free from its reliance on referencing the past, resulting in a series that seems more like a show inspired by Star Trek, rather than a genuine Star Trek production. I enjoy it for what it offers, yet I often find myself yearning for episodes similar to “wej Duj,” “A Farewell to Farms,” or “Fully Dilated.

I’m looking forward to the upcoming episode, as it seems like it will allow the Lower Deckers to truly step into their own roles, making Star Trek: Lower Decks more enjoyable and less reminiscent of shows from the past two decades. The series certainly merits this treatment.

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2024-12-14 04:23

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