“Lazy Derivative Remixes”: How Star Trek Critiques Marvel & Other Multiverse Franchises

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5, Episode 9 – “Fissure Quest”

In its fifth and final season on Paramount+, Star Trek: Lower Decks dives into the concept of the multiverse, effectively highlighting concerns that have arisen within franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and their expansive shared mythologies. The plot of Season 5 centers around the USS Cerritos as it navigates a growing number of quantum fissures scattered across the galaxy, which serve as gateways to alternate universes. As Starfleet grapples with closing these fissures, ships from varying realities intrude into the Prime Universe, allowing Lower Decks to creatively integrate characters from across the Star Trek continuum in enjoyable and innovative ways.

Addressing the Issues within Marvel’s Multiverse

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much?

Within contemporary pop culture, the multiverse concept is prominently showcased in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Series like Loki and films such as Deadpool and Wolverine illustrate the entertaining possibilities that come with alternate realities. However, this multi-dimensional storytelling can also lead to notable shortcomings. Nostalgic returns of beloved characters can sustain viewer interest temporarily, but ultimately audiences crave fresh narratives.

Star Trek: Lower Decks raises a crucial question: how many compelling stories can genuinely be told using the same set of characters? Captain Boimler’s quip about “lazy derivative remixes” serves not just as a jab at the MCU but also critiques the trend of numerous high-budget sequels and reboots that dominate the entertainment landscape. Though revisiting fan-favored characters can be exhilarating, the intrinsic desire for original content remains strong. This season’s multiversal exploration was strategically saved for the culmination of the series after four seasons of character development and world-building.

A More Purposeful Utilization of the Multiverse

Lily Sloane’s Perspective on the Multiverse

When Captain Boimler and his crew encounter “feral Khwopians,”they uncover that an alternate universe version of Lily Sloane (voiced by Alfre Woodard) is accidentally responsible for the quantum rifts. In her universe, Sloane and Zefram Cochrane (James Cromwell) create a Quantum Reality Drive, enabling them to traverse the multiverse. Despite Boimler’s exhaustion with these recurring realities, Sloane reveals how her travels have expanded her understanding of humanity’s vast potential.

The multiverse serves as a canvas for exploring scenarios that fans have longed to witness, including relationships such as Garak (Andrew J. Robinson) and Dr. Bashir (Alexander Siddig) as partners, or T’Pol (Jolene Blalock) and Trip (Connor Trinneer) achieving their happy ending.

As Captain Sloane shares her experiences, mentioning glimpses of humans who have “built rings around the sun” and others with ships “the size of continents,” Boimler begins to appreciate her sense of wonder. Through Sloane’s eyes, the multiverse transcends mere nostalgia, portraying profound explorations of human capability and inspiration. Star Trek: Lower Decks demonstrates that rather than serving as a vehicle for recycled character moments, the multiverse can delve deeply into the essence of existence, whether human or otherwise.

Source & Images