Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5, Episode 9 – “Fissure Quest”
Star Trek: Lower Decks Elevates Crossover Expectations
Star Trek: Lower Decks has outdone its own remarkable crossover from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, particularly with Season 5’s fascinating episode titled “Fissure Quest.”In the seventh episode of Strange New Worlds Season 2, Ensigns Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid) and Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome) made a memorable leap from animated adventures to a live-action setting aboard the USS Enterprise, under the command of Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount). The comedic tone of “Those Old Scientists”set a bright precedent for what was to follow.
In its concluding season available on Paramount+, Season 5 of Star Trek: Lower Decks focuses on the USS Cerritos as it explores an array of quantum fissures that have abruptly appeared throughout the galaxy. The ninth episode, “Fissure Quest,”presents an intriguing development where Section 31 has tasked Captain William Boimler and a group of “interdimensional castaways”to investigate these space-time anomalies. Notably, Boimler’s crew in this venture is composed of characters from various points in the Star Trek legacy, bringing back familiar faces not seen since their original series concluded.
How Lower Decks Surpassed the Strange New Worlds Crossover
Leveraging Animation for Character Resurgence
The episode “Those Old Scientists”from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds succeeded in warmly introducing audiences to the charming world of Lower Decks. However, live-action prequel series like Strange New Worlds often face limitations in reuniting original actors due to logistical constraints. In contrast, the animated format of Lower Decks permits a wider range of character appearances without such restrictions. The return of characters such as T’Pol (Jolene Blalock), Curzon Dax (Fred Tatasciore), Garak (Andrew Robinson), and Dr. Julian Bashir (Alexander Siddig) in “Fissure Quest”adds depth to the nostalgic experience. Notably, the original voice actors returned for these iconic roles, with the singular exception of Curzon.
Achieving the same level of crossover richness in a live-action setting would be a daunting task for Strange New Worlds. The creators of Lower Decks have truly harnessed the power of animation while showcasing their passion for the franchise. Noteworthy moments include the portrayal of Garak and (holographic) Bashir in a loving marriage, as well as T’Pol’s extensive marriage to Trip Tucker (Connor Trinneer), both fulfilling long-voiced desires among fans.
Capitalizing on Star Trek’s Expansive Multiverse
A Collision of Iconic Star Trek Shows
Furthermore, Season 5 of Lower Decks fully exploits the multiverse concept, enabling crossovers among characters from different narrative chains within the Star Trek universe. Captain William Boimler represents a unique twist, existing as a transporter clone of Lt. Bradward Boimler. His crew aboard the Anaximander consists of alternate universe iterations of beloved characters, allowing for new dynamics and interpretations while preserving their core traits.
Additionally, characters from Star Trek: Prodigy season 2, which recently reintroduced Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton) and Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), expand the intriguing landscape of crossover potential. When Boimler and his crew fall into the hands of “feral Khwopians,”they encounter another team from a divergent reality, led by Captain Lily Sloane (Alfre Woodard). Equipped with a ship known as the Beagle capable of traversing the multiverse, Lily Sloane’s storyline finally allows her character a chance to pursue adventures sidelined in her original appearance during Star Trek: First Contact.
Star Trek: Lower Decks thus not only fulfills the aspirations of loyal viewers but hints at the enchanting possibility that more beloved characters might be exploring the vast multiverse.
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