Star Trek Introduces Two Unexpected New Captains for Starfleet and the Klingon Empire

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5, Episode 10 – “The New Next Generation”

The Dramatic Finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks

The conclusion of Season 5 of Star Trek: Lower Decks has introduced audiences to two novel captains: one in Starfleet and another among the Klingon ranks. The crew aboard the USS Cerritos embarked on a crucial mission to investigate mysterious quantum fissures that had manifested across the galaxy. To delve deeper into the phenomena, Lt. Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome) reaches out to her Klingon ally, Ma’ah (Jon Curry), on Qo’noS, seeking assistance to access a fissure situated within Klingon territory.

Mariner’s adventure culminates with the unexpected help from Ma’ah and his brother Malor (Sam Witwer), who reveal that these spacetime rifts are not merely random occurrences in the universe. As events unfold, Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis) and her crew discover a looming danger—a devastating soliton wave that threatens all existence. Initially, Captain Freeman doubts whether the Cerritos has the capability to handle such a monumental task. However, the camaraderie developed among the crew over five seasons shines through as they unite in a collective effort to avert disaster. Ultimately, a permanent portal to alternate quantum realities is established, positioning Starbase 80 at the entrance to this newfound wormhole.

The USS Cerritos Welcomes a New Captain

Jack Ransom Takes Command of the USS Cerritos

Following the critical events of the season finale, Captain Freeman transitions to her new role at Starbase 80, tasked with overseeing missions that venture into the newly formed rift. This shift creates a vacancy in command aboard the USS Cerritos, which Commander Jack Ransom (Jerry O’Connell) is more than eager to fill. Initially perceived as something of a caricature in earlier episodes, Ransom’s competence has emerged through various challenges, demonstrating his capability as a leader. He has consistently inspired the lower decks crew to collaborate effectively, showcasing his talent for leadership.

Ransom’s evolution throughout Season 5 has been remarkable. In a decisive move early in his captaincy, he appoints Lt. Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid) and Lt. Mariner as “provisional first officers,”inciting a friendly rivalry to determine who will ultimately become his trusted second-in-command. Ransom also reveals his amusing new warp catchphrase—”Engage the core” —a whimsical addition that aligns perfectly with his character, despite the playful objections from Boimler and Mariner.

A Klingon Lower Decker Ascends to Captaincy

Ma’ah Receives His Own Fleet from the Klingon High Council

Earlier in Season 5, during the episode titled “A Farewell to Farms,”Boimler and Mariner assist Ma’ah, who at that time had just secured command of his brother Malor’s bloodwine delivery ship. However, the season finale ushers in a more monumental advancement for Ma’ah. After clashing with Captain Relga (Roxana Ortega), he and Malor find refuge aboard the Cerritos, gaining asylum just as Relga attempts to deceive Captain Freeman into surrendering them by fabricating a message from Admiral Alonzo Freeman (Phil LaMarr).

The Klingon High Council ultimately condemns Captain Relga’s actions as dishonorable and assigns her fleet to Ma’ah’s command. This significant development not only enhances the alliance between Ma’ah and Starfleet but also characterizes him as a truly honorable Klingon leader. Together with his brother Malor, who contributed significantly to the Cerritos’ strategy to rescue the galaxy, Captain Ma’ah is setting the stage for his ascent as a formidable leader among the Klingons, bringing an exhilarating aspect to the narrative as Star Trek: Lower Decks concludes this chapter.

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