The fourth season of Star Trek: Lower Decks has been building to the finale. Last episode, we discovered the identity of the mystery man attacking non-Federation starships. More importantly, Mariner is having a crisis of faith in Starfleet itself. She is in a vulnerable position, which our villain hopes to exploit in order to strike back at the organization that expelled him.
“Old Friends, New Planets” is a very lower decks centric episode beginning with its antagonist, Nick Locarno, down to his army of minions. It taps into the frustration of those at the bottom of the totem pole who are mistreated and minimized. You can see how Locarno develops such a following. Those unfamiliar with his story from Star Trek: The Next Generation are caught up relatively quickly. There is some skillful writing incorporating storylines from other series into the narrative that are not only fan service but feel fitting and appropriate. Also, these connections help Lower Decks feel linked to the greater universe.
Mariner is the big star of the episode. It seems most of season four she’s had a supporting role, especially as they integrate the newest member, T’Lyn, as part of the team. Despite her disappointment in Starfleet, Mariner hasn’t lost hope and refuses to take part in Locarno’s plan. We witness her usual quick wits and plucky demeanor in order to escape, but her most impressive trait is her compassion. Despite being foes, she never gives up on Locarno and puts herself on the line in order to save him. That investment makes the emotional impact much harder when she’s unsuccessful.
The finale serves as a culmination of various narratives from the season as well with plenty of call backs. Some feel forced and unnecessary such as Rutherford’s rivalry with Ensign Livik or the Mark Twain negotiation method. They don’t really play a function other than to remind people they happened. More intriguing is the continued exploration into Tendi’s family dynamic.
It’s always fun when catch the more ruthless side of the Orion, and here, she makes a big sacrifice in order to rescue Mariner. Now, she must pay the piper following her actions. It leaves the ending on a down note, but it sets up where the next season will go. At least we have T’Lyn finally feeling like she belongs and no longer needing to rejoin the Vulcans to lift our spirits.
“Old Friends, New Planets” fittingly centers around the lower decks across the galaxy. It allows Mariner to exhibit all the qualities that make her beloved, but it will leave you with a gut punch with the bittersweet ending.
Watch Star Trek: Lower Decks on Paramount+.
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