Previously on Star Trek: Lower Decks, it seemed as though the conflict with the Pakleds would be coming to an end when they reached out for a ceasefire. However, it was all a ruse for the aliens to get one of their own on board the USS Cerritos as a spy. What kind of adventures will the crew get into this week?
Chief Engineer Billups receives the spotlight when his mom pays the Cerritos a visit. We learn that his mother is the queen of a planet and he renounced his right to the throne to join Starfleet. Like any parent, the Queen wants her son to find a partner but not for the reasons you’d expect. The renaissance fair style of Billups people adds to the comedy but also reinforces their antiquated ideas.
It’s the type of ludicrous plotline that you’d expect from Lower Decks. It’s a lot of fun to see Andy on edge trying to uncover his mom’s latest scheme. It also demonstrates Billups commitment to Starfleet and the ship. He’s making quite a sacrifice to remain the chief engineer and I’m sure there are plenty who wouldn’t make the same decision. In addition, Rutherford getting caught up in the family drama ups the stakes and the danger.
Elsewhere, a super intelligent and manipulative computer that goes by Agimus is captured by Starfleet and Mariner and Boimler are tasked with escorting it to the Daystrom Institute. During their trip, their ship has an accident and the pair are stranded on a deserted planet with Agimus and the AI begins to prey upon their insecurities and his intimate knowledge of the two to pit them against each other.
The animation from these parts of the episode develops a desolate world with the wind gusts and sand storms. There is also has a nice nod to Star Trek fan favorite, Jeffrey Combs, who has played a number of roles in the universe and can now add Lower Decks to shows he’s appeared on as Agimus.
The bickering between Boimler and Mariner is more than usual but that’s because of the higher personal tension. It does show a different side of Brad and we see Beckett’s influence over him because he too can be deceptive to get his way.
“Where Pleasant Mountains Lie” features an outlandish storyline centered around Chief Engineer Billups while also revealing a craftier side of Boimler.
New episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks are released Thursdays on Paramount+.
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