T’Lyn is the newest regular on Star Trek: Lower Decks. She was first introduced in season two where she was dismissed from her Vulcan ship due to illogical compatibility. She was then transferred to Starfleet where we see her today as part of the USS Cerritos. Though she’s played more of a supporting and complementary role on the series so far, “Empathalogical Fallacies” brings T’Lyn into the spotlight.
The galaxy is a dangerous place with all the mysterious attacks on various vessels we’ve seen throughout the season. As a result, the gang are escorting a trio of Betazoid dignitaries on their trip. Their guests are the life of the party livening up the Cerritos but things soon get out of hand and the crew become over indulgent. It seems T’Lyn is the only one not giving into the hedonistic ways.
The episode effectively captures T’Lyn’s isolation and loneliness. She is in a new environment where she doesn’t know anybody. Her reserved Vulcan nature is a stark contrast compared to the now out of control and rambunctious behavior of the hard partying crew. You sympathize for her considering she’s too much of a loose cannon for her people, but to conservative for your average Starfleet member. It’s a moving journey to see T’Lyn come to terms with her thoughts and feelings to bring back stability to the ship.
It wouldn’t be an episode of Lower Decks without something completely crazy occurring. The Gone Wild nature plays to the comedy and allows the series let loose. The Betazoids in particular stand out as the trashy and touristy mature partygoers with just the right amount of cattiness. The reveal is an unexpected touch that connects with the overarching season long narrative.
However, that same narrative is beginning to become stale and drawn out. Sure it’s entertaining to catch up with Lower Deckers of the other Star Trek alien races, but we don’t even receive that here. There wasn’t enough advancement to retain interest, and we know as much now as we did at the beginning of the episode. We’re already halfway through the season so it would be nice to start receiving at least some answers.
“Empathalogical Fallacies” gives us our first real chance to dive into the show’s newest member. Through T’Lyn, we receive a relatable tale of overcoming lonesomeness in conjunction with the regular shenanigans. However, no real progress is made in the season long storyline derailing its momentum.
New episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks are released Thursdays on Paramount+.
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