Lower Decks: Farewell and Future

Star Trek: Lower Decks is wrapping up its fifth and final season. But don't think of it as a goodbye forever—in the world of Star Trek, nothing is truly dead. The new season picks up where the last left off, with Tendi still paying her debt to the Orions. Expect the same heartfelt, lowbrow, and high-minded hijinks that have made the show a fan favorite. The first five episodes of the season offer a mix of hits and misses. Some episodes might not land as well as others, but the core cast's charm carries the show. Both Mariner and Boimler grow and mature this season, though some characters might not get the spotlight they deserve. One of the season's highlights is the fifth episode, which is a spoiler in itself. Lower Decks has always been about the underdogs, but even they can't escape their lowly status forever. The show relies a bit too much on action to wrap up episodes, but it's a minor flaw. Overall, Lower Decks has become a joyful interpretation of Star Trek's ethos, embracing the bits that newer Treks might skip. The show is a love letter to those who grew up watching Star Trek on VHS. Each season, it pays nods to different Trek eras. The fifth season trailer even pokes fun at Harry Kim's lack of promotion on Voyager. While the show is ending, it's not impossible for it to return. After all, it's money that rules, not storytelling. The first two episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks season five will air on Paramount+ on October 24, with new episodes every week until the finale on December 19.