Star Trek: Lower Decks Recreates a Classic TNG Scene

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Summary

  • Lower Decks adds a fresh perspective by focusing on the lower-ranking officers in Starfleet.
  • The series finale pays homage to TNG’s “Lower Decks” episode through a recreated poker scene.
  • Lower Decks remains true to its unique storytelling style while honoring Star Trek’s legacy.

As a long-time devotee of Star Trek and someone who has spent countless hours aboard various starships, I must say that “Star Trek: Lower Decks” has truly captured my heart with its unique perspective and delightful blend of humor, adventure, and nostalgia.

Following over four years of dishing out laughter, intelligent references, thrilling escapades, and touching narratives, the animated series “Star Trek: Lower Decks” has concluded its run. In its final installment, now streaming on Paramount+, “Lower Decks” delivered everything fans have come to expect from a top-tier episode of “Star Trek” and paid tribute to the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” episode that served as its inspiration.

Before the advent of “Lower Decks,” each Star Trek series predominantly spotlighted the high-ranking Starfleet officials serving aboard a specific vessel. Viewers seldom peeked into the everyday routines of the numerous other crew members on board. The seventh season episode of TNG titled “Lower Decks” was the rare exception, delving into the lives of four ensigns as they anticipate their performance appraisals and the decision regarding their long-desired promotions. The storyline alternates between the senior officers’ viewpoints and those of the lower deck personnel.

One memorable sequence in that episode alternates between the weekly poker games of the senior staff, a regular feature across the show, and those of the lower-ranking crew members. This sequence cleverly contrasts the shared experiences and distinct perspectives of both groups regarding life on the Starship Enterprise-D. In its final episode titled “The New Next Generation,” Lower Decks reenacted this scene with a unique spin, staying true to its title.

The Poker Scene

Following an intense and heartwrenching sequence of occurrences, such as discovering their quantum reality could be annihilated, mediating a Klingon conflict, safeguarding their quantum reality, and bidding farewell to Captain Carol Freeman – the Lower Deckers congregate at the bar for some well-deserved refreshments. As they grapple with the events they’ve recently experienced, Lieutenant Junior Grade Beckett Mariner reveals her deep affection for the Cerritos, a remarkable shift in her character development that started four years ago.

As she praises the Cerritos team for having fantastic officers, the setting shifts to four ensigns gathered casually at a poker table. Although this brief moment doesn’t last long, it carries a great deal of meaning.

Enthusiasts of the show “Lower Decks” readily identify them as the Delta crew members: Amadou, Asif, Karavitus, and Moxy. Notably, Karavitus sports a green poker visor, echoing Data’s poker visor worn during senior officer games in the original series. The scene resembles the poker games among senior officers from “TNG,” with Amadou taking on the role of Geordi, Asif portraying the dashing Commander Riker, Karavitus standing in for Counselor Troi, and Moxy embodying Dr. Crusher, complete with red hair.

Nevertheless, it’s the subtle aspects of the setting that transform this poker game into something more akin to a “Behind-the-Scenes” scenario. Karavitus deviates from the traditional uniform, symbolizing the unique distinctions between the Cerritos and the Enterprise-D, where even off-duty officers often kept their uniforms on. Instead, she sports a Chu-Chu t-shirt, an enjoyable reference to the first season episode titled “Undercover Operations.

A Perfect Nod to “Lower Decks” and Signoff for Lower Decks

In the final episode of Lower Decks, there were ample opportunities to delve deeper into its ties with TNG’s “Lower Decks” by reintroducing characters like Nurse Alyssa Ogawa or Ensign Sam Lavelle. Additionally, strengthening Mariner’s friendship with Sito Jaxa and exploring their shared Academy experiences could have been a significant aspect of the plot, much like it was during season 4.

Rather than simply referencing its title, the episode affectionately re-enacts a single scene reminiscent of its namesake, filled with the signature Easter eggs that make Lower Decks stand out and maintaining the distinct flavor that defines it as a separate Star Trek narrative. This brief scene perfectly captures what Lower Decks excels at: paying tribute to past Star Trek episodes while also weaving its own compelling tales.

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2024-12-19 16:24