“A Mathematically Perfect Redemption” is definitely the most unexpected episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks thus far in season 3. Of all the returning characters I expected to see, Peanut Hamper was not even close to my list. We’re introduced to the Areore, get the return of some legacy Trek actors, and more. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, so let’s start calculating this week’s episode of Lower Decks, “A Mathematically Perfect Redemption.”
The Areore
This week we’re introduced to the Areore species. They’re an interesting species and to the best of my knowledge, I don’t think we’ve seen anything quite like them. Honestly, I got Ewok vibes from them. Their habitat looked a bit like Endor, that is if the Ewoks were buff owls with warp-capable ships. The fact that they chose to eschew technological advancement sometime in the past surprises me, but I suppose the way of the Luddites is also a valid choice.
What I like most about the Areore is that they seem like a species we’d have met in Star Trek: The Animated Series. They definitely have that kind of vibe and it’s certainly not the first time we’ve seen nods to The Animated Series in Lower Decks. I’m curious to see if the Areore will show up again in Lower Decks or one of the other shows.
Peanut Hamper
I definitely didn’t have the return of Peanut Hamper on my Lower Decks Bingo Card this year, but she’s back! When I spoke to Mike McMahan last month, he mentioned how much he had wanted to write an Exocomp. Even though Peanut Hamper frustrates me, I bet she’s a fun character to write because she’s so chaotic. Peanut Hamper drives me bananas in this episode, and I think that’s the point. She doesn’t have “A Mathematically Perfect Redemption.”
Just when she appears to be a little more selfless, NOPE! Sure, she jumps in to save the day, but turns out, it’s her fault the Areore are being attacked in the first place! No, Peanut Hamper, you didn’t learn a dang thing. You’re still a jerk. Have fun rotting in megalomaniac robot jail.
Unexpected Legacy Trek Actors!
I was kind of meh on this episode until the very end. Jeffrey Combs…AGAIN! J. G. Hertzler…AGAIN! Jeffrey Combs showing up as Animas again totally changes my view on this episode. It was also delightful to watch the credits roll and see J. G. Hertzler’s name pop up. Though this time, he’s not Martok. He’s the Drookmani captain. While not as over the top as Martok, he still gets to crank up the volume and do his signature yelling. Again, that’s just the finishing touch on the episode that gives it a *chef’s kiss*.
Final Thoughts
“A Mathematically Perfect Redemption” definitely came around for me by the end, even if I was weirded out by most of the episode. There’s no true redemption for Peanut Hamper; she’s still a jerk. I’m glad she’s in jail.I LOVE that we get another look at that megalomaniac robot jail. While it’s not my favorite episode, bringing back legacy Trek actors put me in a better mindset by the end. Does that count as fan service? Maybe. I don’t mind so much in this case because the use of legacy Trek actors in these roles was a lot of fun and unexpected.
