Have you ever wanted to see what life was like for the bridge crew on the Cerritos? Today’s the day! Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode 8 “Upper Decks” gives us a peek into what we see on every other Star Trek show—the lives of our bridge crew. Report to the Ready Room for my review of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode 8 “Upper Decks.”
I Need a Hero
Boimler says early in Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode 8 “Upper Decks” that “We’re the stars of the show around here.” While as meta as that is, it also reminds me of the adage, “Everyone’s the hero of their own story.” To further illustrate the point, Captain Freeman even says that the ship couldn’t function without the bridge crew. Cue a glorious pan shot of the bridge crew. But the truth is, everyone plays a part, and everyone on the crew has the capacity for heroism.
Ensign Barnes, in her futuristic Neanderthal state, takes the Clickets out with her sousaphone. Dr. T’Ana’s masochistic enjoyment of pain allows her to survive a blast set to kill. Shaxs fighting his inner demons while meditating has him actually fighting the Clickets when they go to attack him during his meditation. Those are just a few examples, but our crew simply being themselves allows them to be heroic. The moral here? Be yourself. It’s the most heroic person you can be.
MORE: Here are our reviews of Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, and Episode 7!
Crew Camaraderie…or Not
Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode 8 “Upper Decks” brings us back to our Beta and Delta shifters. And, of course, the shift rivalry continues. Their constant rivalry prevents them from working together to complete their mission of herding the ultra cute buhgoons, which are apparently docile space cows that look and roll like armadillos. However, it’s Ransom’s leadership style here that ironically brings them together. Their annoyance with him helps them focus their energy on solving the problem, rather than sniping at each other. Ransom is a good commander. I don’t like his methods, but I cannot deny their effectiveness here.
The converse of this is the rest of the Cerritos crew has their camaraderie as their strength. The bridge crew meeting goes well with little conflict. They work together in the face of a crisis and for them, it’s just another day at the office. “Strong and brave, wise and true, that’s what makes the Cerritos crew!” Indeed.
Final Thoughts
Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode 8 “Upper Decks” gives us a fun look at members of the Cerritos that we don’t see as often. We also find out some more character details about these crew members that we’ve known for so long. For example, Billups’ first name is Andarithio! Shaxs, like everything he does, is aggressively excited about mental health, which also continues the trend of Lower Decks’ focus on positive mental health. Also, we get to see just how good of a captain Freeman is. She is involved in the lives of her crew, even if she isn’t particularly excited about their sousaphone concerts, one-man shows, or fertility rituals. She’s supportive, even if she doesn’t necessarily “get” their interests. This inspires loyalty and encourages her staff. She’s a good Captain, and we’re lucky to have her.
I really like the design of the “Clickets.” Of course, they’re just giant crickets. They have a kind of a pulpy alien look about them, which I really like. Also, in the scene where part of the main Clicket’s disguise comes off, that has to be a visual homage to the 1983 miniseries, V, right? It’s also an interesting idea to have an entire race of folks that take a compliment. Some people have certain traumas in their life that prevent them from receiving praise well. I think it’s interesting to let the audience explore the idea of an entire race geared that way.
I echo again my complaint from last week. This season seems to be a season of standalone episodes. We don’t have any further details about the “space potholes,” and we are now down to two episodes left in the entire series. As much as I love Star Trek: Lower Decks, I am concerned about our heroes getting a proper send-off. Do we have time to wrap everything up? I hope so. I also hope another streamer picks it back up. This doesn’t need to end.
What do you think of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode 8 “Upper Decks?” Leave me a comment and let’s talk Trek.
The next episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks will air on December 12, 2024, on Paramount+.
