7 Ups & 1 Down For Star Trek: Lower Decks 5.10 - The New Next Generation

The quantum physics of ship porn is all well and good, but it wasn't (just) the reason for the S-field. The form and function of those transformatory waves was to drive the story forward before the end. As noted previously, The New Next Generation astutely combined and concluded numerous plot points and character arcs from throughout season five (and beyond).

Rutherford's journey concluded with the revelation that, 'it's not you (the ship), it's me (or, rather, my cybernetics)'. Throughout the season, the lieutenant had experienced issues connecting with the ship and was now falling out of love with it. Instead, he chose to have his 'oculus' removed, in stark contrast to the ultra-cybernetically enhanced Otherford from Dos Cerritos. No more dopamine inhibitor — maybe love of another kind?

Speaking of Tendi, both her and T'Lyn very nearly came to blows, but resolved their differences anime-style as "science besties". In general, T'Lyn, with the few lines she had, was as sardonically exceptional as ever. Ensign Olly also made a… striking re-appearance, and, Relga defeated dishonourably, Ma'ah gained her fleet. By the end, the arc of the potholes of the season had been satisfyingly resolved, a new gate was opened, and an old base got the glory it deserved.