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

Lower Decks began on a PADD (of Boimler's log). In a sense, the breaking of another towards the end became the consecration of the series. "I don’t want it in my life if it means not having your back," (our) Boimler told Mariner as he snapped his alternate's PADD in two on the bridge mid-search for Malor in The New Next Generation. Friendship is the theme of Lower Decks. That was its apotheosis. 

Equally through its friendships, on full display in Mariner's montage towards the end of The New Next Generation, Lower Decks has taught us that nobody's perfect, even in the 24th century. More than that, it has shown us that 'perfect' is not something anyone should ever aspire to be. The Borg might beg to differ, but the rest of us will just have to move imperfectly along. That is life. That is Cerritos strong. And was that an anaphasic sex candle?

As the episode, the season, and the series came to a close, CAPTAIN Ransom (well deserved, but let's hope he doesn't take after that other guy) decided to run a little experiment. He made both Mariner and Boimler "provisional first officers," with a view to possibly, eventually promoting one of them to the actual thing. Full circle, they are now in charge of the lower decks. Their friendship will survive.

Full circle, "This isn't the end of the story, it's the beginning," Mariner noted in the turbolift. What if this is a five-year mission? "Engage the core!" Definitely needs perfecting!

Oh, go on then. One last time… Lower Decks! Lower Decks!