8 Ups & NO Downs From Star Trek: Lower Decks 5.2 - Shades Of Green

From orbit, the lights on Targalus IX formed what looked like a series of constellations. Down on the surface, star team player Lieutenant Boimler was pointing… bointing… the way. Yes, this is the second time I've given a LATINUM UP to Boimler, but for me, both he and his 'Bointers,' NOT pointers, were an absolute highlight of the episode.

After reading a "biography" — i.e. that PADD he nabbed from his bearded twin in Dos Cerritos — Boimler has, by Shades of Green, created a series of rules, or 'laws,' if you will (see Cetacean Observations), to boost confidence in his away teams. Jack Quaid shines in his performance of Boimler as always, delivering each 'Bointer' with such earnest. Bointer number three: "Lift with the legs and your spine will be fine." Good advice, worth following! 

Roles were also reversed this episode — with Boimler being the "fun boss" and Mariner the more responsible. Cue several hilarious exchanges with Commander Ransom over just one combadge. It's good to share, even on a post-scarcity planet!

The ensigns under Boimler's command didn't seem too impressed with the 'Bointers' at first, however, dismissing each somewhat sarcastically. Bit of a bait-and-switch then in that said ensigns became actual bait for an "elitist terrorist cell". Thankfully, they had, in fact, been listening, especially to Bointer number 16!