Two episodes in and we’ve got a Ferengi and an alcoholic Klingon. I love when absolute nerds (that are proficient) are let loose on established IPs. “Envoys,” is yet another example of character work while doing something fun with the franchise of Star Trek. It was written by Chris Kula who most notably wrote “Foosball and Nocturnal Vigilantism” from season 3 of Community, further establishing the relationship lines between our lead four.

Throughout Lower Decks, it is established very clearly that Jack Quaid’s Brad and Tawny Newsome’s Beckett are the A story grouping while our B story follows Tendi and Rutherford. I won’t say it is tired yet, we’re only onto the second episode of thirty, but knowing this is how we’re going forward for a majority of the time is less exciting. What is fun instead is seeing how bits of comedy are added to the rather straight-faced Star Trek franchise while doing big character pieces in only 25 minutes.

“Envoys” lets us see once again how Bradward can study and know all the paperwork inside and out, but Beckett’s experience and often blasé attitude is unrivaled. Meanwhile, new crew member Tendi and the new cyborg Rutherford start what is three seasons of being best friends. We’ve all had those groups we’ve been in, where you are friends with people but you gravitate towards specific people in the larger group. That’s what a majority of Lower Decks is. Though there is a typically American clique-y-ness to the show and crew, it isn’t CW teen drama terrible.

Above all else, and I’ll stop soon with this criticism of Chiball’s Doctor Who, I love seeing character lines that give us a bit more of this world. For example, “We’re like the same age, back in what date?” and “I must update you on my many sexual conquests!” As much as these aren’t typical Star Trek lines, and are more typical of something else sci-fi or even Rick and Morty, they work in this world because this isn’t Jean-Luc or Sisko. We aren’t on the bridge with highly decorated commanders. We’re in the Jefferies Tubes with ensigns on a second-class ship.

The push and pull of everyone in rather basic goals, to be a good friend or to do good on a basic assignment, works because we’re pretending this is life and death. At the core of all of Star Trek there is melodrama. “Envoys” certainly has that, as Rutherford tells his many higher-ranking officers that he might need to switch jobs to either be a good friend or to satisfy himself. Yet underneath the dramatic pauses and lighting or Brad’s mental breakdown at his inexperience, it is the goal and the relationships that push the story forward, not unexplained drama.

While I still think there is a little bit of that Rick and Morty comedy in there from McMahan’s previous work, I’d argue it is stripped back a little. Yes, we’re referencing things like Section 31 and it is a little undermining to think a regular ensign would know about such a hush-hush organization or know the rumors of how they conserve energy… by power walking. That concept and the dead kids thing floats a bit too close to the Justin Rolland-led show. Though I can’t say I didn’t get slightly amused when the Janeway protocol does more damage than good.

Ultimately, “Envoys” unsurprisingly continues to make Star Trek fun sci-fi instead of Discovery‘s grim and flat world with almost no proper lighting. I’ve said it many times and I’ll resume doing so, the fact that everything is so colorful and bright allows for that dark contrast of the simulator doing something it has never done before in thousands of simulations. The world is vibrant, the relationships are engaging without taking the shortcut of dangling a “will they/won’t they” over us, and most of all, Lower Decks is fun to watch.

Phenixx Gaming is everywhere you are. Follow us on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

Also, if you’d like to join the Phenixx Gaming team, check out our recruitment article for details on working with us.

Phenixx Gaming is proud to be a Humble Partner! Purchases made through our affiliate links support our writers and charity!

Star Trek: Lower Decks "Envoys"

8

Score

8.0/10

Pros

• Hu-mans!... and Ferengi.
• Character work, it is good to see you again.
• So much color!

Cons

• Some of the Rick and Morty-like comedy.