Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
Star Trek: Lower Decks is a 2020 adult animated comedy television series on the streaming platform CBS All Access. It is from creator Mike McMahan, who is best known for his production work on Rick and Morty and Solar Opposites. It stars Jack Quaid, Tawny Newsome, and Noël Wells.
Under The Lens: Satire and Respect and Episodic
Satire and Respect: Star Trek: Lower Decks is at its core a comedy set in the greater Star Trek universe, it also carries the distinction of being the first comedy of the franchise. While Star Trek is no stranger to humor there has never been a full-on “Workplace” comedy before, Lower Decks is a satire of Star Trek, however, it is one that respects the universe, fans of the franchise are “In on the joke” not the butt of it. The first episode is flooded with in-universe jokes and easter eggs, and Mike McHahan’s love of all things Star Trek clearly shines. Watching Star Trek we have all mentioned the stuffiness of the bridge crew, the endless rules and regulations of the Federation, and Lower Decks allow us to laugh at some of the more humorous areas of this world. Lower Decks makes it clear that it is a part of this long-running franchise and its characters are meant to be real characters, not just joke machines.
Episodic: In television shows today, and especially those on streaming services, it is all the rage to make the seasons be serialized, telling one long story over the course of a season. While there is nothing wrong with this approach, it is somewhat refreshing that Star Trek: Lower Decks is maintaining the episodic format of yesteryears Trek. Each episode is a stand-alone story, with a few tendrils that carry on, with the premier story dealign with “Second Contact” and a zombie virus outbreak. Star Trek got its start in episodic storytelling, and with this shows focus on humor and broadening of the Star Trek universe it makes sense to maintain that original feel.
Highlights
The twist of a character’s family dynamic at the end of the episode promises some humorous situations to come.
The animation style is good, and allows for some very beautiful shots of space.
There is a lot of chemistry between the leads and we at once feel the friendship between them even after just one episode.
Quotable Quote
Ensign Mariner: Its better down here where the real action is
Something to think about
Do you think that a workplace comedy set in the Star Trek universe is a good idea? Why or why not?
Conclusion
Star Trek: Lower Decks is an attempt to broaden the world of Star Trek, and in that respect, it works very well! The creator’s love of the franchise can be seen in the episode’s script and situations, and the humor for the most part works and is very funny to those who know the lore of Star Trek. If there is anything negative to say about Lower Decks, its that it does at times feel like too much of an inside joke, as a viewer who may be new to Star Trek could have a hard time getting into it, due to all the series references. However, this show is intended for audiences on CBS’s streaming service and meant to sate the appetite of those fans waiting for season 3 of Star Trek: Discovery and season 2 of Picard. Overall Lower Decks is an entertaining animation show that will be a treat to those who enjoy workplace comedies and to lovers of Star Trek, its a breezy and fun 25 minutes, check it out.