One Positive Aspect of Star Trek: Lower Decks Concluding After Season 5

Star Trek: Lower Decks Concludes with Season 5 – One Silver Lining

It’s official: Star Trek: Lower Decks has wrapped up its delightful journey with the conclusion of its fifth season. As we bid farewell to the USS Cerritos, the end feels bittersweet. It’s hard to shake the feeling that Lower Decks could have continued its trajectory for a bit longer. Reports suggest the cancellation stems from behind-the-scenes maneuverings at Paramount, including budget cuts related to an impending merger with Skydance and the show reaching its limits as a premium offering on Paramount+.

The series finale, “The New Next Generation,” presents a mix of closure and possibilities. Captain Freeman departs from her command, paving the way for Ransom to take the captain’s chair, with Boimler and Mariner stepping up as his trusted second in command. Concurrently, we see Rutherford abandon his implant, and the bond between Tendi and T’lyn continues to flourish, although fans are left longing for more screen time with T’lyn, a refreshing character among the crew.

When a beloved series concludes, it’s important not only to grieve its departure but to celebrate its existence. With 50 episodes under its belt, Lower Decks never slipped into mediocrity. The show embraced its role as a loving tribute to Star Trek rather than merely a parody, firmly placing it within the franchise’s rich legacy. Season 5 maintained the series’ impressive quality, garnering accolades, including recognition as one of 2024’s top TV shows.

As Lower Decks reaches its finale, one thought lingers: it may just be the most consistently exceptional series within the Star Trek universe. While Deep Space Nine ventured into more ambitious storytelling and past series had standout seasons, the traditional format of earlier shows often resulted in misses. In contrast, Lower Decks avoided any downturn, with Season 5 delivering some of its finest episodes. Highlights included “A Farewell To Farms,” an episode decently centered around Klingons, and “Fully Dilated,” which, despite a familiar narrative, excelled in character development, humor, and emotional depth.

Reflecting on what the creative team behind Lower Decks could have accomplished with longer seasons is tempting. Yet, sometimes it’s better to appreciate what was delivered. Lower Decks firmly establishes itself within Star Trek history by presenting memorable episodes and introducing some of the franchise’s iconic characters, including the dynamic Beckett Mariner, brought to life by the talented Tawny Newsome. Not bad for a show that managed to blend humor and the classic Star Trek formula seamlessly, resulting in a winning combination.

Currently, Star Trek: Lower Decks can be streamed on Paramount+.