Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4 Episode 5 Review: Empathalogical Fallacies
Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4 Episode 5, “Empathalogical Fallacies,” blesses us with a T’Lyn-centric outing that gives her more depth and deepens her friendship with Mariner. Megan Lloyd directs the episode from a script by Jamie Loftus.
So far, Season 4 has done an excellent job of maintaining more narrative and character consistency than in previous seasons. For example, the mysterious vessel that destroyed the Romulan, Orion, and Klingon ships gets more plot attention in “Empathalogical Fallacies.” The Betazoids show Captain Freeman a picture of said vessel, adding unexpected, significant development on that front.
RANSOM: She said I was too into it, and she shrugged me off. It’s like, could she not see these gains?
It’s a refreshing change of pace for Star Trek: Lower Decks to have this narrative cohesion that spans multiple episodes. “Empathalogical Fallacies” tosses this into the episodic mix along with a delightful primary arc and a fun side plot for Boimler.
Additionally, this episode boasts a crop of pitch-perfect guest stars. Janelle James, Wendie Malick, and Rachel Dratch lend their voices to the Betazoids trio. Malick, in particular, has one of the most recognizable voices in the entertainment industry. It perfectly lends itself to playing a sensual character.
“Empathalogical Fallacies” highlights one of the show’s best attributes: its ability to develop dynamic characters. It’s always been a character-driven show that pays homage to Star Trek as a franchise. However, this outing catapults that strength to a new level by fleshing out T’Lyn, a supporting character we haven’t known for that long.
MARINER: I wish I could roundhouse kick this situation in the face, but I can’t. It is one of those rare types of problems that can’t be kicked.
We learn she has Bendii Syndrome despite being only 62 years old (Bendii typically affects Vulcans over 200 years old). T’Lyn has spent much of her time onscreen contemplating why she has these “chaotic tendencies.” While this diagnosis certainly provides an answer, it doesn’t change who she is at her core.
Over the past five episodes, we’ve fallen head over heels for this character, especially watching her interact with our core lieutenant junior grades. She’s a fascinating presence in her own right.
Gabrielle Ruiz’s vocal performance successfully executes the challenge of maintaining that Vulcan cadence/timbre while finding new colors and emotions to integrate subtly.
Meanwhile, Boimler’s descent into slam poetry with Shaxs is amusing enough; it wouldn’t stand alone as the A-plot.
Again, the compelling characters and witty, rapid-fire dialogue make these scenes so fun. At face value, Boimler and Shaxs are quite the odd couple. However, below the surface, they share more similarities than differences. It’s sweet.
T’LYN: I suppose by the transitive property, I, too, must be Vulcan as a motherf*cker.
Overall, “Empathalogical Fallacies” is a riotous, fast-paced, action-packed, and sharply funny installment that propels the overarching narrative forward.
At the same time, it gives space for character growth. T’Lyn finds her place on the Cerritos, and it’s beautiful. Friendships are deepened. Replicators are destroyed. But, most importantly, nobody started a war with the Romulans by entering the Neutral Zone. Not even the Cerritos could fork up that much.
Stray Observations:
- Shaxs and Boimler’s friendship is the epitome of adorable. We need more slam poetry sessions with them.
- I need that “It’s Romulan Ale-O’Clock Somewhere” hat, and I needed it yesterday.
- “I love everyone and everything” — I am Rutherford when buzzed, and he is me.
- We’ve had T’Lyn hang out with Tendi, Boimler, and Mariner. Now, we need some T’Lyn/Rutherford time.
- We last saw the Betazoids in the Star Trek: Voyager episode “Counterpoint.”
- Similarly, we last saw the planet Risa in the Star Trek: Discovery episode “Terra Firma, Part 2.”
- Who knew Billups had a six-pack? You could cut diamonds with those babies.
What did you think of this episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Star Trek: Lower Decks streams new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+.
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Melody McCune
Melody loves TV. Maybe too much. Besides being a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV, she's the Managing Editor for Geek Girl Authority, an Independent Contractor for Sideshow Collectibles, and a Senior Writer for Eulalie Magazine. Additionally, she has bylines in Culturess, Widget, and inkMend on Medium. To top it all off, she's a critic for Rotten Tomatoes and CherryPicks.