Star Trek: Lower Decks Review: Dos Cerritos / Shades of Green (Season 5 Episodes 1 and 2)
Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Episodes 1 and 2, “Dos Cerritos” and “Shades of Green,” serve as a strong start to the final season, complete with more Cerritos hijinks, blue Orions, and a surprisingly responsible Mariner. This series has mastered its brand of Star Trek-infused cheeky comedy, along with its inherent zaniness and surprising wholesomeness.
Stupid Dimensional Rifts
“Dos Cerritos” finds our crew facing alternate versions of themselves after traveling through a dimensional rift like a cookie getting dunked in space milk (paraphrasing Ransom here). Naturally, chaos ensues. Watching our crew interact with said alternate versions is such a blast.
One particular standout arc from episode one is Mariner versus Alt. Mariner. Our Mariner’s immense development over four seasons really comes into focus here as she declares she won’t be a despot like Alt. Mariner. Despite her incessant struggles with her self-confidence and her fears around personal growth, Mariner takes another step forward in the right direction. Tawny Newsome, as usual, knocks it out of the park with her performance as Mariner.
Additionally, “Dos Cerritos” beautifully highlights Tendi’s refusal to fully embrace her “Mistress of the Winter Constellations” persona on Orion. The episode picks up months after the events of the Season 4 finale, so we know that Tendi has been toiling away as a pirate, hellbent on paying back her sister without resorting to murder. This commitment to being a good person reminds us that she truly is sunshine personified. Thankfully, the writers haven’t forgotten that.
Turn Away From the Mountain!
“Shades of Green” features more moments of growth and clever experimentation with character dynamics. It’s fascinating to watch Mariner and Boimler have a role reversal of sorts. On Targalus IX, Mariner tries to be more responsible, while Boimler attempts a more loosey-goosey approach to his command style.
The writers keep their collective finger on the pulse of these characters, finding exciting ways to develop them organically without having them make decisions that are totally out of character.
In addition, episode two pairs Rutherford and T’Lyn together — two characters I never thought would share a scene. This is a dynamic I hope the creative team continues to explore this season. It’s a lot of fun. T’Lyn’s sweet gesture for Rutherford and Tendi proves our Vulcan is coming into her own. She’s still logical but understands and appreciates the nuances of humanity.
You Can Never Have Too Many Bointers
“Dos Cerritos” and “Shades of Green” are proof positive that Star Trek: Lower Decks has truly come into its own. It’s a shame that it’s ending. The vocal performances are top-tier, with Newsome and Noël Wells standing tall as the episodic highlights.
The double-episode premiere strikes that perfect balance between humor and heart. I don’t know about you, but I plan to savor every drop of this season. Say it with me now: “Lower Decks! Lower Decks! Lower Decks!”
Stray Observations:
- Blue Orions first appeared in the 1974 episode of Star Trek: The Animated Series, “The Pirates of Orion.” I love that Lower Decks brought them back 50 years later.
- Listen, alternate Boimler rocks that Riker beard. It’s even better knowing that both Boimlers worked under Riker, too.
- I need a blazzard, and I needed one yesterday.
- Cute-inies are mutinies for when you want to be cute while overthrowing the establishment.
- “Turn away from the Mountain!” We have another Black Mountain mention, folks.
- I really wish someone would dismantle our capitalist system of wealth like the Federation did for Targalus IX. No money, no problems!
- Petition to get Boims on the cover of Fleet for its “30 Under 30” issue and a whole page dedicated to his famous “Bointers.”
- I may be flat-out delusional, but Tendiford still sails for me. Let me live, please.
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 drops 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.