Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Episode 5 Review: Starbase 80?!
Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Episode 5, “Starbase 80?!” injects a dose of horror and mayhem as the Cerritos makes a pit stop at the titular (and infamous) Starbase 80. It’s a step up from last week’s (still enjoyable) outing, bolstered by standout vocal performances from the guest cast.
Chaos in a Haunted House in Space
If there’s one thing this show excels at, it’s wall-to-wall, breathless chaos. The pacing never dips, speed-wise, which we know can be an advantage or a disadvantage in storytelling. However, it certainly benefits “Starbase 80?!” here. The episodic narrative barrels forward at a steady clip, complete with rapid-fire jokes and gags. It’s a blast.
Additionally, the episode grapples with the concept of phenomena that can’t be explained away by science. Of course, “magic” in the Star Trek franchise is usually science/technologically-based, as is the “curse” of Starbase 80. However, the mere question of magic’s existence in this scientific world is fun to ponder.
Is It the Chunky Sauce?
“Starbase 80?!” not only delves into the potential of magic, but it’s also heavy on the horror movie vibes. In that regard, it’s a breath of fresh air. Star Trek: Lower Decks presents a genre-defying outing that subverts the typical episodic formula. Who doesn’t love (comedic) jump scares in space?
In fact, the zombie angle with the Cerritos crew is a creative plot choice to add to the “cursed” nature of Starbase 80. I’d include this episode in my annual Halloween rotation. You gotta love it when Trek gets spooky.
Performances
Nicole Byer and Stephen Root are fantastic in “Starbase 80?!” Byer infuses Kassia Nox with a lighthearted, happy-go-lucky energy, which is a fun contrast to the bleakness of Starbase 80. She’s reminiscent of Tendi in a way. Additionally, making Kassia an El-Aurian like Guinan is a clever twist.
Root is also delightful as Gene, the base’s chief engineer who sends Captain Freeman and Ransom on a wild goose chase that culminates in the pair trapping bats. It’s a tried and true comedic trope — make yourself an enigmatic, elusive figure and offer misdirects and red herrings aplenty to thwart those in pursuit of you. Then, sit back and watch the mayhem play out.
“Starbase 80?!” is the strongest episode of Season 5 thus far, and entertaining from start to finish. While it doesn’t propel the overarching narrative, it’s unadulterated Star Trek: Lower Decks: zany with a capital “Z.”
Stray Observations:
- I’d 100 percent watch a spinoff series featuring the Starbase 80 crew as they scrape by as the underdogs. It could even work as a mockumentary/workplace comedy of sorts.
- Chad was the real hero. Thankfully, he lives to dog another day.
- My initial thought was the “curse” was caused by that chunky sauce. Anything described as “chunky” and nothing else will usually wreak havoc on the body.
- Stephen Root’s voice is instantly recognizable. He just has it.
- Boimler’s facial hair never fails to make me laugh. That said, I admire his commitment.
- You probably remember the decontamination gel from Star Trek: Enterprise. It’s no shock that Starbase 80 is using something from 230 years ago (and the whistle-like noise you’d hear on the bridge in Star Trek: The Original Series).
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.