Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Episode 9 Review: Fissure Quest

Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Episode 9, “Fissure Quest,” blesses us with an all-star cast as we finally get a resolution to the dimensional rift storyline. The series tackles this resolution as only it can: cleverly, hilariously, and with breathless, fast-paced action. It’s an improvement from last week’s fare that raises the narrative stakes significantly for the series finale (sob). 

Big Starfleet Nerd

Guess what? William Boimler is alive and the captain of the Anaximander, a Defiant-class vessel. He’s also getting sick of the multiverse. “Fissure Quest” embroils William (who’s living our Boimler’s dream) in this show’s “Multiverse of Madness,” allowing us to reunite with familiar faces aplenty, including Harry Kim, T’Pol, Lily Sloane, Dr. Julian Bashir, Elim Garak, and Curzon Dax (before giving the Dax symbiont to Jadzia). It’s a surprising number of cameos done well and in a way that organically serves the story. 

Most shows probably wouldn’t focus on an alternate reality for their penultimate episode. However, it’s Star Trek — the possibilities are endless when the multiverse is involved. And what better franchise to tackle that than this one? Plus, the massive cliffhanger seamlessly brings our gang into the fold in the final minutes. 

Further, this outing bursts at the seams with creativity. Never in a million years could this reviewer imagine the aforementioned cameo characters becoming a ragtag crew on a Section 31 starship, hunting down those responsible for the fissures. It makes me wish we could have 10 more seasons of Star Trek: Lower Decks to see what else these writers could conjure.

If anything, “Fissure Quest” proves that when this series fires on all cylinders, it’s damn near perfect. There’s so much potential for more hijinks, compelling episodic narratives, and Trek Easter eggs. 

“I’m F*cking Hary Kim” 

The whole guest cast kills it (with the always solid Fred Tatasciore stepping in as Curzon). However, Garrett Wang gives my favorite vocal performance as Harry Kim. Harry’s arc is so well-rounded in the short 28 minutes we’re given. It’s hilarious in itself that he wants all the Harrys to know what it’s like to climb the professional ladder, so he kidnaps them. Wang puts the pedal to the metal, as it were,  delivering a performance that’s as unhinged as it is delightful. 

Tawny Newsome also showcases a completely different Mariner — one who’d rather stick to engineering than barrel headfirst into danger. If you’ve read my reviews, you know how much I love Newsome and Mariner. Mariner has had the most well-rounded, gratifying character arc on Star Trek: Lower Decks, and “Fissure Quest” plays with an alternate Mariner that could share some similarities with our Mariner. 

Universe Go “Boom” 

This show never fails to shake things up, whether with these alternate characters or the surprise cameos. “Fissure Quest” deftly lays the groundwork for what’ll undoubtedly be an exciting, gripping series finale. After all, what’s more high-stakes than saving an entire universe from destruction?

If anyone can save the universe, it’s our Cerritos crew. Before that, though, Boimler’s gotta scream about it first. 

Stray Observations: 

• Khwopians aren’t quite as cute as the Moopsy, but at least they won’t drink your bones. Also, “cute but feral” is how I want to be described from here on out. 
• We need a spin-off with the Harry Kims and their quest for a promotion. They can get those coveted pips without Two-Pip Harry Kim! (Well, he’s in no shape to do anything now…)
• I’d watch a big Spock and a human Worf terrorize the multiverse. 
• Boimler’s (the Bradward one) Riker beard is damn perfect now. Look at that thing of beauty. It took him all season, but it was worth the wait. 
• The scene where the Anaximander pursues the Beagle through the dimensional rift is so striking. Gorgeous colors. 
• I’m going to miss that (should be) patented Boimler scream. Jack Quaid goes all out in those final moments of the episode, too. 
• I like that the clarinet-playing Harry Kim still had his clarinet in the cell on Khwopa. When in doubt, get the ‘net out. 

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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