IR TV Review: STAR TREK - LOWER DECKS - EPISODE 1 (“Grounded”) [Paramount+]

The aspect of a cliffhanger is baited in the idea of what it is trying to show and the next step in the characterization of certain people we have come to know. The S1 finale of "Strange New Worlds" did this after bringing a certain texture of Captain Pike to bear. It was announced that there would be a crossover element with "Lower Decks" with "Worlds" which should be interesting to see (whether it is live action or animated is still being kept under wraps). Jack Quaid (Boimler) and Tawny Newsome (Mariner) would be interesting in full form and almost makes it even more canon. Episode 1 of Season 3 entitled "Grounded" approaches this including a throwback to an earth-based history event as well as a certain vineyard connection. Boimler (especially in his interaction with grapes and its pickers) is brilliant.

The reality though is that all of the 4 main characters but especially the two leads seem to miss the point of what they are capable of which makes them all the more tragic in certain ways. If they can rise above their own roadblocks (maybe not as bad as Lt. Barkley on TNG) there is nothing they can't accomplish. Mariner and her parents do come to a conclusion but whether its intention sticks remains to be seen. Thinking outside the box is definitely in the "Lower Decks" wheelhouse and with the exception of one inference, the jokes pretty much stay above board which is a moving target with this show. "Lower Decks" starts its third season on even ground but it depends what direction it ends up wanting to go. B

By Tim Wassberg