IR TV Review: STAR TREK - LOWER DECKS - EPISODE 10 (“Old Friends, New Planets”) [Paramount+-S4]

The context of a season finale rests in the idea of what is at stake and what can be gained. It is interesting that it is Mariner's perception at play but then sacrifice made in reverse by someone with the most to lose. The influence in this episode reigns heavy with "Wrath Of Khan" and "The Search For Spock" references and pays off on the introductions that seemed unrelated (or at least no paid off) earlier in the season. It is understandable what creator Mike McCahan was doing. He wanted to keep as much of the season episode specific (with the exception of the pre-credits scenes) so that he could pay it off in the finale. "Old Friends, New Planets" tends to really work in this way with the bigger set pieces than the pure character work.

One scene really rachets up the tension but also the fanfare allowing those character that the show might have taken for some fun and brought to bear. The fanfare, even in the music, reflects this at one point as it pays ode backwards as well with a nebula sequence quite well done. It also brings back an interesting theme of duality and it works particularly well (considering the names mentioned in the previous episodes). There is still a bit of call back, especially with Boimler and Rutherford on the bridge of the Cerritos, specifically directed to one character. But that too is right in character with the show. The context doesn't completely change the game but it does alter the trajectory in terms of both loss and appreciation. It also does accomplish (even as a throwback) what only Strange New Worlds has done recently...a sense of awe. A-

By Tim Wassberg