IR TV Review: STAR TREK - LOWER DECKS - EPISODE 2 (“The Least Dangerous Game”) [Paramount+]
The character traits of the “Lower Decks” crew reflects in how they approach ambition, authority and ultimately life. With Episode 2 of S3 entitled “The Least Dangerous Game”, the context revolves in the road not taken or, by decision, made. Both Mariner and Boimler suffer from this malady since when they try to do the right thing either their ego or their overzealousness gets the best of them. In this episode, the ideas runs parallel and feed off of the set up of the S3 premiere episode. Mariner is under the watchful eye of a vindictive, vain commander who might not be as bad as he appears.
Boimler on the other hand is too meek in his risk taking, especially when he sees other people are overtaking his station when he thinks he is doing everything right. There has been less Easter eggs so far this season and yet one shot is a direct reference to the 2009 movie in a beautiful visceral way, while Boimler's big test of the episode reflects back to a different genre film with a uniquely modern 2020s twist. Ultimately the circle revolves back to where it began in the inset but the realization is that their path will continue while the galaxy accelerates without them. B
By Tim Wassberg
