IR TV Review: STAR TREK - LOWER DECKS - EPISODE 3 (“Minding The Mind’s Mines”) [Paramount+]

Reaching a planet and the integration of the mind has always been a stalwart of "Star Trek" but here with the interaction of mind reading orbs it reveals an interesting play of intent where even the characters themselves aren't aware of their eventual connotation. Unlike the last episode where it was about literally navigating the political landscape and chain of command, Episode 3: "Mining The Mind's Mind" is more about expectation and the reflection of it. While Boimler's fantasy and want is to be expected, the reflection in another team member from a different ship shows that there is always hope even if he can't see it.

Mariner's fantasy or want thereof is actually very inclusive and daring in a way but it is played well, especially when more elements go sideways including folklore and technology references which are actually more than a little symbolic. The key is that perception of the Cerritos versus the actual reputation belays both a strength and a weakness of the crew. Even though these characters follow a certain pattern, the idea of who they might become is unsure which is part of the point. The mind is a tricky thing and yet the subconscious especially with these characters move in both unexpected and yet blindly relevant ways. B

By Tim Wassberg