IR TV Review: STAR TREK - LOWER DECKS - EPISODE 4 (“Room For Growth”) [Paramount+-S3]

The elevation of acceptance is a hard thing to accept for the "Lower Decks" crew. What these cadets are starting to learn is that their time together is finite and they need to make the most of it that they can without losing who they are. Even more so than the previous episode, "Room For Growth" [S3/Ep4] talks about the change that is in their midst but also the importance of moving with the flow. However even in these moments, they find a way to kick themselves in the foot. One specific sequence integrating the deflector and the way they deal with it is hilarious, heartfelt and also awkward in a great way.

Granted lately the episodes find the need to split the narrative when it is not really needed. It might add to the pace but the context is already pretty full but character development, of course, is always welcomes. The same was true of Episode 3 but in a different way. Ultimately the journey here is all about friendship and those times you cannot recapture. A reference to a certain mask at the inset of the episode refers to a Data/Picard moment which Picard in his current stage would probably do anything to go back to. It is not so much a personification of regret but maybe in not appreciating moments while they happen which is always the rub of any situation. B

By Tim Wassberg