IR TV Review: STAR TREK - LOWER DECKS - EPISODE 6 (“Hear All Say Nothing”) [Paramount+-S3]
The idea of reflection but also recognizing one's true nature is sometimes not often spelled out as clearly as need be. In shows where psychology is intrinsic, it is far overdone quite often. In Episode 6 (“Hear All, See Nothing”) of “Star Trek: Lower Decks” in its 3rd season, the idea shifts more to the women and their embracing of said traits or denial. The backdrop also has a unique throwback in that it takes place on Deep Space Nine so there is bound to be some of the old cronies. Kira (Nana Visitor) makes the most sense but it is about integrating without losing in the mythos of that show. It actually works well to make it more of a macho thing with the head of Cerritos' security which gives it both a humor and a one-upmanship. But the idea of genders, perceptions, likes/dislikes and roles are given an interesting perspective in their definition.
Ensign Tendi, herself an Orion, comes into contact with an Orion male Starfleet officer. The way this keys in especially in how each conducts themselves in comparison to both how they think they should be seen, cultural conditioning and who they actually are provides an interesting insight into Tendi's approach to work and control. Mariner stays on ship (probably because of her own rebelliousness as well as orders) and ends up being invited to a salon/hen party with her would-be Andorian girlfriend. Again it pushes the idea of expectation, true nature and the personality traits that some like, while others don't. In this way, this episode is both subtle and overt. Add the fact that some of cin ladies at the salon get together think Boimler is attractive really chides Mariner in a way that is hard to read but also not. Meanwhile Boimler is at Quarks cleaning up in the casino in his own specific way while completely missing the point. Such is the experience of the personalities of the Lower Decks. B
By Tim Wassberg
