Explained: Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Finale and Series Conclusion

Warning: This article contains spoilers for the Season 5 Finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks titled “The New Next Generation.” The finale delivers an exhilarating conclusion to the USS Cerritos’ lower deckers’ journey within Starfleet, showcasing their pivotal role in safeguarding Star Trek’s Prime timeline during a high-stakes adventure.

In a dramatic turn of events, Lieutenant Harry Kim (portrayed by Garrett Wang) took control of the Quantum Reality-jumping starship Beagle, resulting not only in his demise but also in the release of a dangerous soliton tachyon burst that threatened to annihilate the entire Star Trek multiverse. Recognizing the imminent danger, Captain William Boimler (Jack Quaid) sent the soliton beam into the Prime Universe with directives to his Prime Universe counterpart, Lt. Brad Boimler, trusting that the USS Cerritos could devise a solution. As the USS Enterprise-E could not arrive promptly, it was left to the USS Cerritos to navigate and close the unstable rift caused by the tachyon burst.

The mission for the Cerritos became increasingly arduous due to the interference of Klingons, commanded by Relga (Roxana Ortega), who sought to eliminate Ma’ah (Jon Curry) and his brother Malor (Sam Witwer). Friends of Lt. Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome), the Klingon brothers took refuge on the Cerritos, prompting Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis) to lead the ship into the perilous Schrödinger possibility field as the Klingon forces pursued them.

The USS Cerritos Saves Star Trek’s Multiverse

The Power of Teamwork

Both the USS Cerritos and Relga’s Klingon Bird-of-Prey had adapted their shields to withstand the unpredictable effects of the Schrödinger field, though the rest of Relga’s fleet was not as fortunate. The chaotic nature of the Schrödinger field warped the Cerritos, transforming it into various alternate Starfleet classes from across the multiverse, including a Mirror Universe version and other iconic Starfleet designs. Ultimately, Relga’s ship met its end as her crew was converted into mindless proto-Klingons due to the unspeakable forces at play.

In a testament to their unity, the crew of the USS Cerritos collaborated to devise a solution for the Schrödinger field crisis. Lt. Sam Rutherford, setting aside his implant, made vital adjustments to the ship’s deflector array, while co-Chief Science Officers Lt. D’Vana Tendi (Noel Wells) and Lt. T’Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz) worked diligently to recombine their starship when it split in two. Innovation struck thanks to Malor’s suggestion from his Klingon farming experience, which inspired Lt. Mariner to modify the Cerritos’ subspace gluonic beam, successfully neutralizing the field.

This triumphant moment marked the pinnacle of Captain Carol Freeman’s command, as the USS Cerritos not only “saved the universe”but also stabilized the quantum rift, transforming it into a secure gateway to alternate timelines and realities.

Starbase 80: Guardian of the Multiverse

A New Mission on Starbase 80

With the finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks, a new mission for Starfleet emerges, echoing the original objectives of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Starfleet assumes control of the multiverse portal, establishing a permanent station at Starbase 80, which is equipped to withstand the tachyon emissions from the portal.

Under the command of Commander Kassia Nox (Nicole Byer), Starbase 80 now serves as a bulwark against the unknown, while Captain Carol Freeman leads an exploratory mission into the multiverse, supported by her husband, Admiral Alonzo Freeman (Phil LaMarr).

The Anaximander, now repurposed as Starfleet’s vessel for multiverse exploration, will be led by Captain William Boimler and crewed by an ensemble of legacy characters from the franchise including T’Pol (Jolene), Dr. Julian Bashir (Alexander Siddig), and Dr. Elim Garak (Andrew Robinson). With this narrative evolution, Star Trek: Lower Decks successfully inherits the legacies of both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

A New Era of Leadership in Star Trek: Lower Decks

Leadership Changes Aboard the USS Cerritos

With Captain Carol Freeman’s transition to Starbase 80, her First Officer, Commander Jack Ransom (Jerry O’Connell) has been elevated to the position of Captain of the USS Cerritos. Initially perceived as somewhat abrasive, Ransom’s leadership qualities and dedication emerged prominently during Season 5, reflecting a narrative arc similar to that of Commander Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes) from Star Trek: The Next Generation, who never achieved captaincy of the Enterprise.

Ransom’s new role symbolizes a significant moment, as he follows in the footsteps of his wife, Rebecca Romijn, who portrays Lt. Commander Una Chin-Riley on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Furthermore, the Klingon High Council’s decision to promote Ma’ah to Captain of Relga’s fleet following her dishonorable conduct opens new pathways for collaboration between Starfleet and the Klingon Empire. Ma’ah, introduced earlier in Season 2, faced challenges due to Klingon politics but ultimately acquires the leadership position he deserved through his enduring friendship with Mariner.

Promotions on the USS Cerritos

Advancements for the Cerritos’ Lieutenants

Despite its title, Star Trek: Lower Decks continues to evolve as the USS Cerritos’ junior officers take on greater responsibilities aboard the starship. In a twist, Captain Ransom has selected Lieutenants Brad Boimler and Beckett Mariner as his provisional co-First Officers, challenging them to compete against one another for career advancement and injecting a healthy dose of rivalry into their friendship.

Following their intense rivalry since Episode 7, “Filly Dilated,”the relationship between Lieutenants Tendi and T’lun has reached a harmonious balance as they serve as Co-Chief Science Officers. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Rutherford recognizes his enduring commitment to the Cerritos and has decided to relinquish his implant, realizing it clouded his genuine feelings for Tendi. The remaining senior staff will remain as is, ensuring continuity and stability aboard the starship as Captain Ransom and the Cerritos continue their mission of Second Contacts within the California Class fleet.

Though the USS Enterprise-E, the USS Titan, and other stellar vessels were present at Starbase 80, their crews did not make an appearance in the finale.

Ultimately, Lt. Beckett Mariner’s impassioned closing speech encapsulates the essence of the USS Cerritos, reinforcing that while its crew originally hailed from the lower decks, they possess the skills and potential to thrive in Starfleet. This sentiment solidifies Star Trek: Lower Decks as a worthy successor to Star Trek: The Next Generation, offering a unique narrative that champions the underdogs of the fleet.

Will Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 6 Happen?

The Future of the USS Cerritos

Regrettably, the Season 5 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks signifies the end of Mike McMahan’s acclaimed animated series on Paramount+. Currently, there are no plans for a Season 6 of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Furthermore, there is little indication that the show will be picked up by other streaming services, unlike Star Trek: Prodigy.

However, there is a silver lining: Tawny Newsome is working on a live-action Star Trek comedy set in the early 25th century, which may incorporate her fellow Star Trek: Lower Decks cast members if it secures a green light from Paramount+. Additionally, she contributes as a writer for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

Star Trek enthusiasts can assist in potentially reviving Star Trek: Lower Decks by repeatedly streaming the existing 50 episodes on Paramount+ and encouraging others to engage with the series. Increased viewership could make a compelling case for revitalizing the series or generating a new chapter for its characters and narrative.

Mike McMahan has expressed numerous ideas regarding the future of the USS Cerritos, and his interest in transitioning the show to a live-action format demonstrates its creative potential. With its innovative storytelling and essential contributions to the Star Trek franchise, fans remain hopeful that the adventures of the USS Cerritos will one day resume.

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