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Adiós Cerritos
When a still unnamed new animated Trek series was announced in October 2018, I was cautiously optimistic. I could imagine that the Star Trek Universe was big enough for an animated comedy. Well, the first Lower Decks trailer from July 2020 with its focus on swearing, farts, slime, zombies and similarly lame jokes temporarily discouraged me. Still, I was never really concerned that the show could damage the continuity or harm the franchise in any way. This is in part because I underestimated Lower Decks and didn't expect it to be more than a side show, a light-hearted companion to live-action Trek. I never imagined how relevant it would become for the franchise and the fandom and how well it would stack up against the live-action series (irrespective of its canon status).
Lower Decks embraces the traditional optimism of Star Trek like no other recent series in my book. It is free from dystopian aspects as they pervade the settings, the characters and the stories of the modern live-action shows. And as much as Lower Decks loves to comment on the downsides, especially concerning the underappreciation of low-ranking personnel, the series successfully establishes Starfleet as a family. Tendi, Rutherford, Boimler and Mariner may have their disagreements, but they are in it together, and so is the bridge crew - largely without narcissistic solo efforts or hidden agendas. The feeling of camaraderie is as strong here as it hasn't been since 2005.
Character arcs are the spice of modern series of any genre, and the ones of Lower Decks are more consequentially developed and stronger in some regards than those in live-action Trek. Take Mariner's survivor guilt (as revealed in "The Inner Fight") or Rutherford's gloomy back story (that finally comes to light in "Reflections"), which for me work better than Burnham's or Tilly's developments in Discovery. And even though their faces consist of just a few lines, Boimler and Tendi feel almost as real as Stamets or Saru (no offense meant).
I have probably mentioned it in many of my reviews, but I wish to reemphasize how faithfully Lower Decks recreates the world of the 24th century (in-universe) and of the Golden Age of 90's Trek (in real life). Starships, sets and props are reproduced or newly created with loving attention to established details, although everything would be possible. In many ways, this animated series is more authentic than multi-million dollar productions that strive to "update" Star Trek to something more bombastic and sometimes hardly recognizable on the visual side.
In light of its authenticity and of its countless in-jokes it is almost ironical that Lower Decks is the one among the recent Star Trek series that explores the most strange new worlds and overall relies the least on nostalgia.
Lower Decks does have its share of stories or lines of dialogue that are seen by some as mockery of Star Trek, but I think it is in line with how fans have been talking all along. Lower Decks is made by fans (the creators leave no doubt about that), it is made for fans (casual viewers don't get half of the jokes), and it is about fans on a meta level (because Mariner, Boimler, Tendi and Rutherford are into everything Starfleet). It has its heart in the right place. Thank you very much to Mike McMahan and his team for bringing us this show!
Much of my above praise applies to Prodigy likewise, but Lower Decks has a special place in my heart - because of the characters and the kind of humor that has grown on me. I admit it took a while. Also, Lower Decks helped me through a difficult time in my life when I was recovering from a serious injury and didn't know whether I would be able to return to a normal life again.
Season 5 of Lower Decks will be the last one. I can't imagine this of all series was canceled due to low ratings, to negative feedback or to a lack of story ideas. Maybe we just have to accept that nothing is supposed to last longer than that in an ever-changing media landscape. Still, I am sad to see Lower Decks of all series go. Although I can keep telling myself that Strange New Worlds isn't bad, that Starfleet Academy will not suck and that Section 31 perhaps just isn't for me, I will miss the endearing crew of the Cerritos and I will miss the authentic Trek feel and spirit of the show.
Bernd Schneider
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15 Dec 2024
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15 Dec 2024
https://uploads.disquscdn.c... believe this is the Class D loader
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15 Dec 2024
Good review! Once again, I would concur that this season ahs been weak, I just wouldn't be quite so harsh on the specific episodes you mention. :-) But it's just a matter of degrees, not disagreement with the overall premise.
The one thing I would disagree with- I don't think Harry was necessarily seen as a loser. Poked fun at, sure- but I felt like the idea that the overly-ambitious Kim was the villain, consumed by his obsession with rank; whereas the other Harrys, content with their station in life, are reliable, brave, loyal, and true... retaining the spirit of Starfleet that the other Kim lost in his quest for power. It's a nice spin on the oft-poked-fun-at perpetual ensign, that his rank is his least-important quality, and it's his character that's truly valuable.
I did also like the idea that there was a Kim from a Voyager crew that settled in the Delta Quadrant that all the other Kims make fun of. :-) And the riffing on the overlooking of Ops characters in general (and the joke that Ops' function has always been... slightly hazy, compared to other, better-defined bridge roles).
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15 Dec 2024
"I loved the Beagle. I have no love, however, for her ability to land. For Q's sake, Star Trek starships are built for space, not for planetary gravity wells and atmospheres. I find the relatively recent trends for large starships operating in planetary surfaces and of ginormous starships quite annoying."
This is true, but this would appear to be a Phoenix-era ship; no warp drive, and potentially no transporters. So I would buy it a little more on this ship than any other. Just because it is much closer to the 'shuttlepod' era, and the Phoenix herself, who (offscreen) had to land, etc.
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14 Dec 2024
And I noticed something else the names and lengths of the Obena class are missing from the Animated-ship-chart.
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13 Dec 2024
Best of the season, so far. Yes, I'm sick of the multiverse too. It's been misused and overused and not just within Star Trek franchise. This put, I do not agree with @Bernd Schneider regarding absence of consequences in a multiverse. The consequences of any event are there and will be felt within the set of 'verses said event happened. Sure, "interverse" events may be something else.
Agree 200%: Star Trek has no intrinsic need for villains. What Star Trek needs is good writing.
I loved the Beagle. I have no love, however, for her ability to land. For Q's sake, Star Trek starships are built for space, not for planetary gravity wells and atmospheres. I find the relatively recent trends for large starships operating in planetary surfaces and of ginormous starships quite annoying.
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13 Dec 2024
"I am sick of the multiverse."
Perhaps it is time for a "Crisis on Infinite Treks".
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12 Dec 2024
Brilliant episode. Best of the season easily.
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12 Dec 2024
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12 Dec 2024
XCV Beagle ;) https://uploads.disquscdn.c...
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Read my review of LOW: "Fissure Quest", an enjoyable detour to a ship with surprising crew members, of whom some work better for me than others. In any case, I am looking forward very much to the promised "gigantic finale"!12 Dec 2024
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Here is a new ranking list, with my 10 Favorite Starfleet Ship Designs. Let me know your favorites in the comments!07 Dec 2024
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Here is my review of LOW: "Upper Decks". I am so sorry but the final season of Lower Decks is becoming the clearly weakest one.05 Dec 2024
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I have added some 40 new images, mostly of Various Federation Vessels and mostly from Eaglemoss publications, to the Starship Gallery. There are also updates and corrections in a couple of articles.01 Dec 2024
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There are a couple of updates with facts from recent episodes and a small new Discovery shuttle size chart.29 Nov 2024
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My review of LOW: "Fully Dilated". This is among the most entertaining and memorable episodes of the season. It could have been even better, it it were not for one particular caveat.28 Nov 2024
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Here is my review of LOW: "Of Gods and Angles". Trigger warning: I think it's embarrassing and unfunny.21 Nov 2024
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Tadeo D'Oria has expanded the list of changes to the Enterprise-D bridge in "Generations" and has provided new renders. More of his impressive work can be found at the Roddenberry Archive. There is also a new chapter on the size issues with the USS Cerritos.20 Nov 2024
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Progress report: I have updated 32 of my old ship designs (follow the "update" tags). All designs come with extra details and in much higher resolution, some were changed more extensively. There are also a few variations, such as the colorful civilian versions of the Trident-class cargo ship.17 Nov 2024
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Mariner's much-anticipated return to Starbase 80 turned out differently than I would have expected. Read my review of LOW: "Starbase 80?!" if you dare.14 Nov 2024
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Read my review of "A Farewell to Farms", an unusual episode about culture clashes in which the regular characters take a backseat (and not always to their advantage).08 Nov 2024
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The EAS Fleet Yards section has been updated only occasionally since I stopped drawing non-canon starships some 20 years ago. I'm not going to create new designs, but I will gradually rework the old files and export much better orthographic views (as far as the existing level of detail allows it). Follow the "update" signs. There is one design, the Trident-class cargo ship, for which I have drawn all-new detailed views. I have also included some more refinements or 3D models by other people and revised several of the descriptions.04 Nov 2024
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The third episode of Lower Decks season 5, "The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel", has its merits. But it overall disappoints as it is about old issues that shouldn't have been revived in my view, giving the impression the series is running out of ideas.31 Oct 2024
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More updates with facts from recent episodes, notably a whole new section on the changing faces of Orions. I have also created a small fleet chart for the Abramsverse shuttles, including a few newly drawn or updated side views.27 Oct 2024
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And here is the review of LOW: "Shades of Green". I am also supplementing articles with facts from the latest episodes, such as Redresses of the Husnock Ship (new variant of a Collector ship).26 Oct 2024
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My review of LOW: "Dos Cerritos". The fifth and last season of Lower Decks starts off with an episode that has a bit of everything I love about the series.25 Oct 2024
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01 Nov 2024
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15 Oct 2024
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15 Oct 2024
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03 Feb 2024While the Prometheus prototype spaceframe featured an experimental decentralized sickbay layout, deemed necessary due to the ship’s separation capabilities, Cerberus was equipped with a larger and more traditional medical complex. Due to the ship’s expected war-time role as an Admiral’s flagship, it was fully equipped with a large variety of medical equipment, redundant medical wards, and extra personnel to attend as efficiently as possible to the expected battle casualties.
The main ward featured four standard biobeds and an integrated surgical bay. A nurse station sat at the center of the room, in front of a large display which could showcase whatever medical information the staff required. The port side of the room had a small laboratory area, with two workstations with access to a variety of medical equipment. On the starboard side there was the office for the chief medical officer, which had a dedicated door connecting to other areas of the medical complex internally.
For several additional renders, please visit my portfolio.Software used:3D Modeling and rendering: Blender 4.0
LCARS panels and textures: Inkscape 1.3
OS: Ubuntu 22.04
Starship Gallery - Nebula
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15 Dec 2024
#StarTrekLowerDecks "Fissure Quest" spoilers
The relationship between Dr. Julian Bashir and Elim Garak sure has come a long way since they first met over 30 years ago in #StarTrekDS9's "Past Prologue"⬆️. I'm glad #StarTrekLowerDecks' "Fissure Quest"⬇️ brought them back and finally together as well! :-)
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14 Dec 2024
#StarTrekLowerDecks "Fissure Quest" spoilers
Every single moment with T'Pol in #StarTrekLowerDecks' "Fissure Quest" was brilliant, logical, long overdue and heartfelt! I'm so happy we got the chance to connect with the character again after such a long time! Why in the world is #LowerDecks ending???
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14 Dec 2024
#StarTrekLowerDecks "Fissure Quest" spoilers
Alternate Boimler in #StarTrekLowerDecks' "Fissure Quest"⬆️: We saw giant Spock in #StarTrekTAS' "Infinite Vulcan"↘️ (Boimler never saw his giant skeleton in "Kayshon, His Eyes Open" 😅) but we've never seen crew-cut-Neelix, so I'm giving you Klingon-Neelix from "The Killing Game"↙️ instead. :-)
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14 Dec 2024
#StarTrekLowerDecks "Fissure Quest" spoilers
#StarTrekLowerDecks' "Fissure Quest"⬆️ shows us something that #StarTrekDS9 ("Trials and Tribble-ations") never got the chance to: open Defiant-class mess hall windows, showing the stars outside! -)
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14 Dec 2024
In this shot of Mirasta Yale looking out the Ten Foward windows in #StarTrekTNG's "First Contact", the original shot from the SD versions of the episode ⬅️ was replaced by a slightly different take (look at her hands ➡️ ) for some reason. Maybe it was a mistake or the original could not be found.
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14 Dec 2024
#StarTrekLowerDecks "Fissure Quest" spoilers
The PADDs with lots of black tape lines on the back, used by one of the alternate Kims ↖️ and Captain Boimler in #StarTrekLowerDecks' "Fissure Quest"↗️, are identical to the ones introduced in season 6 of #StarTrekDS9 ("Inquisition"↙️, "Statistical Probabilities"↘️) in the year 2374.
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14 Dec 2024
Here are all the appearances of Livingston's ready room fish tank in season 7 of #StarTrekTNG. This is again a season where the corals in the aquarium were rearranged quite a lot. The final shot is not actually from "All Good Things" but from the documentary "Journey's End", filmed at the same time.
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14 Dec 2024
#StarTrekLowerDecks "Fissure Quest" spoilers
How wonderful was it, after more than 30 years to see a landed Defiant-class ship in #StarTrekLowerDecks' "Fissure Quest"? I love the turbolift extending down from the shuttlebay, very flying-saucer-like! :-)
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13 Dec 2024
#StarTrekLowerDecks "Fissure Quest" spoilers
#StarTrekLowerDecks' "Fissure Quest"↖️ features the first clear appearance of the original version of the type-7 shuttle with long side windows. This version (recently sold for auction ↗️) was only seen in graphics in #StarTrekTNG's "The Naked Now"↙️ (et al) and from the back in "Coming of Age"↘️.
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13 Dec 2024
Several Romantica chairs are seen in the Sikla Medical Facility on Malcor III in #StarTrekTNG's "First Contact"⬇️ (where did the Malcorians get them from? 🤔 ). There also was one of these chairs in Dr. Soong's lab on Terlina III in "Brothers"⬆️.
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Review of LOW: "Fissure Quest" - Read my review of LOW: "Fissure Quest", an enjoyable detour to a ship with surprising crew members, of whom some work better for me than others. In any case, I am looking forward very much to the promised "gigantic finale"! Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode guide and reviews12 Dec 2024
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45 years ago: world premiere of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture". The movie set standards that are still valid today, and without which today's Star Trek couldn't possibly exist. 45 years ago: world premiere of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture". The movie set standards that are still valid today, and without which today's Star Trek couldn't possibly exist.07 Dec 2024
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New Ranking: 10 Favorite Starfleet Ship Designs - Here is a new ranking list, with my 10 Favorite Starfleet Ship Designs. Let me know your favorites in the comments! The ten best Starfleet ship designs according to yours truly07 Dec 2024
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Review of LOW: "Upper Decks" - Here is my review of LOW: "Upper Decks". I am so sorry but the final season of Lower Decks is becoming the clearly weakest one. Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode guide and reviews05 Dec 2024
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More New Starship Images - I have added some 40 new images, mostly of Various Federation Vessels and mostly from Eaglemoss publications, to the Starship Gallery. There are also updates and corrections in a couple of articles. Gallery of various non-Starfleet starships of all eras01 Dec 2024
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New Discoverse Shuttle Size Chart - There are a couple of updates with facts from recent episodes and a small new Discovery shuttle size chart. Size comparison charts of all Star Trek starships (except the uncertain ones)29 Nov 2024
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Review of LOW: "Fully Dilated" - My review of LOW: "Fully Dilated". This is among the most entertaining and memorable episodes of season. It could have been even better, it it were not for one particular caveat. Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode guide and reviews28 Nov 2024
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Review of LOW: "Of Gods and Angels" - Here is my review of LOW: "Of Gods and Angels". Trigger warning: I think it's embarrassing and unfunny. Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode guide and reviews21 Nov 2024
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Review of LOW: "Of Gods and Angels" - Here is my review of LOW: "Of Gods and Angels". Trigger warning: I think it's embarrassing and unfunny. Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode guide and reviews21 Nov 2024
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More Enterprise-D Bridge Changes and New Renders - Tadeo D'Oria has expanded the list of changes to the Enterprise-D bridge in "Generations" and has provided new renders. More of his impressive work can be found at the Roddenberry Archive. There is also a new chapter on the size issues with the USS Cerritos. Keeping track of the history of the iconic Enterprise-D bridge set20 Nov 2024
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30th anniversary of "Star Trek Generations". I was very excited when I went to watch this movie. And I was shocked when my beloved Enterprise-D fell prey to an old BoP. It still bothers me today. But also in other regards the film is a bit depressive. Whereas the way Kirk dies is acceptable (although it would have been avoidable), killing Picard's family just for the sake of making him think about the meaning of his life is uncalled for in my opinion. Overall, the film tries to be edgy in a similar way as the Abrams movies over a decade later (like in "destroy a planet to evoke an emotion"). Still, it has many assets that modern Trek has abandoned, most importantly the charm and humor of the two old generations. In spite of everything - it was fun!18 Nov 2024
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More Updates in EAS Fleet Yards - Progress report: I have updated 32 of my old ship designs (follow the signs). All designs come with extra details and in much higher resolution, some were changed more extensively. There are also a few variations, such as the colorful civilian versions of the Trident-class cargo ship. Trident-class starship - designed by Bernd17 Nov 2024
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Review of LOW: "Starbase 80?!" - Mariner's much-anticipated return to Starbase 80 turned out differently than I would have expected. Read my review of LOW: "Starbase 80?!" if you dare. Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode guide and reviews14 Nov 2024
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Review of LOW: "A Farewell to Farms" - Read my review of "A Farewell to Farms", an unusual episode about culture clashes in which the regular characters take a backseat (and not always to their advantage). Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode guide and reviews08 Nov 2024
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Update: EAS Fleet Yards - The EAS Fleet Yards section has been updated only occasionally since I stopped drawing non-canon starships some 20 years ago. I'm not going to create new designs, but I will gradually rework the old files and export much better orthographic views (as far as the existing level of detail allows it). Follow the "update" signs. There is one design, the Trident-class cargo ship, for which I have drawn all-new detailed views. I have also included some more refinements or 3D models by other people and revised several of the descriptions. Trident-class starship - designed by Bernd04 Nov 2024
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Review of LOW: "The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel" - The third episode of Lower Decks season 5, "The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel", has its merits. But it overall disappoints as it is about old issues that shouldn't have been revived in my view, giving the impression the series is running out of ideas. Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 episode guide and reviews31 Oct 2024
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New Article: The Changing Faces of Orions - More updates with facts from recent episodes, notably a whole new section on the changing faces of Orions. I have also created a small fleet chart for the Abramsverse shuttles, including a few newly drawn or updated side views. Make-up changes of Romulans, Andorians, Tellarites, Orions, Bolians, Bajorans and Jem'Hadar26 Oct 2024
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So sad to read this. Jeri Taylor's work brought me so much joy. The world of Star Trek lost one of its giants yesterday with the passing of writer-producer Jeri Taylor. Jeri became a supervising producer on Star Trek: TNG’s fourth season, eventually becoming co-executive producer. Along with Rick Berman and Michael Piller, she co-created Star Trek: Voyager, on which she served as executive producer. Jeri brought humanity and compassion to her work and to Star Trek. Her scripts include “The Drumhead” (TNG), which remains one of Star Trek’s most powerful hours. Working for Jeri Taylor was always a delight. She always welcomed ideas and suggestions, even from designers in the art department. She was thoughtful and warm, and she always made us feel like we were an important part of her team. Jeri Taylor passed away yesterday (Thursday, Oct 24) at the age of 88. She will be missed.25 Oct 2024
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