Those Old Scientists

Star Trek, as a franchise, has a history of doing "funny" episodes, starting way back as early as the first TOS season. Some have been less than successful, but most have been an excellent counterpoint to the more serious stories. Even the movie series had "The Voyage Home", a very funny film.

But now, I believe we have been treated to Trek's very best "comedy" episode. A lot of the SNW actors have proven they have comedic chops in previous episodes, but this time they all got to stretch in new directions, crossing over with the animated "Lower Decks", and its two lead characters, Mariner and Boimler. (Played hilariously by Tawny Newsome and Jack Quaid).

It's a testament to both the writing and the deft direction by Jonathan Frakes that this episode is both funny AND touching, and also doesn't forget to more along some of the overall character arcs of the series. Oh, and special kudos to whoever decided to have fairly long animated sequences at the beginning and end (along with an animated version of the opening credits), to let us see as much of the "Lower Decks" world as possible.

Brilliant installment of an excellent series. I'd give this one 11/10 if I could!

This episode is one of the best Star Trek episodes of all time! Yeah I said it! Jack Quaid steals the show in his live action portrayal as Boimler!

The whole episode is a roller coaster ride that you never want to end. Once Tawny Newsome enters the room. The scheming begins! It's just so much fun!

The episode is brilliantly written and directed by none other than our own Jonathan Frakes!! To take a two dimensional cartoon show set in the future to the live action show in the past and come up with a story that is believable and entertaining is no short of a miracle! It has heart, soul and it speaks the very essence of Star Trek! Sprinkled with some comedy, a lot, and you have a gem that will forever be one of the best!!

Well done to everyone in SNW! This season is fire!!

I've ever watched and I'm a millennial, I've watched a fair share. Ensign Boimler is the perfect protagonist for this episode because he is what we all are, Trekkies, actually the stan of all fanboys.

Give it up to the writers of this episode, I had several LOL moments, even caught myself smiling like Spock in this episode. I really like how they're mixing all these genres and tropes, refreshing content that hails from the 60 years of history but still surprises old and new. And that Quaid/Ryan kid just natural comedy chops. *thumbs up* Someone petition this episode for an Emmy.

I guess the only thing left is the musical dance number episode, that's clearly labeled on this season's episodes list, okay? No spoiler. Boldly go where no Trek has gone before, right?

Ok, if you haven't watched Lower Decks yet, you need to stop and watch that series. Yes, Lower Decks is animated. Yes, it is very good.

We just watched Lower Decks earlier this year. There are 3 seasons so far. Each episode is about a half hour. Trust me, it's worth it. I am not sure this episode will make a lot of sense without watching Lower Decks first.

Two characters from the animated series interact with the Enterprise. No, they didn't do a Roger Rabbit thing here. They didn't mix live action and animation. I had heard about this episode a few months ago and was wondering how they were going to do it.

They really pulled it off. This episode was a BLAST. Very funny and a bit heart warming as well. Nice job directing Mr Frakes.

... honestly.

I wasn't sure at first because I thought this would be too far outside "the wheelhouse" ... but it was done with such respect and joy in the reflection of the true spirit of the Trek Universe that I quickly came 'round and this episode absolutely won me over.

It's obvious that the writers ... as well as all others ... involved with "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" are not only talented at their jobs ... but are also real fans.

I'm just not sure how I'm going to manage that upcoming "musical" episode that i've heard is winging it's way to broadcast ... maybe another bottle of Syrah?