June 1, 2021
Review: 'Star Trek: Lower Decks' is for Fangirls of Every Generation (and Gender Identity)
Michael Cox READ TIME: 3 MIN.
"The shelf life in this business is usually three days," Frank G. Mancuso, the former CEO of Paramount, said back in the 1980s. He was referring to network television and the public's devotion to a particular series. But then he noted an unusual phenomenon: The science fiction series "Star Trek" and its media franchise. He marveled, "To flourish for 20 years..."
At this point, the studio had produced the original "Star Trek" series, a short-lived animated series in the 1970s, and three feature films. The empire seemed about as good as it could get - but they were negotiating with series creator Gene Roddenberry to develop a new science fiction series, "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Needless to say, their fortunes grew stronger.
Many a year since "The Next Generation" became the past generation, and millions of additional fans became more obsessed than ever, "Star Trek" boldly goes where no one has gone before.
The latest iteration of "Star Trek" is a bit of a departure, but perfectly in line with the demographic audience. Once again, the team has journeyed into the animated galaxy, but this television series isn't for kids. This is almost a parody of the franchise, a half-hour comedy that appeals to fangirls of every generation and gender identity.
"Star Trek: Lower Decks" focuses not on the Starfleet commanders who throne themselves on the main deck, but the unseen minions below, those who keep the ship running without glory or prestige. It's a kind of "Upstairs/Downstairs" in space.
Primarily, the show focuses on Ensign Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome), a young woman to the manor born - her mother is the ship's captain (Dawnn Lewis) - but she has no interest in taking advantage of family privileges. She just wants to have a good time. Meanwhile, her counterpart, Ensign Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid), a sycophant of the highest order, struggles hopelessly to rise in the ranks.
From the writer and executive producer of "Rick and Morty," the debut season of this series hits Blu-ray, DVD, and a Limited Edition Steelbook. It's a collection with nearly two hours of exclusive special features, extensive interviews, deleted and extended scenes, animatics, Easter eggs, and humorous featurettes.
This is a thrilling and detailed way to explore the ins and outs of the series and watch exclusive material that will inform and amaze. (Did you know that it takes about a year just to complete one episode of "Lower Decks" from beginning to end?)
The DVD, Blu-ray, and Steelbook offer:
As of May 18, "Star Trek: The Lower Decks" has boldly gone where others have gone before, to Blu-ray and DVD, but only collectors and super fans can sweep it up in a Limited Edition Steelbook.
