Lower Decks has quickly made waves despite initial backlash; many fans praise its willingness to explore nudity and suggestive content; others noted its loving tribute to The Next Generation series; but there was some concern this week’s episode, “An Embarrassment of Dooplers,” did not fully realize Lower Decks’ full potential.
One such fourth wall break was Boimler’s creation of a holodeck program featuring over one minute of spaceship porn set to an atmospheric instrumental score – providing both continuity with Star Trek canon as well as some humorous self-deprecation. Furthermore, making Captain Freeman angry at Mariner for violating the Prime Directive also had comedic potential.
The show has its limitations due to its references and Easter eggs, while they do help ground it within its franchise and give Boimler and Mariner some sense of authority, they also limit how wildly irreverent comedy it could become.
The best moments of this episode were those that demonstrated the crew’s camaraderie and sense of teamwork – two aspects at the core of any great Star Trek story. Be it in an intense final battle on an unfamiliar planet or saving the Federation from mirror universe enclaves, there is something powerful in seeing a group pull together against obstacles together.