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But this isnt a captain, and Cerritos is far from a storied ship.
Instead, its the voice of an ensign, specifically the straitlaced Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid).
to wielding a Klingon batleth that slices through his inner thigh due to her sloppy handling.
These characters comprise the heart of the series, with Boimler and Mariner edging the others out as leads.
ButLower Decks,for all its raucous pleasures, doesnt quite rise to that occasion.
I admit my expectations when it comes to newStar Trekare quite tangled.
No, notThe Next Generation,whichLower Deckstreats as a playground.
Even then there is so much better to do with your time.)
At worst, you getStar WarsplayingStar Trekdress up, like Abramss films in particular.
(Spock, again?)
Awe at the intricacies of the human condition.
Awe at the imaginings of worlds both far-flung and intensely human.
Awe at its cerebral qualities.
But its also too cool to aim for awe.
Its fun and sometimes even surprising.
But it fosters an ironic distance between what it wants to be andStar Trekas a whole.
Its bright and eye-catching, albeit not all that visually unique.
The characters feel immediately distinctive, with the potential for some intriguing bramble.
And the voice actors are clearly game for the ride, particularly Newsome.
Mariner isnt the typical ensign.
She doesnt suck up to the bridge crew.
Shes not interested in promotions; in fact, she was previously demoted and sent to Cerritos as punishment.
But that would necessitate a comfort with earnestness that the show currently does not exhibit.
Yes,Lower Decksis fun.
But sometimes base pleasure isnt enough.
I need sharper wit.
I need a more curious narrative.
I need a unique point of view.
