In this review of Star Trek: Lower Decks #4, even during a universal crisis, the U.S.S. Cerritos always makes time for the rare first contact experience.
Star Trek: Lower Decks #1
Written by: Ryan North
Art and Main Cover by: Jack Lawrence
Page Count: 28 pages
Release Date: February 12, 2025
This review contains spoilers:
Star Trek: Lower Decks #4 picks up as the Cerritos’ Engineering team creates a temporary warp bubble of normal space to protect the ship from the rapidly growing void that is consuming their universe. The plan works but since the ship’s sensors are ineffective, the crew launches a Class 8 probe with its own warp bubble to hopefully penetrate the void and give the crew some idea of what they’re dealing with.
As the probe enters the void, the Cerritos is rocked by a massive tremor. Both Rutherford and Tendi are possessed by a powerful, non-corporeal lifeform called Koj that lives inside the new universe growing inside the void. Koj mistakenly believes the Cerritos has attacked them with the probe and the exploding shuttles from last issue.
Captain Freeman attempts to negotiate with Koj as Rutherford and Tendi discover their consciousnesses have been transferred to the Cerritos’ computer system. Koj is already wary of the Cerritos crew’s intentions but they allow time for the crew to devise a solution which they unfortunately fail to find.
In an effort to survive, Koj reluctantly possesses the entire Cerritos crew and modifies the ship’s warp engines to speed up the expansion of their proto universe. Tendi and Rutherford warn Koj that their plan could backfire and actually destroy their new universe. Koj ignores them and continues their work.
The Cerritos is rocked by another tremor and Koj realizes too late that Tendi and Rutherford were right. As their universe collapses, Koj returns the crew’s minds to their bodies and apologizes for not trusting them. Normal space expands as Koj and their universe die, leaving a large circular void of empty space behind.
Later, Tendi, Rutherford, T’Lyn, Mariner and Boimler commiserate in the mess hall. Suddenly inspired, Tendi brings her friends to a holodeck simulation of her planet Orion and shows them a special spot where she would go when she was sad. Tendi explains that Orion’s typically believe that tomorrow is not promised to anyone, and since today she and her friends survived, they should cherish what they have.
Review
While Star Trek: Lower Decks #4 still contains ample amounts of the trademark fast talk and screwball humor, this issue strays into new territory with an actual first contact and themes of mortality and loss.
Tendi and Rutherford take center stage in this issue as the famous second contact vessel makes unexpected first contact with a powerful, new lifeform, while a universe ending crisis unfolds. Star Trek endlessly spins tales about differing cultures working together towards a common goal but they do not always work out as hoped.
The Cerritos Crew’s failure to resolve the issue amicably and Koj’s unintended efforts in causing their own undoing is also part of Star Trek lore (no, not that Lore). Problem solving in a crisis is a cornerstone of Trek storytelling which allows for creative or even mind-boggling solutions to emerge so that the crew can live another day. Also there is a great sense of relatability in a Starfleet crew failing but refusing to give up.
The heavy themes explored in Star Trek: Lower Decks #4 add rare weight to this series, and while Tendi’s solution is hardly original, it is still important to occasionally be reminded to appreciate the day and what we have. There was no win or lose in this story, just survival for some.
Apparently this universal crisis is separate from the one currently plaguing the Star Trek ongoing series although since they are occurring in the same time period it is a curious coincidence.
Writer Ryan North (Fantastic Four) effectively weaves the theoretical concepts of vacuum collapse and warp theory along with much needed humor and meta commentary into a story about basic survival. His dialogue is solid, and Koj’s character comes across as pragmatic and deferential rather than malevolent in their effort to survive the crisis.
Jack Lawrence’s art effortlessly matches the animated series style and his panel layouts are engaging. He also adds distinct changes in appearance for Rutherford and Tendi when they are possessed by Koj. Both characters’ postures project a sense of confidence and their hairstyles reflect a more relaxed look than the tightly coiled characters usually present.
Final thoughts
Overall, Star Trek: Lower Decks #4 is another enjoyable chapter, albeit a more somber one. Whether this crisis is actually resolved or will reappear in some form (and will somehow link to the other Trek series’ events) is unknown but in lieu of more animated adventures, this series is a welcome addition.
