In this review of Star Trek: Lower Decks #17, in a bold/reckless maneuver, Beckett Mariner absconded with a Federation shuttle craft to find her missing crewmates back in the Laap System. Mariner’s plan involves surrendering herself to the mysterious alien invaders and sue for peace. Sounds like a solid plan right?
Star Trek: Lower Decks #17
Written by: Tim Sheridan
Art and Main Cover by: Vernon Smith
Variant Cover: Chris Fenoglio
Page Count: 28 pages
Release Date: March 11, 2026
This review contains spoilers
Star Trek: Lower Decks #17 begins with a flash forward to Star Trek: Picard – Season 3, which will become more clear as the story continues. Carol Freeman records her Captain’s log aboard the recently “borrowed” U.S.S. Illinois to provide assistance to Mariner. Ironically, while her daughter attempts a peaceful resolution, Freeman is ready to hit the alien ship with phasers on maximum and a full spread of photon torpedoes first, and ask questions later.
Meanwhile, Mariner surrenders herself to the mysterious aliens who remain in full body suits, hoods and face masks. The bipedal aliens lock her in a cell, but Mariner’s incessant chatter annoys the guards enough for them to drop the force field and shut her up…only, that was her plan all along. Despite their numbers, Mariner makes short work of the alien guards. Now armed, Mariner accidentally overhears a conversation between two aliens about how to disarm and disable the ship.
The aliens and alien vessel appear to be massively overhyped as a threat. Mariner works her way through the ship and discovers the captured Laapoonians, Laapeerians and (previously dead crewman Sun-Sanchez), but no sign of her missing friends. Shocked by the news, Mariner still executes the plan and remote detonates her shuttle, both damaging the alien ship and signaling the U.S.S. Illinois to beam aboard.
Mariner and Sun-Sanchez prepare to face the alien guards on their own, but Sun-Sanchez is trampled to death by the aliens. Mariner confronts the alien commander on the bridge, who reveals themselves.
Star Trek: Lower Decks #17 ends as Captain Freeman and her crew discover that the missing Lower Decks team are safe and sound aboard a cloaked U.S.S. Enterprise-E, commanded by Worf.
Analysis
Star Trek: Lower Decks #17 is a wild and unexpected journey. The mysterious and formidable alien invaders appear dim-witted and unsuited to active resistance, (and also find their uniforms uncomfortable to wear). In other words…they’re basic. The ship systems and security measures are easily sabotaged. Still they took the Laapeerians and Laapoonians, but apparently not for any nefarious purpose.
Star Trek: Lower Decks #17 is a mother daughter story with Freeman and Mariner running the show. Sure Mariner arrived to explore a peaceful resolution, but she has a plan (which Freeman knows), but neither of them expected the opposition to trip over themselves at the first act of defiance towards their authority.
Writer Tim Sheridan offers up some requisite Star Trek action amid the Lower Decks silliness, but there is an undercurrent of sadness for Mariner and Freeman when fearing for the welfare of their missing crew. But that doesn’t prevent a contrast provided by Mister Sun-Sanchez’s remarkable reincarnation from an allergic reaction and subsequent death by trampling. Sun-Sanchez is truly the Kenny McCormick of Star Trek: Lower Decks (non-canonically).
Star Trek: Lower Decks #17 also allows for Beckett Mariner to cut loose against the aliens, although she can’t believe how basic these guys are. Who are they, where did they come from and why are they in the Laap System? Answers are likely next issue when the longest running story arc finally wraps up.
The reveal that the missing away team was rescued by Worf on the U.S.S. Enterprise-E is a pleasant surprise, tying back to the curious opening recap of Star Trek: Lower Decks #17. As this is set after the 2002 Star Trek: Nemesis film but before Star Trek: Picard Season Three, Sheridan provides some (probably non-canon) backstory to Worf’s already storied history.
If only Star Trek: Lower Decks #17 could have been an episode of the animated series, Michael Dorn is no stranger to voice over work after all.
Artist Vernon Smith provides more enjoyable cartoonish artwork, with a cool shot of the U.S.S. Illinois and the impressive sequence of the alien craft tractoring in Mariner’s shuttle into the shuttle bay. The interior of the lien shift also has a nice design. Smith nails the fun Mariner action sequences along with some broad humor (poor Mister Sun-Sanchez). The spotlight this issue shifts from the Norman androids aboard the U.S.S. Illinois to the mysterious and uniformly masked aliens.
Final Thoughts
Star Trek: Lower Decks #17 reveals a few salient plot points as Freeman and Mariner take center stage in this penultimate chapter. The creative team continues to impress with a fun mix of cool Star Trek action, character moments and slapstick humor.
