I enjoy the exploration of Ferengi society under Grand Nagus Rom, and visiting some of Ferenginar's hot spots. I also enjoy seeing Rom and Leeta again. I love the subversion of Rom's doofiness, and how well Leeta adapted to Ferengi society. First Clerk, indeed. Freeman's frustration was my frustration, but it had a satisfying ending.

I didn't enjoy the lower deck gang's shenanigans as much. There were fun moments, but it felt like a drag on the characters. Mariner's fighting just to be fighting. She has grown a lot over the past seasons. Her undefined angry outburst in this episode seemed pointless. There's nothing keeping JG Lieutenant Mariner from her Ensign Mariner renegade behavior and schemes. Boimler has completely backslid into the previously uncertain, twitchy, insecure Boimler. There's no sign of "Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus'" (s3e8) "I want to be a captain" Tendi.

Rutherford and Tendi's discomfort pretending to be a couple made me uncomfortable. They've clearly been sweet on each other for a while. I could have done without forcing them into this pretend couple scenario, and let their relationship develop at its previous pace. I think Mariner and Boimler being the pretend couple had the potential to be hilarious. And, what the heck. No T'Lyn? Much disappointment.

I think Ransom is the standout in this episode.

The destroyed (maybe? maybe not?) ship of the week is a Ferenghi one. There was the tiniest hint, that one of the crew had been in contact with who or whatever is on that flying ship of destruction. With only 4 episodes left, I hope that ship has a huge payoff after being teased for so long.

I still love Lower Decks. This episode is a mixed bag for me.

I was hoping the little ship of doom is using unfamiliar tech to transport the people on the destroyed ships somewhere. Mainly because of Ma’ah and the Che’Ta’, and now the Orions. But, I'm leaning more towards destruction, than transporting. On the plus side, I have an astonishingly consistent track record of being wrong when guessing story points. Fingers crossed that my streak continues.

Lower Decks continues to shine. I enjoy finally being shown aspects Orion culture, beyond being considered, " ... delinquents, pirates, slave traders." (DSC s1e15, although the same perception about Orions is held throughout Star Trek). The expansion of Tendi's background is great. I'm hoping for more on Orion in Star Trek's future. Poor Mariner, lol.

Getting to see Boimler and Rutherford settle in as roommates made for a nice B story. That got me wondering again about Mariner and Tendi's new quarters since their promotions. And, T'Lyn's.

The mysterious ship of destruction is getting old for me. When only ten, twenty-five minutes each, episodes are considered a season, there's little time to dilly-dally around with story telling. I'm just hoping this tease doesn't continue to be unexplained until another season.

To bad there wasn't time in "wej Duj" (LD s2e9) for an Orion Lower Decks segment. Now, I'm just waiting for an appropriate situation to say, " ... that makes you more of an Orion plagiarist."

I'm hoping Very Short Treks started with their weakest showing. Who okayed this? I'm imagining someone who when asked what their favorite part of Star Trek is, responds, "the lightsabers and the Wookies." How else would the not at all representative of Star Trek whinge, "omg, I can't say anything without offending someone!," get put on repeat for nearly the entirety of the short. Except by someone who is clueless about Star Trek. And then ending with the Captain getting his imaginary girlfriend wish fulfilled. What the hell did I just write. What the hell did I just watch.

Definitely a t-shirt ready quote.

I get what they were going for with the song, but it's a swing and a miss for me. I think the opening credits montage fits perfectly with the show, but not the song. When I watch ENT, the only time I don't mute the sound during the opening credits is for "In a Mirror, Darkly, Parts 1 and 2."

" ... another 'space theme for nerds,' so to speak ... "

Not so to speak. Exactly that. Give me the orchestral story telling. Give me that epic space theme.

There were Star Trek fans at the time screaming from the rooftops about how TNG would ruin Star Trek. Before TNG even aired. But, there were also Star Trek fans who, while disappointed to not have the TOS crew back, were curious about what TNG was going to bring to the table. And, really happy to have a Star Trek series again. But, "Curious Trekkies Wait to See What's What with TNG" wasn't going to sell as many papers and stir up as much drama.

TOS has such episodes.

Yonadans in "For the World Is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky" s3e8.

To a lesser extent the people on Beta III in "The Return of the Archons" s1e21. They don't know how to work the technology, but they fear more than worship Landru.

Maybe the people on Gamma Trianguli VI in "The Apple" s2e5, although I don't remember whether or not they were descendants who lost knowledge of technology and just started worshiping Vaal.

I like Chris Pine's Kirk, but I can imagine Mr. Olyphant as Kirk in the Kelvin films and doing a great job at it. I get that the Kelvin films Kirk was set when he was closer to Mr. Pine's age. Still, I can't help but wonder what a Timothy Olyphant Kirk might have been like.

What a great first peek. I love seeing the Doctor. I'm happy to see this clip's release, but I'm staying with cautiously optimistic about the where and when of Prodigy's future home and seasons, and the availability for viewing of season 2. Leaning towards optimistic because someone had to give permission to release the clip. Paramount+ maybe? Until Prodigy has a new home, I'm guessing that Paramount+ owns the rights to Prodigy.

I don't doubt that there are parties interested in carrying the show. They would gain a show with a preexisting, supportive fan base and become a part of the Star Trek realm.

All in all, an impressive response by Star Trek fans to Prodigy and the creative team's poor treatment by Paramount+. Go team Star Trek fans!

@triktrek@startrek.website

It's from the film Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986).

Kudos on not getting stabby! Self-restraint is a good life skill.