Star Trek Lower Decks 4.04 "Something Borrowed, Something Green" REVIEW
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- Опубликовано: 20 сен 2023
- TENDI GETS AN EPISODE AND OMG I LOVE IT SO MUCH AHHHH!!!!
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The boys plot: "No! It's MY turn to water the plants!"
The girls plot: "We can't stop getting stabbed while we infiltrate a sex dungeon"
I know a lot of people perceive Vulcans as autistic coded, but I'd say T'lyn fits that idea better. She's not trying to hide or mask, she's not a mix of races, and she's not rogue and embracing her emotions. By all means she is a full Vulcan and loves to follow logic... but she still has trouble following their rules. She was outcast because her view of following logic doesn't align with the other Vulcans. I hope she joins star field properly because it feels like she's allowed to be herself here.
I can see that. Regular media tends to treat us as unfeeling, follow the rules in an obsessive way, but a lot of us are very sensitive and empathetic, have difficulty following the rules if they don't align with our sense of justice (which can be both good and bad, but that's a larger discussion). So while T'lyn is sorta logical, neutral faced, monotoned, she also called them her friends in this episode (which made me gush and tear up a little); when she threw away her observations as "damaged", that shows her compassion, empathy, and sense of justice that seems outside of Vulcan logic culture- which does code her in a way that is more nuanced autistic than how a lot of Vulcan's are coded.
Star Trek has a long history with a certain type of character - the not-quite-human seeking their true self (by becoming more human) Spock, Data, Seven of Nine. I think it might be important to note that the Vulcan embracement of logic is societal and spiritual pursuit. It is something they have to work very hard to attain. I don't say this to lessen any sympathy or understanding for the characters, really I'm just sharing a perspective.
Vulcans are (typically) born as INCREDIBLY emotional passionate people, and are trained (indoctrinated) from a young age to suppress their emotions through the teachings of a wise prophet. I wish that Star Trek would give as an emotional Vulcan who wasn't a criminal. I would like for T'lyn to come to an understanding of herself without bending to the pressure of Vulcan Society (which seems restrictive AF) and Starfleet.
@@caseykoons yeh ik the history of star trek and the character's culture. I would like to see T'lyn embrace being her better self rather then fit the societal standards of a culture that doesn't accept her. She's more emotional in her Vulcan way, but that works for her. She's not malicious because of it. It's what works best for her.
I struggled with this episode. Sometimes I see myself in Tendi as a black person who was raised not to "act black" for fear of confirming the stereotypes. I always notice when any mention of Orion culture Tendi react with embarrassment or disdain because she is anxious of others seeing her as the stereotypical Orion instead of as Tendi. It is something that I can relate to as someone who was made to feel like I had to minimize my blackness to deemed as acceptable. I just notice that this is really the only episode that Tendi shows postive emotions towards her culture when she supports her sister and affirms her sister's path. Personally I would like to see more instances of Tendi reminiscing positively about Orion culture instead of having to constantly dispel stereotypes. I liked that this episode showed a greater view of Orion outside of Tendi. I want to see more of that because I am not asking for Tendi to be the representative of Orion culture as a whole we can have more Orions. I just want more depictions of Orion and its complexities. I also hope that now that Tendi has been affirmed by her friends she no longer has to downplay her identity as an Orion and can show us the full Tendi without shame.
Seconded!!!
wow, that is a very interesting and reasonable viewpoint! it makes immediate sense...now that this episode has dropped, the thus-far pretty shabby treatment of Orion in Trek world definitely is on an upward redemptive arc. I think you will definitely see what you are hoping for!
I would LOVE to see Tendi take a more casual and open attitude when Orion stuff gets brought up especially when around Mariner and T'Lyn as a result of this episode, as opposed to the sheepishness she'd often display before.
Just wanted to say - thanks for sharing this. It honestly hadn't occurred to me to read Tendi's situation that way.
T'Lyn is such a great addition to the Lower Decks gang. I hope her arc is to realize that she fits better in Starfleet than on a Vulcan science ship.
it's nice seeing a Vulcan being able to cut loose as well
She's quickly become my favorite character. Even in this episode that focused on my previous favorite (well, Tendi was kinda tied with Boimler for my favorite).
IKR?!? I am so loving her character.
I do think the fact that her addition is the first major shake-up of the cast is probably a factor, too. Shax dying, Boimler and Mariner being reassigned, those were both undone quickly, so adding T'Lyn is the first change that's stuck.
I have one issue with her... Not enough friction in how she has integrated with the main cast. Obviously we all know she was gonna end up there, but I dunno an episode or 2 describing how she became friends with the main cast rather than coming across as if she was always one of their friends would've been better imo.
I loved when D'erica said "you abandoned me for science!" and T'Lyn stood up like she was gonna back up her new friend and throw down for science and Mariner was like...nope, this isn't about science.
I loved the way they've written T'Lyn not simply as a reckless maverick by Vulcan standards, but having such a strong ethical core behind her behavior. Makes me like her all the more.
I loved the captain of the alien ship getting angry about being offered the starfleet data because "starfleet data is too nuancedand thourough"
I’m enamored with T’Lyn. She has been a phenomenal addition to Lower Decks. I’m also glad they better illuminated Orion society. We learned about bridal kidnappings, the prime, and the drinking game.
The moment she said the thing about a subject's consent I actually teared up a little.
T'Lyn has quickly become my favourite character on the show.
And I have to admit, seeing her all stern in the Orion costume, that does…things for me.
@@briham86+1. T’Lyn is lucky she’s an animated character because…….
I agree...shes awesome and fits with our fellow Lower Deckers. Lower Decks is definitely is my favorite show. Deep Space Nine and Voyager held that in my opinion but Lower Decks surpassed all my expectations.
Y'know it CAN BE FUN to watch an episode of Lower Decks where D'Vana Tendi has to assume her role as The Mistress of the Winter Constellations from the Orion Crime Syndicate. She's only the Prime Daughter of the FIFTH most important House of the Syndicate (you can't tell me that's not a reference to Lwaxana Troi, Daughter of the 5th House of Betazed, Holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx).
I agree, and also, I CANNOT overstate how happy I am that, despite the referencing, at no point did they even attempt to punch at Lwaxana. I may not like how she handles domestic matters, but that doesn't mean she deserves the Fandom Punching Bag status she's acquired from our more toxic corners.
I respect the show for taking until season 4 to finally pay off the full Tendi family backstory. She's like if Martok had been raised by scientists and every so often has to sigh, roll his eyes, and explain to his crew why their sensors don't work or the reason why the Federation is using a stream of metrions on them. I also appreciate that Mariner is so supportive rather than being threatened by how Tendi could be twenty times the badass Mariner is if she felt like it.
The social engineering of the holodeck being shown in full this episode with that kid. Play by the rules or the child will be sad. Boimler and Rutherford take the TNG Holodeck behavior and show us how that's affected culture.
This was very necessary especially with the glimpses of Syndicate society we've gotten over the years
One of the underappreciated facets of this episode is *just how much growth* Mariner has displayed. During the sister swordfight scene, T'Lyn starts to get up, and it's _Mariner_ who has the presence to hold her back.
And remember last week? It was *Tendi* that suggested they were being hazed and *Mariner* who took the Tellarite Slop-Jazz bullet to make it right.
Even at her most insubordinate in episode two, she doesn't cross the line and follows Ransom's orders when told to do so.
That's growth from even a season ago. And you love to see it.
I love how, in the absence of Boimler, Mariner defaulted into the role of hapless buttmonkey for this adventure when put next to the T'Lyn as the rigid Vulcan straightman and Tendi having to go all out as the Mistress of the Winter Constellations.
The running knife bit was just too good.
Yeah, turns out Boimler is kinda her bullet sponge, huh? 😁
"You don't need pheromones because it's natural " Jessi it is absolutely impossible to over gush about D'vana because I have a feeling that Mike McMahon and crew were doing a wink and a nod to the fact that pretty much everybody has loved our favourite Orion ever since the very first episode and the fact that we are just now getting back story about her and it is everything that we wanted and more is a testament to how well the character has been written and portrayed and the fact that we all pretty much absolutely adore her
I beg your pardon?
Who could avoid adoring D'vana Tendi???
@@estherbarba1409 IKR
I appreciated them hanging a big ole lampshade on Tendi's irresistiblity, but I think the point at which the _LDS_ writers realized they had an unstoppable force on their hands was when they wrote T'Ana *purring* when Tendi hugged her.
@@GSBarlev I think it goes back earlier than that because if I recall as far back as season 1 everybody was praising the character of Tendi.
I loved how Enterprise flipped the Orion slave girl idea. I hated how they didn't really do enough with it to highlight that was still an issue. We peeled back layers of the klingons/vulcans/romulans/cardassians/ferengi. But we never really peeled back a second layer of the Orion.
Not interfering with other societies is a bitch.
The show could be fanservicey AF, so the superficial criticism let them have it both ways. That's why my wife and I always called it BoobyPrize. They still had some social commentary, but Trek back in the day often prioritized sex-positivity before ethics.
I'm sure "Bound" was earth-shattering for its day (and it was certainly a better retcon than the Klingon augment arc), but having just re-watched it... the primary purpose of the episode is to advance the T'Pol / Trip romance arc (it definitely helps Trip's characterization that he's the one male completely unaffected by the 'mones). It's an unforgivable crime that thread got cut how it did.
This makes me really glad I didn't watch Enterprise.
Enterprise has some really good episodes and even a few interesting arcs. But a lot of it is just a good idea they don't use properly.@@Lexivor
As a neurospicey nerd, ALL OF THIS resonates with me too. Any of us who were crammed into The Box can appreciate Tendi's journey here. And we totally love your rant and ramblings and insights on this fabulous episode! LLAP!
I love T'Lyn she's such a good friends, and it's refreshing seeing a Vulcan being able to cut loose
She's a bit too rowdy for me. Like, at any moment she could burst into *emotions*.
@anlumo1 tbf we have a fair amount of traditional Vulcan representation within star trek, and besides it's lower decks, this lot are bunch of wonderful odd balls
@@BatteredWalrusAnd that’s why we love it so much…it’s definitely still Star Trek, that heart beats so strong in every episode, yet it’s also such a refreshingly different take on the concept, letting us have a chance to laugh along and just have fun watching Star Trek…❤️
The USS Cerritos is now officially my favorite Starfleet vessel that ISN’T part of the grand NCC-1701 Enterprise family! 😅😍
She was *wild* this week... asking to check out the Orion aquifirs and muttering about Nya'al being "aesthetically pleasing"... She's got Big Kirk Energy, not just by Vulcan standards, but by _Cerritos_ standards, and *it's why we love her.*
@@GSBarlev *LOVE* your comment, although I can’t resist pointing out the fact that it’s really Mariner that has that Big Kirk energy…however, T’Lyn definitely IS the “emotional support” Spock that they ALL need and…well…
Let’s just face it…we ALL love T’Lyn! 😍😁
The Orions actually went after the mysterious ship to plunder it, as opposed to the Klingons and Romulans, which the mysterious ship went after. Hilarious episode... 😏
My favorite line of the episode: "Their emotional closeness IS unpleasant". Just hit me out of nowhere.
I second that Mariner getting stabbed repeatedly was a funny running joke.
I was happy T'Lyn decided to not submit the report. I can see how they could have resolved the subplot differently and still kept her as a "babyface" (to use a pro wrestling term), but yeah, it WOULD have been unethical, and I'm glad they said that out loud.
I've been looking for explicit references to Tendi being trans since your review of the DS9 episode. I hadn't seen things that way until you brought it up in that review, but the way you explained it then made sense. I think they explicitly said in this episode that she straight-up didn't have the pheromones, although that might not mean anything. At any rate, though I'm not trans, I find her relatable in that she had certain expectations from the people around her when she was growing up, but charted her own path.
As one of your viewers, I enjoyed seeing how much emotion and enthusiasm you had for this episode.
I believe in Jessie's interview with Mike McMahan ruclips.net/video/PrmuMUpdzHs/видео.html he said Tendi is not explicitly written as trans, but has traits of otherness that could be seen as such.
As one of the crew this gave me a series of very big feelings (and the shoutout made me hide my face haha). Your trans Tendi reading and your general love for our green girl have always been my favourite things, and I suspected you'd enjoy this episode when I first saw the animatic! I have zero story influence or any special behind-the-scenes knowledge in that regard (and couldn't say even if I did), but I'm sitting with you in the trans Tendi camp, waving the flag in hope and appreciation.
One thing about Tendi being allegorically and/or literally trans: I get those points, and they are interesting. But as a female who was taller and larger than many of the girls my age at school (5 foot 6 but surrounded by 5 foot 1 girls; size 12 surrounded by size 6s), but seeing friends who weren't as conventionally pretty as some, some who wore their hair short, even a girl who didn't shave her legs or armpits... There's a lot of ways someone can be made to feel that they aren't "really" something that they know they are. Accepting who someone is without putting your own preferences or preconceptions onto them is an ongoing task, and one worth doing.
The only thing I can say for sure about Tendi is that she is adorable.
LOVED Brotherford. They had me laughing out loud more than once. And this builds on previous character work from the Mugato episode last year. Boims & Rutherford are really into the game Compromise in that episode & that’s what ends up saving the day. So here they think they can help the captain out with their Mark Twain conflict resolution trick. Of course, they still wind up solving the problem, just not how they planned.
Tendi’s story likewise pays off all of the character work the show has done with her so far, while showing us her family & her culture, & giving her a positive resolution to her issues between her and her sister, as well as her own identity issues, gaining affirmation from her friends and giving affirmation to her sister.
Yeah, a really great episode with lots of laughs. Best of the season so far.
Edited to add:
Had to go off to Memory Alpha to figure out what the name of the alien race this episode’s antagonist belongs to is. It’s the Chalnoth!
I recognised him pretty immediately as “the alien from that episode where Picard is imprisoned in a room with 3 others while an imposter replaces him on the Enterprise”. That episode is called “Allegiance” btw.
Jessie, don't worry. You got across how much this story meant to you. You smile, you seem like your whole spirit is lighter... 🙂
As someone on the ace spectrum, it’s refreshing to watch a show that explores friendship and that platonic love between friends. There is beauty, love, and care in friendships that don’t get explored enough in storytelling. I’m not against depictions of romance but I find when they are incorporated into a story they take center stage and everything else is pushed to the side.
I love each of the characters (including T’Lyn) for different reasons that its actually hard for me to say who is my favorite. I walk away from each episode with a big smile on my face.
Jesse - T'Lyn said "Celebrating a lack of purpose is illogical." She didn't mention a life without purpose. Tendi was suggesting they find something fun to do after finishing work. I assume T'Lyn was referring to Buffer Time or slacking off after duties are completed.
I loved this episode for all the same reasons you stated. When Tendi was embarassed that her friends hat seen the "real her" and they responded with, "No, the real you is the scientist", that honestly brought a tear to my eye. Lower Decks is such a wholesome show and I love it so much for that.
"We know that you're a big nerd, not some hot assassin" "That's the nicest thing anyone ever said to me!"
Another minor thing that makes me like T’Lyn. Throughout this episode, sounds like she likes the beefcake boys and I live.
Yeah her understated agreement with Mariner was hilarious. And fits the "hot-blooded to vulcans, cool-headed to humans" niche she's developing into.
"He is aesthetically pleasing." 😆
B'rt or however they spelled it is a wonderful character, he reminds me of T'pring's dad. Star Trek has been creating some great dads lately lol
"D'erika" is, like, the perfect dumb name. I love it so freaking much. It sounds absolutely ridiculous, but also weirdly authentic in the way that cultures do absorb elements of each other as they interact. This episode was absolutely fantastic, and I loved hearing you gush about it.
Exactly.
Boimler doesnt know how to pronounce Bank but he can accurately portray Mark Twain
They are doing an amazing job introducing T'Lyn. We can see what relationships she will have with Boimler, Tendi, and Mariner.. All we need is her and Rutherford. Show is doing well with adding a new character to the mix.
You show a reason I love science fiction. Different people can take things from the story. You can take a trans message from it, someone else may be from a family of all one professions and took another path, it might by that they are changing from their society. It doesn't matter where we are coming from but we all are getting the same message and can learn to relate to each other through it.
I was thinking about how T’Lyn and Rutherford might get along, and it hit me:
In her introductory episode, T’Lyn slightly improves the scanning capabilities of her Vulcan ship, but she’s scolded for it because it wasn’t her assigned task. Now she’s on a Starfleet ship in which engineers like Rutherford are practically addicted to making improvements to their ship’s functionality… *and they’re applauded and even promoted for it*. Granted, T’Lyn is in Science instead of engineering, but she and her colleagues are given a lot of latitude to accomplish their tasks. They’re also given a lot of latitude to screw up; T’Lyn could not have gotten away with a fraction of what her Starfleet counterparts get up to on a regular basis.
The maverick attitude that got her transferred off her Vulcan ship is so mild in comparison to everyone on a Starfleet ship that she looks like the Straight Man (in comedy terms). She can contradict someone or make a snarky remark, and no one even notices. She probably spent her time in Starfleet Academy tensing up every time she made what she considers “an outburst”, expecting a reprimand that didn’t happen.
And then there’s Rutherford, who’s incredibly easygoing and just happy to be here and do his work. I think she might enjoy working in his company in silence, although comedic conflict could arise if they try to make improvements on the same tech and get into an escalating duel over it. And people nearby are like:
“Okay, stop! Both of you STOP! You’ve boosted this thing’s output three-hundred times over! You’ve made your point to each other!”
“I dunno. Maybe if we let them keep going, we can break the Warp Barrier or something.”
“Do you WANT salamanders? Because this is how you get salamanders.”
Teaser screenshots aside, I read Tendi as aro/ace and her relationship with Rutherford as strictly platonic.
Which means that there's room in my spaceport for the _USS Ruthe'Lyn._ Yes, we've had the Vulcan science officer x hunky engineer romance before. But honestly that was the best-and, dare I say, only redeemable part-of _Enterprise._
I gotta say Jessie, I totally agree with you on this. Tendi’s arc of being born into a system that had certain expectations of her and her choosing to have nothing to do with it and instead finding her own path speaks to my soul too. That’s the story of my life, and most of my writing across all the genres I work in comes down to three themes: found family, choosing your own path in life, and the idea that often it takes weirdos who don’t fit in the system to truly achieve lasting change. Glad you loved this one as much as I did because for me it ticked all those boxes :)
I think that was the same kind of ship that 7of9’s parents had, “The Raven “.
it absolutely is
I loved this episode! 🥰 Tendi is my favorite character. I love her enthusiasm and kindness to others.
The Boimler and Ruttherford storyline was hilarious! 🤣
LONG LIVE BRUTHERFORD
T'Lyn was. My favorite part of the episode. LOVE HER being part of the cast.
She was worth the season long wait
BEST episode of the season so far, and I can see this one being among a top 10 or even top 5 LD episode list down the line. Great story with two good plots, diving into one of Trek's most infamous aliens, being the best utlization of our favorite Vulcan newcomer, and finally going into the story of arguably the best main character of the show.
For past trek references, my favorites are all the Mark Twain stuff, the blink/miss of the TAS Orion captain on a liquor bottle, and Mariner's jab towards the horrible ENT episode Bound.
Just a note, I'm pretty sure it's explicitly stated that tendy doesn't have pheromones. She says not all Orion's have them, the lady in the dungeon comments on her not having any, and stuff like that
T'lyn is an important and welcome addition. It really helps with the humor that in previous seasons has been more "wacky" than the amazingly witty humor her character give the writers the chance to write.
Franky, Tendi has such tgirl swag and the only thing that's better than her story having so many trans themes is to just casually also confirm she's also actually trans. I find "the ratatouille effect" really funny and cute
The ratatouille effect?
@@AnarchistArtificer There's reasonable evidence that Remy in Ratatouille could be trans (his character model best resembles the female rats rather than any other) and from that stemmed the joke that his dad was fully supportive of his gender, but cooking??? that was too far. People then use this for characters with queer theming/allegories who they also headcanon as being queer on top of it. Like Tendi being trans and that being completely cool with the Orions, but her not wanting to be an assassin is the strange thing
I always put an asexual read on the lack of pheromones. She probably has them but no desire to use them. I think an ace read also maps for Tendi.
Ehhhhhhhh... I'm not sure I'd go that far. She _did_ tell Rutherford not to date Barnes.
@@Brasswatchman I mean, you can be asexual without being aromantic. :V
The thing with the opening scenes of the ships getting destroyed, which I haven't really seen mentioned in reviews/discussions yet, is that each ship vignette we see is showing the Lower Decks version of that ship/empire/species. And each time, it's a male and a female lower class ship member being friendly and silly and competitive and supportive with each other -- it's Mariner and Boimler. So it's not just a look into another ship, but it's specifically showing us other 'versions' of Mariner and Boimler in the Lower Decks of different fleets. And it's repeated ... over and over and over, and the idea I believe is that we're connecting with these characters because they remind of us Mariner and Boimler, and then we slaughter them. That adds to the emotional impact. So, sure, there's nothing "new" about the scene each time, but it's a slow build of tragedy and panic. Kind of like when everyone got dusted in Avengers. We see one... then another... then another... then another... yeah, we get it, they lost and they're dusted. But each new one added to the overall emotional build. The over repetition is the point. But really, fundamentally, the thing I'm appreciating about these is the Mariner-Boimler parallels.
Thanks for that view. I think it’s very interesting, and it makes a LOT of sense to me.
One of my favorite jokes in the episode is that the alien won't let them scan because he thinks Start Fleet's scans are too thorough and technical and miss the forest for the trees.
Oooooh, good point!
I find it hilarious that mariner got stabbed in the same spot the entire episode. Looks like she’s got a real “chip on her shoulder”….
I giggled the first two times, but the last one made me laugh out loud
I think one of my favorite jokes so far has been, "I live in a post scarcity society and even I'm impressed." Heh Capitalism sucks Heh.
Its between that and "Oh no my report seems to have been damaged" *nonchalantly throws it away to support a friend* "Observing a Culture without consent would be unethical." Not sure if this counts as a joke but it was a bit that warmed my heart.
This episode (and season so far) is making me think Lower Decks might be my favorite of the new Star Trek shows! All hail the (former, because she quit) Mistress of the Winter Constellations! Yay for pursuing a career, identity, friend group, personality that is authentically fulfilling!
I'm calling it that the thing that pulls the lower deckers in to the ship blowing up all the ships is T'lyn's vulcan ship gets hit.
Extra points if they have just enough time to realize T'Lyn's shield upgrades could've saved the ship.
They were VERY clear about Tendi not having Pheromones. They didn't say she just "didn't like using them", they said she doesn't have them.
This episode was EXCELLENT. It has made Tendi the most interesting of the four lead characters, at least to me, and may even convert Steve Shives into a fan ... if he ever sees it. 🖖
He won't. And Steve, as good as he is, is still a cishet white dude. Things don't resonate with him the same way they do with us marginalized folk. That's why he doesn't notice some of the things that Lower Decks does, or that SNW failed to do in season two. He's not bad, but he does have a blind spot.
Don't hold your breath 😒😒
I mostly like Steve, but his hate for VOY and LD are just inexplicable to me. Especially LD. It feels like he’s willfully blind to all the positives.
Me, the entire time watching this episode: Jessie’s gonna go nuts about this.
YESSS I love characters with both explicit and allegorical queer storylines. Side note: I feel like the bit with Mariner getting stabbed was a reference to DS9 re-using the Major Kira burnt shoulder costume so many times!!! (Literally, the poor woman was always getting phasered or burned or shrapnel to the same shoulder)
It was an amazing episode, and hearing your thoughts and perspective on it made me empathise with it and appreciate it even more! A very beautifully articulated and presented review, Jessie! Thank you so much!
"This IS a Southern accent!"" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA
The other Orion woman said Tendi doesn't need the pheromones, the makes fall at her feet anyway.
T’Lynn is a great addition to the cast. She brings something extra to the group. I kind of thought that when she was introduced she was sort of the Vulcan version of Marriner but she’s written so much better than that.
Although it’s a a shame Boimler and Rutherford didn’t get to go to Orion because it would have been funny to see Boims deal with the ‘mones given how he totally missed the girls on his family vineyard virtually throwing themselves at him
This makes me want to have T’lyn and Boimler pair up. She is strong and yet she cares enough to respect Tendi’s feelings on her report.
I love Lower Decks for the same reasons. It also shows us how important friendships and accepting and loving each other makes us all better.
You didn’t fail to communicate your feelings. You rarely do. I sometimes disagree, but I love your willingness to share your feelings anyway.
I ship them big time, she already gave him one of the best compliments you can from a Vulcan "your work is exemplary"
The previous episode did pair them, they just barely interacted.
She did talk sense into boimler about how to be a leader.
I have been really liking lower decks starting to make their own lore, I love the references but it really did need more of it's own to reference!
Yeah, they’ve been establishing more lore than people realize. Like the very idea of Second Contact vessels, some alien races they made up for a given episode, “Where Are They Now” updates to places we’ve seen before (my favorite being Historical Bozeman as a tourist attraction), what lower deckers are like on non-Starfleet ships, and of course, MOOPSY. But yeah, it’s great to see a huge amount of fleshing out of what Orion society is like.
I really loved the episode. I'm often moved by depictions of male friendship in media, because it's something I miss in my own life. So, even though the secondary story line was meant more as comedy relief, it still spoke to me personally. Well done, creators of Lower Decks. And thank you Jessie for another earnest and insightful video.
ok, so every episode until now we see the same ship attacking different crews, and we can see the "lower deck" of different races and factions.
but this episode also show that they are all low rank ships. I have this theory that the crews are not dead, but captured, and by the end of the season we can see something like a big Lower Deck team up.
I love Tendi and this episode and throughout Lower Decks. What struck me that Tendi chose the path of her great-grandmother as an explorer and scientist. Nice little crossover hit between SNW and LD. The gags this episode were brilliant.
She did specifically say she doesn't have the pheromones, and it was confirmed by another character. It doesn't appear to be a matter of choosing not to use them. Which does seem to point to a (not clear how common) biological difference from other Orion women. I'd say that aligns with either a trans allegory (intentional or not) or potentially literally being trans or intersex. The inference is certainly possible although it's ambiguous whether the implication is there.
A better idea would have been, had the pheremon thing been a lie told by Archer in order to hide the fact that he was seduced by the Orion captian and accidentally allowed her access to all the security codes but was stopped from using them. In order to hide this, they invented a fake story of them having pheromones and that is how a myth was born.
@@basilofgoodwishes4138 I can't speak on what was done in the Enterprise episode and how it should have been addressed by LD, since I haven't seen Enterprise. I can only address what information is presented in Lower Decks (and other things I've seen, obviously, but that's irrelevant in this context).
But on the subject of things that could be lies, it is also possible that D'Vana is lying about not having the pheromones. But if her word is to be taken at face value, she doesn't. It remains unclear how common that is unless stated elsewhere.
Not to take away from trans reading but it could also be a way to remove the mind control aspect from cis Orion women by canonizing that they don’t all have the pheromones, in an effort to lessen the problematic aspects of the Orions
Tendi definitely feels trans tho for sure
Jessie I’ll have to rewatch the episode but I’m pretty certain that Tendi doesn’t have the pheromones at all, not just that she chooses not to use them.
“Not all of us have those”
My read on it is that some of the others in Orion Society use the pheromones to compensate for Highborn Orion's like Tendi. No I see this because as we learned as far back as the second season of lower decks she doesn't like using that influence. But there was a line that was said to her about how effortless it is for D'Vana. That pretty much anybody who meets her falls under her particular spell( yes there could be a cheeky read that the writers are acknowledging how quickly all of us fell in love with Tendi but I don't think that that needs to be said giving how fourth-wall-breaking this series frequently is). So if I may draw a parallel to the other franchise which I know Jesse put out a video for the other series which is also running right now on Disney Plus) Tendi is like Anakin/Luke. Naturally talented with Force potential. Other Orions range from Chuirit to Yoda in terms of potential. And like Chuirit others can use the Force(pheremones) but it takes training and discipline.
@@bemasaberwyn55 okay but tendi LITERALLY says that not all Orions have the pheromones.
Not that not all Orion women don’t use pheromones.
That not all Orion women HAVE pheromones.
I don’t think I can make it more explicit
I really want star trek to do an episode, where they find a planet that bows down to one random crew member. But then after the credits roll, it turns out that in the past, that crew members species encountered them, told them they were aliens and hhelped them with something. The people actually remembered it was just lost travellers who helped and don't misconstrue it as gods intervening.
But the whole episode, the crew thinks they are being treated like gods, when it's just a set up for a anniversary of saving feast and the aliens on the planet just consider the crewmember descendent like a mall santa. They don't really care that much, but light clapping for them looks like full on hands and knees bowing so it confuses the crew.
I really like that!
ST Prodigy kinda did something like that
It was a fantastic episode (But making us care about characters and immediately killing them was SUPER dark and before the credits even start!) "Regret what you didn't do, not what you did" - Mark Twain (regretting a life without purpose, so the Twain bit, funny as it was, did fit the episode and I suspect it was by design) But I can understand (to a very tiny degree as a cis middle aged male compared to your life as a trans lady but good call, we all do feel that way to a degree, the societal norms rarely fit who we actually are inside) but using your experience as a Trans lady as an allegory to Tendi's life definitely feels on point. I'm glad this episode spoke to you like it did and it's equally great that it was through such an awesome character - Tendi is the best!
I love that the dad is named Burt.
My interest with the Orions began in Star Trek: Enterprise, ever since then I've been wishing for more Orion episodes. The after the reintroduction of the Orions in Nu Treks, Tendi being one of the main character in Lower Decks, and after watching this episode, makes me want more Orion episodes.
Oh yeah, the alien that Freeman, Boimler and Rutherford have to deal with is called the Chalnoth, they are first introduced in the TNG episode "Allegiance".
This was a superb episode. Both this week and last week are among my favorite Lower Decks episodes.
I think T’Lyn might be my favourite character.
I think the portrayal of Orion society having evolved from the Enterprise days is very clever, turning it from cultural essentialism to a fetish.
I like how we get episodes with T'Lyn bonding with each main character
It definitely counts as one of the all-time greatest Star Trek episodes just for how it explores Orion society. One of the best parts of TNG-era Trek was its grand tradition of including a member of a typically villainous race as one of the crew. TNG gave us the noble warrior Klingon Chief of Security Lt. Worf. DS9 gave us several but special recognition goes to the Ferengi boys themselves, Quark, his brother Rom and nephew Nog with Nog making history by becoming the first Ferengi to enter Starfleet Academy. VOY gave us the initially unwitting but ultimately loyal Borg provisional officer Seven of Nine, who is now, as of PIC Season Three, the first Borg Starfleet Captain, finishing the season as the new Captain of the Titan-A. Now, LD has given us the wonderfully sweet Orion Science Officer Lt. D’Vana Tendi. These characters all hold amazing potential in being able to explore the deeper societies of these cultures that previously had been seen as major threats to the Federation. With each of these characters, we finally got to see into the weeds of how each society works…and, yes, even Seven managed to help us see The Borg in, at the very least, a somewhat different light. I particularly recommend the Voyager episode “Unimatrix Zero” as it actually gives the viewer a glimpse into a unique Borg Unimatrix that somehow exists outside of the Borg Queen’s view…a sort of Borg Dream World where drones in regeneration are able to experience individuality and appear as their pre-assimilation selves. Through this episode, we learn about the concept of Borg drones desiring their individuality, something which would bear consequences for the Collective later on as drones would, in fact, start de-assimilating of their own accord. We also find ourselves emphasizing with these drones while their within Unimatrix Zero…it’s a place where they all find peace, one can see a Romulan getting along perfectly fine with a Klingon and a Vulcan and even humans.
Lt. T’endi does much the same here, just in more hilarious fashion…it’s a fun glimpse into the inner workings of Orion society in a way which we honestly would never have seen if D’Vana T’endi hadn’t decided to break away from the traditions of Orion society to join Starfleet.
With stories like this, Lower Decks is rapidly proving why it has well earned its place within the Star Trek franchise. It’s perspective is a unique one, for sure…but that’s part of what Star Trek is all about, taking a unique perspective and telling a enjoyable story in the process. There’s so much heart that’s being put into this show…as a fan who grew up on TOS reruns and first-run TNG, it’s a feeling that I have missed for quite some time.
To Alex Kurtzman and his crew…thanks for making Star Trek fun again! 🖖🏻❤️
I've finally been watching all the new Star Trek shows and I have caught up enough that I can actually watch the new shows as they air and watch reviews like this.
That being said I completely agree with loving Tendi's story in this episode. I have run across so many people in my life who were good at certain things whether through natural talent, honed skilled, or a mixture of both but at the same time they didn't enjoy or outright hated doing those things. All while at the same time familial and social pressure is what made them and/or keeps them doing stuff they hate just because they are good at it. So seeing Tendi in this episode and even in the couple earlier ones that gave a glimpse into her Orion life that she is really good at all the crazy Orion pirate stuff but also obviously hates doing the crazy Orion pirate stuff that just landed so well to me.
And of course I absolutely adored that moment in the shuttle when Tendi talks about not wanting people to see the real her and Mariner and T'Lyn both immediately respond that the real Tendi is the one back on their ship geeking out on all the science stuff. There are so many people out there who could use that type of friendship and support.
I love your comments regarding how assigned roles are damaging even to people who fit those roles. I've often heard people say "cooking is women's work". I'm a woman and I enjoy cooking. I like experimenting with new ingredients and trying recipes from different cultures. I LOVE to eat and sharing that joy with people I cook for. The assumption that cooking is my job degrades the value of my food, my labor, and the fact that this is a skill I CHOSE to learn.
I do think the intro segment was (at least pretending to) closing the door on the possibility that the intruder is transporting away the people. The shadow of the bodies getting evaporated was pretty clearly shown this time. Whether that's real or a misdirect and it's just a new/alternate transporter effect we'll have to see.
Also thank you for that AWESOME 4th-Wall break, Mariner.
I love how T'Lyn was going to throw down on Tendis behalf and Marriner made her wait. Good character beat for both.
The alien ship killing everyone... Koala Grey, large biopsy nose weapon, and ear wings.
The Koala Cometh!
Borrowed for the borrowed god! Green for the green throne!
I laways loved Tendi but as an Eastern European immigrant her story never resonated with me more than in this episode. Being in other countries vehemently pushing back about racist, harmful stereotypes in your culture, than going home and being embarrassed by the culture... Also I didn't know ppl don't know about this but CONSENSUAL bridal kidnapping is an old Eastern European wedding tradition. The friends and family of the bride 'kidnap' her and the groom has to do some challenges to get her back. The idea is that he has to prove himself worthy for her hand in marriage. (I just tried to google it and there's no top hits on this in English. Wow.)
The only reason this isn't my favourite episode of the season is that I Have No Bones And I Must Flee had me laughing so much. And I'm not saying that because The Moopsy is loose in my-
"Moopsy"
*connection lost*
So many trans leading details:
-The coming out story to the female crew right after seeing a short haired image in crayon of a past life. That whole speach.
-The fact that they literally scream, "I'm hooked on Mones!!!!"
-Slit Throat could absolutely be a pun on bottom surgery. But that's also just as likely not.
-The little sister experiencing middle child syndrom which is straight out of Venus Envy (Which for trans people a little older than Jessie Gender, was seriously THE source for a period of time)
I can appreciate your apprehension about this review. I think you express yourself very well.
I'm non-binary, and often find myself in Tendi's position, where so many things are effortless for me, and I got way more attention than I knew what to do with, but it was attributed to a part of me that I didn't choose, nor had any control over. I resented a lot of that attention, and I don't know how to be comfortable in my own skin, even if others appreciate what's underneath.
I never understood the envy others had for what I found annoying, or what I didn't think was the best parts of me. I also couldn't be separated from the parts or attributes that caused the envy in others. I don't know what it's like to be seen as who I want to be.
I absolutely love what the episode did for Tendi, and I also like how T'Lyn is established to be a bit "reckless" and illogical, forging her own path despite being Vulcan. I can see how Tendi didn't want to do all the things society and her family wanted because it wasn't her. I really appreciated how Tendi didn't even need to use her pheromones, giving the impression that she has a natural charisma or allure, something inherent that doesn't really serve her decision to follow a career in Starfleet. In a way, T'Lyn is finding her own path because she is a misfit in Vulcan society. Being neurodivergent, it seemed like Vulcans would mesh well with my kind of brain. I like to think that T'Lyn is neurodivergent as far as being Vulcan. She had different expressions that made her look less stoic, and she probably has a wicked sense of humor. I really appreciated T'Lyn's realization of consent and yeeting the padd. Also dat lie of omission tho, scandalous.
I also appreciated the look into Orion society, with the different appearances and styles, and I agree with the idea of CnC as far as the ones choosing to be in the dungeon.
I like how Tendi and T'Lyn are getting a lot of character building so far. I think by the end of this season, T'Lyn might let her hair down fully and embrace her true self.
I'd like to suggest assigned stabby at birth. 🗡 I hope some time soon Tendi feels completely comfortable in her skin, and can use all her talents without feeling embarrassment or shame, because Tendi is fucking awesome.
🖖Jessie
They did a great job of showing Orion society without fetishizing it, like in the older series.
This episode really reinforced an aspect of Tendi’s character that hasn’t received much discussion. She’s a person who does not seek power. She actively moves away from those positions or even natural abilities that would allow her to be the one in charge.
It’s not just reluctance like we often see but her own type of determination.
I love how eloquently you speak about representation and the language you use to describe how it resonates with you, just such a genuine, honest perspective
As a neurodivergent I've always related to Spock and Data. I like T'Lyn she seems like a Vulcan with neurodivergence too intelligent and emotional for Vulcan norms. Like me she seems to struggle to navigate her place in society. Also like me she seems to learn by observation. I'm glad they've given her so much screen time this season.
"Assigned assassin at birth"
This is why I watch this channel.
I do like the emphasis it puts on Tendi's passion for science that she didn't reject the Orion lifestyle because she couldn't measure up. She excelled at it, a downright prodigy, but it wasn't what she wanted. Often in a story like this it will be because the person seeking to escape said assigned role isn't competent at what's required and that's part of what clues them into how they must be meant for something else.
The woman running the 'mone dungeon did say Tendi didn't have the ability but very pointedly said she didn't need it, having men fawn over her through sheer non-chemical charisma.
❤Love your shows Jessie Gender. Sad thing is I had two panic attacks , and had to go to ER Twice; Jacksonville florida I felt poisoned by my HRT medicine.
Love Star Trek, and wish the best for everyone 💖 . Live Long and Prosper Everyone❤.
Loved they borrowed from Doctor Who "you’re an alien? Then why do you sound like your from the north?" "lots of planets have a north!" Haha, good one.
The enthusiasm and warmth that you bring to these reviews is why we love you, Jessie. 🥰
This was beautiful, Jessie. You did a perfect job of expressing how much this episode meant to you, and now I have a whole new, beautiful reading for an episode that was already one of my favorite _Trek_ episodes of all time.
Thank you.
Gush away, Jessie! I love your enthusiasm! You have brightened a rainy weekend, and made me love this episode even more! As always from you, a great and fascinating take. Who among us Star Trek fans hasn’t felt alienated from our society at least part of our lives? Go Tendi, live your best life as the real you! And keep going, Jessie!
23:28 To be fair, even having thrown out her notes, there's nothing to stop T'Lyn from recreating the report from memory. But Vulcans aren't big on lying, so I suspect we can take her at face value.
Jessie your passion and sincerity are your greatest strengths!
You have just elevated my enjoyment of this episode. :)
You noted some depth that didn't strike me as deep, but seeing how it impacted you and explaining the even more extra layers really helped.
For example I had forgotten about the enterprise episode and this Lower Decks having to navigate the aspect while trying to expand the culture. Another is putting a more joyful spin on the B plot as I didn't find it as funny and while that still maybe the case it has a more fun collaborative bent now instead of "silly argument for comedy."
❤ Your enthusiasm is infectious! What a great episode😃
Great review and loved seeing more about the Orion society and Tendi's family
Also I wage a lot of gold pressed Latinum that the next ship that gets blown up is a borg cube. That would be hilarious to see.
Wait, were the other ships that got destroyed also the ones we saw with alien lower deckers?
Yeah. The Klingon ship blew up.
coincidentally mentioning latinum considering the following episode
I don’t think it’s just repeat with the alien ships, I think it’s homing in on the Cerritos.
With the short hair and white uniform, Jessie Gender is starting to remind me of Christine Chapel from Strange New Worlds!
Jessie, Scoutmaster here. You are STILL an Eagle Scout. And we're proud of you.
I think you got a least 98% of your enthusiasm for this episode out! This was an amazing one.
Except the pheromones are also being ptesented like an addictive drug rather than just pure mind control
I saw this episode and immediately knew you’d love it.
I hadn’t realized how much I related to your understanding of Tendi - as a Jew trying to figure out what I want that to look like for my own life, the idea of coming home to a place that you don’t want to fit in anymore meant so much