Star Trek: Lower Decks

10 Best Episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks - Season 3

Embark on a journey through the cosmos with "Star Trek: Lower Decks," a delightful animated series that offers a fresh perspective on the iconic Star Trek universe. Set on the U.S.S. Cerritos, one of Starfleet's less glamorous ships, this show follows the adventures of the lower-ranking crew members in the year 2380. Ensigns Mariner, Boimler, Rutherford, and Tendi navigate a blend of work responsibilities, friendships, and unexpected sci-fi challenges, all while injecting humor and heart into every episode.

The series brings a light-hearted touch to the typically serious Star Trek franchise, making it a standout among fans and newcomers alike. With its witty humor, clever references to past Star Trek lore, and endearing characters, "Star Trek: Lower Decks" strikes a perfect balance between reverence for the source material and a fresh, comedic take on the space exploration genre. Each episode offers a mix of sci-fi action, character development, and laugh-out-loud moments that keep viewers eagerly tuning in for more.

Whether you're a die-hard Trekkie or just dipping your toes into the vast universe of Star Trek, "Star Trek: Lower Decks" has something for everyone. From quirky character dynamics to outlandish sci-fi scenarios, this series delivers an entertaining and enjoyable ride through the cosmos. So grab your favorite starship snacks and prepare for a warp-speed adventure with the crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos as they navigate the ups and downs of life in Starfleet.

Written by Sophie and last updated on nov 14, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Star Trek: Lower Decks - S3E7

#10 - A Mathematically Perfect Redemption (Season 3 - Episode 7)

A wayward Starfleet ensign struggles to find a path to redemption.

The episode was rated 7.25 from 646 votes.

Star Trek: Lower Decks - S3E3

#9 - Mining the Mind's Mines (Season 3 - Episode 3)

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On a remote science outpost, stone orbs are bringing fantasies to life. Tendi starts her first day as a Senior Science Officer Trainee.

The episode was rated 7.49 from 631 votes.

Star Trek: Lower Decks - S3E4

#8 - Room for Growth (Season 3 - Episode 4)

Mariner, Boimler and Tendi clash with their arch-rivals: Delta Shift. The Cerritos engineers go on mandatory relaxation leave.

The episode was rated 7.52 from 624 votes.

Star Trek: Lower Decks - S3E1

#7 - Grounded (Season 3 - Episode 1)

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In the "Grounded" episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks, Mariner takes center stage as she rallies her friends for a daring mission to clear her mother's name. Meanwhile, Captain Freeman must confront a military tribunal regarding the controversial destruction of Pakled Planet. This episode seamlessly blends humor and homage to the Star Trek universe, staying true to canon while offering a fresh and entertaining take on the beloved franchise.

The episode not only delivers on the entertainment front but also delves deeper into Mariner's character development. We see her grappling with the need to trust her friends and the system, showcasing a more vulnerable and relatable side to her usual self-assured persona. The dynamic between Mariner and her mother adds a touching layer to the storyline, providing viewers with a heartfelt and endearing narrative amidst the sci-fi action.

Fans of the show will appreciate the clever nods to Star Trek lore scattered throughout the episode, from historical theme parks to familiar locations like Janeway's San Francisco and Sisko's Creole Restaurant. The mix of nostalgia and parody keeps the audience engaged and eager to uncover each Easter egg. With a solid start to the new season, "Grounded" sets the stage for more exciting adventures while maintaining the quirky charm that has made Star Trek: Lower Decks a fan favorite.

The episode was rated 7.61 from 698 votes.

Star Trek: Lower Decks - S3E2

#6 - The Least Dangerous Game (Season 3 - Episode 2)

In the "The Least Dangerous Game" episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks, our favorite ensigns find themselves on a tropical paradise planet. Things take an interesting turn when Mariner decides to question Commander Ransom about his unique approach to structuring away teams. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, viewers are in for a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Meanwhile, Boimler, known for his cautious nature, shocks everyone with a bold career decision that leaves his fellow crew members in awe. Will this decision lead to success or chaos for Boimler? Fans of the show are eager to find out how this daring move will impact his journey and the dynamics within the Lower Decks crew.

With its blend of humor, suspense, and character development, "The Least Dangerous Game" offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of the unsung heroes aboard the U.S.S. Cerritos. As the episode unfolds, viewers are sure to be on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next unexpected development in this thrilling adventure through the vast expanse of space.

The episode was rated 7.65 from 655 votes.

Star Trek: Lower Decks - S3E8

#5 - Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus (Season 3 - Episode 8)

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In the latest episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks, titled "Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus," we see Boimler diving back into the world of holodeck movies. This time, he's attempting to create a sequel that lives up to the hilarity and adventure of the original. Fans of the show will be delighted to see how Boimler navigates the challenges of crafting a follow-up that meets the high expectations set by its predecessor.

What makes this episode stand out is how it cleverly pokes fun at the classic tropes and quirks of the Star Trek universe. Lower Decks has always excelled at playfully satirizing the long-standing traditions and idiosyncrasies of the franchise, and "Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus" is no exception. From inside jokes to meta references, viewers are in for a treat as they witness Boimler's humorous take on the world of Star Trek.

For fans who appreciate the mix of comedy and sci-fi that Lower Decks offers, this episode is a must-watch. It not only delivers on the entertainment front but also pays homage to the essence of Star Trek while adding its unique comedic twist. As the crew navigates the challenges within the holodeck movie sequel, audiences are sure to be entertained by the clever writing and playful nods to the beloved Star Trek universe.

The episode was rated 7.66 from 609 votes.

Star Trek: Lower Decks - S3E5

#4 - Reflections (Season 3 - Episode 5)

In the episode "Reflections" of Star Trek: Lower Decks, Mariner and Boimler find themselves manning the Starfleet recruitment booth at an alien job fair. The dynamic duo faces unexpected challenges as they navigate the diverse array of alien candidates, showcasing their teamwork and quick thinking in the face of intergalactic job seekers.

Meanwhile, Rutherford takes center stage as he pushes himself to new limits, presenting viewers with a glimpse of his untapped potential. The episode delves into Rutherford's character development, offering a deeper understanding of his motivations and ambitions within the Starfleet universe. Fans are in for an exciting ride as they witness Rutherford's personal growth and determination in the face of adversity.

With nods to past characters like Vash and clever references that add layers to the narrative, "Reflections" is a standout episode that seamlessly weaves together humor, nostalgia, and character-driven storytelling. Eugene Cordero's portrayal shines as he brings depth and heart to his character, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what the future holds for the Lower Decks crew.

The episode was rated 7.68 from 626 votes.

Star Trek: Lower Decks - S3E9

#3 - Trusted Sources (Season 3 - Episode 9)

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In the episode "Trusted Sources" from Star Trek: Lower Decks, tensions rise as a visiting reporter boards the Cerritos, causing Captain Freeman to feel uneasy. The crew finds themselves under scrutiny as the reporter's presence stirs up suspicions and challenges the ship's usual dynamics. With secrets at risk of being exposed, trust among the crew is put to the test, leading to unexpected alliances and revelations.

Amidst the chaos, Mariner faces personal challenges as her past reputation comes back to haunt her. The emotional impact of being judged based on previous actions tugs at Mariner's resilience, showcasing a vulnerable side to her character. As the crew navigates through the reporter's investigations, Mariner's journey towards redemption and acceptance takes center stage, offering viewers a deeper insight into her complex personality.

Fans of Star Trek: Lower Decks will be on the edge of their seats as the episode "Trusted Sources" unfolds with suspenseful twists and turns. With the return of the artefact hunter adding an intriguing layer to the narrative, viewers can expect a blend of drama, humor, and character development that keeps them engaged from start to finish. As the episode builds towards a climactic finale, the status quo aboard the Cerritos is bound to be challenged, leaving fans eager to see how the crew navigates the aftermath and what new adventures await them in future episodes.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 613 votes.

Star Trek: Lower Decks - S3E6

#2 - Hear All, Trust Nothing (Season 3 - Episode 6)

In the episode "Hear All, Trust Nothing" of Star Trek: Lower Decks, the Cerritos crew embarks on an unexpected adventure as they find themselves spending a day on Deep Space Nine. The opener of this episode is described as pure gold, setting the tone for what fans have dubbed their favorite episode of the season. With a rating of 9/10, it promises to be a rollercoaster of fun and excitement for viewers.

Fans were thrilled to see Kira and Quark making guest appearances in this episode, adding a cool dynamic to the storyline. The nods to Sisko are heartfelt, especially when Kira takes the ball and reminisces about the curves of the past. This episode pays homage to the characters and moments that fans hold dear, creating a nostalgic and enjoyable experience for all who tune in.

The emotional depth of this episode is further accentuated by the hometown advantage and the presence of beloved characters like Nerys and Quark. Viewers were left in awe, with goosebumps aplenty during the fly around sequences. As fans reminisce about good memories and special guest stars, this episode is hailed as a great tribute to the Star Trek legacy, earning a perfect 10/10 rating.

The episode was rated 7.90 from 659 votes.

Star Trek: Lower Decks - S3E10

#1 - The Stars at Night (Season 3 - Episode 10)

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In the episode "The Stars at Night" of Star Trek: Lower Decks, the Cerritos crew is faced with a challenging mission race that puts their skills and teamwork to the test. As they navigate through obstacles and unexpected twists, the California-class crew members must showcase their courage and determination to prove their worth. It's a heart-pounding adventure that truly captures the essence of what Star Trek is all about - bravery, unity, and the spirit of exploration.

Fans of the show have been raving about the dynamic duo of Mariner and Boimler, eagerly anticipating their appearance in the upcoming Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. The fast-paced action and witty humor in this episode, along with the stellar performances from the cast, make for an exhilarating viewing experience. Star Trek: Lower Decks offers a refreshing and entertaining take on the iconic Star Trek universe, with a diverse range of characters that resonate with audiences.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are treated to a fun and satisfying ending that leaves them wanting more. While some fans found the conclusion to be a blast, others critiqued certain aspects, like the teleportation of Starfleet ships. Despite differing opinions, the overall consensus remains positive, with many eagerly anticipating the upcoming fourth season. Star Trek: Lower Decks continues to captivate audiences with its blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments, making it a must-watch for fans of the franchise.

The episode was rated 8.12 from 625 votes.

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