The U.S.S. Cerritos finds itself in a peculiar predicament as it drops out of warp due to a navigational malfunction in "Star Trek: Lower Decks" Season 5, Episode 5, titled "Starbase 80?!". The crew, still damp from a mission on the ocean planet Piskus IX, must seek refuge at the last place they'd rather visit - Starbase 80. Written by May Darmon and directed by Bob Suarez, this episode takes us on a nostalgic trip through Starfleet's past, all while dealing with a mysterious curse that befalls the Cerritos crew.
The episode opens with the Cerritos crew, including Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome), Bradward Boimler (Jack Quaid), D'Vana Tendi (Noël Wells), and Samanthan Rutherford (Eugene Cordero), returning from a mission on Piskus IX. Despite their exhaustion, Mariner expresses her newfound appreciation for all aspects of Starfleet, much to Tendi's admiration. However, their respite is short-lived as a red alert interrupts their post-mission relaxation.
On the bridge, Jack Ransom (Jerry O’Connell) reports the unexpected drop out of warp. Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis) contacts Cetacean Ops, where Kimolu and Matt are shocked by green energy, a side effect of the malfunctioning navigation processor. Freeman orders the computer to shut down the processor, and the crew is forced to navigate to the nearest starbase, Starbase 80, on impulse power.
Upon arrival, the crew is met with a series of oddities. Kassia Nox (Nicole Byer), the diplomatic liaison, greets them in an outdated uniform, mistaking their visit for a repair mission. Freeman explains their situation, and Nox directs them to the chief engineer on level 15. Mariner, reluctant to return to Starbase 80, is ordered by Freeman to assist Nox with station repairs.
As they navigate the starbase, Nox reveals her voluntary service and the station's outdated technology, including gravity plating malfunctions and the absence of food replicators. Rutherford, attempting to fix the gravity stabilizer, is shocked by green energy, and the crew begins to suspect a curse, especially when more Cerritos crewmembers exhibit similar symptoms.
Freeman and Ransom, meanwhile, encounter their own series of mishaps, including a constant red alert and an encounter with Gene (Stephen Root), who is the chief engineer, Jacabowski. They learn of a bat infestation and agree to help in exchange for a new navigation processor.
The situation escalates as more crewmembers fall victim to the supposed curse. Tendi, attempting to rationalize the situation, eventually concedes that there might be something supernatural at play. Nox, however, observes that only the Cerritos crew is affected, leading Mariner to realize the source must be on their ship.
In a thrilling turn of events, Mariner, Nox, and the station's doctor, Harrison Horseberry (Liam McIntyre), discover that an anaphasic being, Clem, has been controlling the Cerritos crew through their combadges. Horseberry manages to eject Clem from the host whale and traps him, restoring the crew to their normal state.
The episode concludes with the Cerritos crew helping the Starbase 80 personnel with various repairs, and Nox recording a log entry welcoming Clem to the station. Clem, now in a stable vessel, promises not to inhabit anyone again, having learned his lesson about controlling physical life forms.
"Starbase 80?!" is a delightful blend of nostalgia, humor, and character development. It explores themes of judgment, second chances, and the resilience of the underdog. The episode serves as a reminder that even in the most unlikely places, there's always room for growth and redemption. The crew of the Cerritos learns valuable lessons about themselves and each other, making this an unforgettable installment in the "Star Trek: Lower Decks" series.