The fourth season of "Star Trek: Lower Decks" kicked off with a bang,
delivering an episode that not only paid homage to the beloved "Voyager" but
also set the stage for a promising new season. "Twovix," written by Mike McMahan
and directed by Barry J. Kelly and Jason Zurek, premiered on September 7, 2023,
and it was a treat for both new and old fans of the franchise.
The episode begins with the Lower Deckers complaining about their assignments, a familiar scene that quickly takes a turn for the extraordinary. Mariner hopes their secret mission isn't about dealing with annoying Romulan spies, while Boimler is stuck with the unenviable task of cleaning the holodeck. The new crewmember, T'Lyn, adds a Vulcan touch to the mix, commenting on Boimler's "repulsive" odor, setting the tone for the humor that would run throughout the episode.
The real adventure starts when Captain Freeman learns that her mission is to escort a ship to Earth—the USS Voyager. The crew boards the iconic ship, now being prepared to become a museum, complete with mannequins and uniforms. The curator, Beljo Tweekle, played by Andy Richter, adds a layer of comedic obsession over the preservation of Voyager, providing a mirror to the show's dedicated fans.
The plot thickens when a macrovirus is accidentally released, merging two crew members into one, a scenario reminiscent of the Voyager episode "Tuvix." The humor darkly escalates as the newly created being, T'Illups, decides to create a "hybrid army" by merging more crew members, leading to a moral dilemma that echoes the original series' controversy.
Meanwhile, Boimler's potential promotion adds a layer of personal conflict, as he struggles with the responsibilities that come with the new rank. Mariner's support for Boimler's promotion adds depth to their relationship, showing growth from previous seasons.
The episode is a masterclass in balancing humor with heartfelt character development. The Tuvix-meatball problem is resolved in a way that is both hilarious and satisfying, showcasing the teamwork and ingenuity of Tendi and T'Lyn. The solution, involving a scanner modified by T'Illups, is a clever twist that highlights the show's ability to blend technology and comedy.
The episode also explores the Klingon side of the story, with G'reck and Key'lor plotting against their former colleague Ma'ah, who they believe undeservingly gained the captain's chair. This subplot adds a layer of intrigue and sets up a new serialized storyline for the season.
"Twovix" is a love letter to "Voyager" fans, filled with references and in-jokes that will make longtime viewers smile. The episode's title itself is a playful nod to the "Voyager" episode "Tuvix." The use of the whale probe from "Star Trek IV" in the opening credits, the mention of "that thing with Pike," and the return to the Klingon Bird of Prey from "wej Duj" are all delightful Easter eggs.
The character development in "Twovix" is significant, with promotions for Boimler, Tendi, and T'Lyn, and a new pip for Mariner. These changes promise to shake up the dynamics of the Lower Decks crew, offering new opportunities for growth and conflict.
The episode ends on a high note, with the crew celebrating their promotions in the bar, embracing their new roles while staying true to their lower decker roots. The final scene, with the destruction of the Klingon ship, adds a cliffhanger that leaves viewers eager for the next episode.
In conclusion, "Twovix" is a triumphant return for "Star Trek: Lower Decks," blending humor, heart, and a deep love for the "Star Trek" universe. It sets the stage for an exciting fourth season, promising new adventures and challenges for the crew of the USS Cerritos.