The USS Cerritos encounters a unique challenge in "Fully Dilated," the seventh episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks' fifth season. As the crew deals with the aftermath of an interdimensional rift, they find themselves in a pre-warp civilization on the planet Delmer III, where time dilation plays a significant role. The episode, written by Andrew Mueth and directed by Megan Lloyd, offers a humorous and heartfelt exploration of the characters' dynamics and their adaptability in a challenging situation.
The episode begins with Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis) recording a log entry, indicating that the Cerritos is handling cleanup for another interdimensional incident. This time, a purple alternate universe version of the USS Enterprise-D has entered the prime universe. The crew is tasked with retrieving any abandoned technology that the alternate Enterprise-D might have left behind to prevent interference with the planet's technological evolution.
The away team, consisting of Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome), D'Vana Tendi (Noël Wells), and T'Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz), is disguised as locals to blend in with the pre-industrial society. They are beamed down to Delmer III, where they must navigate the challenges of a society with a different understanding of time, technology, and social norms.
The planet's core causes significant time dilation, meaning that for every second that passes on the Cerritos, a week passes on Delmer III. This time difference creates a comedic and dramatic tension as the away team's mission extends far longer than anticipated due to a mishap in the transporter bay involving spilled micheladas.
On Delmer III, the away team faces various challenges. Tendi and T'Lyn compete for the position of senior science officer, which adds a layer of competition and tension to their mission. Tendi constructs a machine to reactivate the head of a purple, alternate universe Data (Brent Spiner), who assists her with her studies. Meanwhile, T'Lyn excels in agriculture, growing oversized produce that she sells at the local market, earning them much-needed currency.
The away team's attempts to adapt to Delmer III's culture are met with suspicion and conflict. Mariner is jailed twice for accidental assaults and the extinguishing of the town's "eternal flame." Tendi and T'Lyn are captured by Snell (Eric Bauza), a local who suspects them of being witches, leading to a dramatic confrontation.
The episode concludes with the away team being beamed back to the Cerritos, just in time to avoid Snell's angry mob. On the ship, Tendi and T'Lyn are both appointed as senior science officers, highlighting their strengths and the value of their teamwork. Data's head is returned to its universe, and the crew reflects on their experiences on Delmer III.
"Fully Dilated" is a standout episode that combines the humor and heart of Lower Decks with a compelling sci-fi premise. The time dilation concept is cleverly used to explore the characters' adaptability and their relationships. The episode also provides a unique commentary on the importance of communication and teamwork, as well as the challenges of cultural adaptation in a foreign environment. With its engaging plot and character development, "Fully Dilated" is a memorable addition to Star Trek: Lower Decks' fifth season.