The fourth episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks' fourth season, "Something Borrowed, Something Green," takes the crew on a thrilling journey that delves deep into the Orion Syndicate's world and offers a fresh perspective on the series' beloved characters. This episode, rich with Orion lore and Starfleet shenanigans, showcases the show's ability to balance humor with heartfelt storytelling.
The episode begins with a teaser on an Orion ship, where we meet lower deckers with aspirations of rising through the ranks in the syndicate. Their supply ship, however, is more "pirate-adjacent" than the fearsome vessel they hope to command. An encounter with the mysterious ship from the first two episodes results in a catastrophic display of power, leaving the Orion ship disabled and destroyed.
On the USS Cerritos, Tendi is thrilled to have some free time, but Captain Freeman has other plans. The captain grants Tendi leave to attend her sister's wedding on Orion, a mission that also serves to foster good relations with Starfleet. Tendi is reluctant, having distanced herself from her family and the Orion pirate drama, but she ultimately agrees.
Mariner is ecstatic to join Tendi, hoping to learn more about her friend's backstory, while T'Lyn tags along to gather data on Orion rituals for the Vulcan High Council. Their arrival on Orion is met with grandeur, as they are welcomed to the Tendi estate with all the trappings of royalty.
The power dynamics of Orion's matriarchal society are on full display as the family is introduced to Tendi's mother, Warrior Queen Shona, and her father, B'Rt. The revelation that Tendi's sister, D'Erika, has been kidnapped according to Orion tradition adds a layer of complexity to the family's dynamics. Tendi, initially cynical about her role as "Prime Daughter," reluctantly agrees to help after some passive-aggressive prodding from her mother.
The rescue mission takes the trio to the club Slit Throat, where they encounter Madame G, who has a history with Tendi from their high school days. After a tense game involving Orion customs, they learn that D'Erika's ex, Nya'al, may be involved in the kidnapping. The trail leads them to a "hump dungeon," where they find Nya'al, who denies any involvement but reveals that he has been stalking D'Erika.
The search for D'Erika takes them to an old ship graveyard, a childhood playground for the sisters. Tendi confronts her past as she admits to being trained as a syndicate assassin. D'Erika finally reveals herself, admitting to staging her own kidnapping to lure Tendi home. The sisters engage in a sword fight that serves as a metaphor for their familial struggles, culminating in Tendi's acceptance of her role as the better Prime Daughter.
With the family conflict resolved, the group races back to the wedding, with Tendi hotwiring an old ship to make their return. The episode concludes with a heartwarming scene as the sisters reunite, and T'Lyn, in a surprising show of solidarity, discards her report to prioritize Tendi's feelings.
Meanwhile, on the Cerritos, Boimler and Rutherford's friendship is tested by their shared living space. Their conflict over a bonsai tree named "Lil Boney" escalates until they seek refuge in a holodeck program, where they inadvertently find common ground by assuming the personas of Mark Twain. Their solution is interrupted by a diplomatic dispute between Captain Freeman and the intimidating Captain Coqqor, which the duo attempts to resolve using their newfound camaraderie.
"Something Borrowed, Something Green" is a standout episode that enriches the series' narrative with a deeper exploration of Tendi's character and the Orion culture. The episode expertly weaves together themes of family, identity, and friendship, providing a nuanced portrayal of the Orion Syndicate and its people.
The guest performances by Kimiko Glenn as Madame G and Ariel Winter as D'Erika add depth to the story, while the chemistry between Tawny Newsome, Gabrielle Ruiz, and Noël Wells is palpable. The physical comedy, particularly the recurring gag of Mariner being stabbed in the shoulder, adds a layer of humor that contrasts with the emotional beats of the story.
The B-plot involving Boimler and Rutherford serves as a lighthearted counterpart to the main storyline, offering a humorous take on conflict resolution and the power of shared experiences. The episode's exploration of the mystery ship arc adds intrigue without detracting from the central narrative.
"Something Borrowed, Something Green" is a triumphant episode that showcases the best of Star Trek: Lower Decks. It delivers on character development, world-building, and humor, making it a standout entry in the series. The episode's conclusion leaves viewers eager for more adventures with the Cerritos crew, as they continue to explore the final frontier with heart, humor, and a touch of pirate flair.