Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5, Episode 9: Fissure Quest - A Multiversal Mosaic

As the end draws near for the animated series "Star Trek: Lower Decks," the penultimate episode, "Fissure Quest," takes us on a whirlwind adventure through the multiverse, a narrative choice that is as daring as it is fitting for a show known for its bold storytelling. This episode, rich with legacy cameos and in-jokes, serves as a love letter to the expansive "Star Trek" universe while setting the stage for an epic finale.

The episode centers around William Boimler, the transporter clone of Brad Boimler, who is now captaining the Anaximander, a Defiant-class vessel. Boimler, once thought to have met his end, is on a mission to chase down the creators of dimensional tears across various realities. His crew is a eclectic mix of characters from different "Star Trek" series, including T'Pol, Elim Garak, Julian Bashir, Curzon Dax, and multiple versions of Harry Kim. This assembly of characters, each with their unique backgrounds, provides a fresh dynamic that is both intriguing and entertaining.

"Fissure Quest" is not just a remix of familiar characters; it's also a remix of a familiar "Star Trek" concept: exploration. Instead of seeking out strange new worlds, the crew is now seeking out strange new universes, a twist that adds a new layer of depth to the series' theme. The threat to the multiverse, stemming from an innocent scientific error, is initially perceived as more of an anomaly than a dire threat. However, as the episode progresses, the stakes are raised, and the crew's actions lead to a universe-destroying crisis.

One of the highlights of "Fissure Quest" is the plethora of cameos and in-jokes that cater to die-hard "Star Trek" fans. The episode features a standout performance by Garrett Wang as multiple versions of Harry Kim, playing on the long-running fan joke about Kim's lack of promotion. The inclusion of Lily Sloane, last seen in "Star Trek: First Contact," adds a layer of surrealism as she is revealed to be the captain of the ship responsible for the multiverse fissures.

The episode concludes with a cliffhanger that leaves the fate of the multiverse hanging in the balance. The crew's decision to funnel the universe-destroying energy into a single reality sets up an epic finale, with the prime reality being targeted. This leaves the audience wondering how the junior officers of the Lower Decks will manage to save the universe from a force that even Starfleet's greatest minds cannot contend with.

"Fissure Quest" is an ambitious episode that crams an entire season's worth of narrative into a single, action-packed half-hour. While it may feel disconnected from the wider season's arc, it serves as a greatest hits compilation of everything fans love about "Star Trek: Lower Decks". The episode is a testament to the show's ability to honor the "Star Trek" legacy while also pushing the boundaries of what the franchise can be. As we await the final episode, "Fissure Quest" leaves us with a sense of cautious optimism for the conclusion of this remarkable series.

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