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Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 2 DVD Review

The second season of “Star Trek: Lower Decks” offers up more of the same.

The 10 episode second of the adult animated series “Star Trek: Lower Decks” continues the adventures of the crew of U.S.S. Cerritos that includes Beckett Mariner and her mother Captain Freeman, Brad Boimler, D’Vana Tendi, Sam Rutherford, and Jack Ransom. In this season, stories involve Boimler’s time on the U.S.S. Titan, Jack Ransom getting powers, the return of Shaxs, Ferengi and Mugatos, Dooplers, Rutherford’s memory loss, Lt. Billups mother, holodeck drills, Klingons, the dynamic between Mariner and her Captain mother, and conflicts with the Pakled.

Created by Mike McMahan (best known for his work on “Rick And Morty”), “Star Trek: Lower Decks” continues to feel like, well, “Rick And Morty.” ‘Lower Decks’ deserves credit for having a different vibe from the other Trek series and the central premise (which has a clever take on the upstairs/downstairs format) is certainly ripe for exploration. The main problem is that this series is just not my cup of (Earl Gray) tea. The spastic and frantic pacing, the abnormally fast talking characters, the petty character antics and the non-Trek like dialogue do little for me. Even the characters fall flat despite the quality voice acting talent from the likes of Jack Quaid, Noel Wells, Jerry O’Connell, Fred Tatasciore, and Tawny Newsome. With all of that said, it must be said that the series has developed a passionate fanbase since its debut and it’s easy to see how it appeals to a certain crowd. It’s just not for me personally.

One thing that does work for me though is all of the deep cut references and cameos. It was a blast to see Riker on the U.S.S. Titan, a Tom Paris cameo, Klingons, a Pandronian, a Nexus mention, and even Mugatos! It’s clear that the writers and animators are Trek fans and it does show on screen.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 16:9. How does it look? Expect a solid standard definition DVD transfer. Note: This title is also available on Blu-ray.

Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. How does it sound? Between the sound effects and music, this 5.1 track is nothing short of lively.

Extras:
* Commentary on episode 2 by Mike McMahan, Jack Quaid and Jonathan Frakes.
* Commentary on episode 5 by Mike McMahan and Jack Quaid.
* Commentary on episode 7 by Tawny Newsome, Paul Scheer and Garrick Bernard.
* Commentary on episode 9 by Mike McMahan, Gabrielle Ruiz and Kathryn Lyn.
* Animatics and easter eggs for each episode.
* “A Sound Foundation” covers the iconic sound effects.
* “Lower Decktionary: Season 2” revolves around the character arcs and stories of season 2. 

July 23, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Adult Animated Series, Riker, Star Trek, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 2 DVD Review