Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks

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Star Trek: Lower Decks is a hilarious and affectionate animated take on the Star Trek universe. It’s a show that’s clearly made by fans, for fans, and it’s packed with Easter eggs, references, and loving parodies of Trek tropes. Here’s my take on the Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks so far:

Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks

1. “wej Duj” (Season 2, Episode 9): This episode is a masterpiece of Lower Decks storytelling, expanding the show’s scope beyond the Cerritos and showing us the “lower decks” of a Klingon and a Vulcan ship as well. The episode is full of hilarious observations about these different cultures, and it culminates in a satisfying and surprisingly heartwarming convergence of the three storylines. The title itself is Klingon for “Three Ships.”
2. “Crisis Point” (Season 1, Episode 9): A brilliant parody of Star Trek movies, this episode features Mariner creating a holodeck movie where she gets to play the villain. It’s a hilarious and action-packed adventure that also delves into Mariner’s character and her relationship with her mother. The episode showcases the show’s ability to balance comedy with genuine emotional depth.
3. “No Small Parts” (Season 1, Episode 10): The season one finale is a thrilling and action-packed adventure that features the return of a familiar TNG threat and some surprising character development for the Cerritos crew. It’s a great example of how Lower Decks can deliver a satisfying Star Trek story while still being incredibly funny. It also solidifies the lower deckers as a true team.
4. “Kayshon, His Eyes Open” (Season 2, Episode 1): The season two premiere picks up where the previous season left off, and features the crew dealing with the aftermath of the Pakled attack. It introduces the new security chief, Kayshon, a Tamarian (the “Darmok” species), who communicates entirely in metaphors. The episode is both hilarious and a great example of how Lower Decks can expand upon established Trek lore.
5. “An Embarrassment of Dooplers” (Season 2, Episode 5): This episode is pure, chaotic fun. The Cerritos is tasked with transporting a group of Dooplers, a species that multiplies when embarrassed, and things quickly get out of hand. It’s a hilarious and fast-paced episode with some great visual gags. It perfectly encapsulates the show’s brand of humor.
6. “First First Contact” (Season 2, Episode 10): The second season finale features the Cerritos crew assisting another Starfleet ship on a first contact mission that goes hilariously wrong. The episode is a great example of how Lower Decks can take classic Star Trek scenarios and turn them on their head. The episode gives Rutherford a chance to shine, and showcases just how much these characters have grown over two seasons.
7. “Hear All, Trust Nothing” (Season 3, Episode 8): Lower Decks visits Deep Space Nine! This episode is a nostalgic and hilarious trip back to the iconic station, featuring the return of several DS9 characters. It’s a love letter to Deep Space Nine that’s packed with Easter eggs and references that fans will adore. It also further cements the idea that Lower Decks is truly a part of the larger Star Trek universe.
8. “Reflections” (Season 3, Episode 5): This episode delves into Rutherford’s past and the mystery surrounding his implant. It’s a surprisingly emotional and complex story that reveals new depths to Rutherford’s character. It features a dark mirror version of Rutherford that is both menacing and fascinating. It also has a great B-plot featuring Tendi trying to get Mariner to embrace her “bad girl” side.
9. “Trusted Sources” (Season 3, Episode 9): A reporter comes aboard the Cerritos to do a story on the crew, leading to a series of hilarious and embarrassing revelations. The episode is a great showcase for the show’s ensemble cast and features some fantastic character moments. It’s a clever and self-aware episode that pokes fun at the way Star Trek is often portrayed in the media.
10. “The Stars at Night” (Season 3, Episode 10): The third season finale is another exciting and satisfying conclusion, featuring a major threat to Starfleet and a heroic moment for the Cerritos crew. It ends on a major cliffhanger, showcasing how much the stakes have been raised for the characters and the show itself.

Honorable Mentions: “Second Contact,” “Envoys,” “Terminal Provocations,” “Much Ado About Boimler,” “I, Excretus,” “The Least Dangerous Game,” “A Few Badgeys More”, “Mining The Mind’s Mines”.

Star Trek: Lower Decks is a consistently funny and entertaining show that’s made with a deep love and respect for the Star Trek universe. Its fast-paced humor, clever writing, and endearing characters have made it a hit with fans, and it’s exciting to see where the show will go next. It’s a worthy addition to the Star Trek franchise, and it proves that there’s still plenty of room for laughter and fun in the final frontier.

Last update on 2025-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API