1x06 Terminal Provocations

[7.3/10] Another fun episode, albeit one that’s a little more standard. The notion of all Lower Decks sticking together being tested by one ensign’s under-the-surface douchebaggery is an interesting one. I didn’t really believe that Fletcher was on the up-and-up, but seeing his lies slowly but surely unspool, as the situation got worse and worse, was a good story engine. A computer core extracting someone’s brain waves and trying to do anything to gain more knowledge is pure Trek and made for a good plot obstacle.

I also enjoyed where the episode landed. The solution to Fletcher’s bullshittery being getting him promoted, to where he gets fired by somebody else, is a fun resolution. I particularly like how this episode is a subtle affirmation of Mariner -- pointing out that she doesn’t break the rules for self-preservations of B.S. reasons, but just the ones that she deems stupid or which prevent her from being fully “Starfleet.” As much as Mariner is a rebel, she quietly believes in Starfleet principles, and it’s a nice character beat for her.

The B-story with Rutherford and Tendi getting caught in the inevitable holodeck malfunction was solid. The notion of a Clippy-esque helper icon going into a murderous rage isn’t the most timely premise, but there was deranged fun to be had from our heroes trying to evade a slasher who looks like a cartoon badge. Holodeck shenanigans are always a treat.

Last but not least, I enjoyed the adventures of the bridge crew here. The doctor getting nacho cheese in her fur, the captain trying to broker peace with some hostile scavengers, and the security officer wanting to blow up their ship because he’s been “really good this month” were all amusing notes to play. Likewise, my biggest laugh in the episode was probably the cold open with everyone trying to imitate the sound of the warp core, only for the first officer to hear it and assume they’ve all been possessed by evil aliens or something.

Overall, this is another episode that didn’t quite knock my socks off, but was still thoroughly solid and enjoyable, with a lot of good Trek-y nods and setups.