Overview

Star Trek: Lower Decks concludes its second season with the episode titled “First First Contact,” which has been described as the most ambitious and exciting of the season. The episode builds on character development while introducing a familiar face from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Sonya Gomez, who returns as captain of the USS Archimedes.

In this episode, the Cerritos crew supports Captain Gomez in a first contact mission that quickly turns perilous. As the Archimedes faces a critical situation, the Cerritos must come up with a creative solution to assist their fellow Starfleet officers.

Key details

  • The episode is titled “First First Contact.”
  • It is noted as the most exciting and ambitious episode of the second season.
  • Mike McMahan serves as the writer and showrunner for the series.
  • Sonya Gomez, portrayed by Lycia Naff, returns to duty as captain of the USS Archimedes.
  • Gomez is described as one of the original Lower Deckers from the Enterprise-D.
  • The Cerritos is assigned to support the USS Archimedes on a first contact mission to the Laap system.
  • A disaster strikes, leaving the Archimedes without power and in danger of crashing into a pre-warp planet.
  • The Cerritos faces challenges due to an asteroid field that hampers their ability to mount a rescue.
  • Ensign Rutherford proposes stripping the outer hull plating from the Cerritos to get closer to the Archimedes.
  • The episode focuses on character development, exploring personal journeys and challenges faced by the crew.
  • Captain Freeman grapples with her desire for recognition.
  • Ensign Mariner must confront the implications of her mother’s success on her own life.

Context

This episode follows the previous season finale, “No Small Parts,” which featured legacy characters Riker and Troi. McMahan's approach in this episode shifts focus from legacy star power to character-driven storytelling.

What happens next

The resolution of the episode is not detailed, leaving the outcome of the mission and the fate of the characters uncertain.

What we don't know yet

Details about the resolution of the Archimedes' crisis, the specific outcomes for the Cerritos crew, and any potential implications for future story arcs are not confirmed.