‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ Recap – ‘The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel’

11/2/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Jerry O’ Connell and Jack Quaid as Commander Jack Ransom and Lieutenant Bradward Boimler in Episode 503 of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ – ‘The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel’. (Photo Courtesy of Paramount+.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 503 of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’. To revisit the Season Five Premiere, click here.

It is definitely safe to say that the reasons that people tune into Star Trek stories are endless in nature. For some really do adore the characters and want to be alongside them in their journeys. Others love the top-tier action that plays out because the shows and movies absolutely deliver when it comes to that, and there are countless examples to back to that up. Not to mention, just seeing humanity in a better place than it is now, is quite the motivator to tune in, and oddly… it is the human side of the story that perhaps binds us all when it comes to reasons to tune in.

Mainly because, there’s so much to relate to in these stories, and so much vulnerability on display. The kind that informs us that while as a species we’ve reached the stars and accomplished wonders and unity, that the little things that make us, us, haven’t disappeared. For the franchise loves to show our flaws and show us a world where support brings us back down to terra firma when we lose our way. If anything, that wondrous aspect of the franchise is top of mind today, simply because it was put on full display in the next episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks. A feat that ‘The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel’ accomplished, through two key journeys on a faraway cruise ship.

For the U.S.S. Cerritos was called to action to not only remove a nanite cluster that was feasting on electronics on the ship. But there was also the expectation that they bring home an Admiral that went AWOL and disappeared within the ship’s many luxuries. Which was handled by Lieutenant Boimler, Commander Ransom and Lieutenant Commander Billups, and well… Boims was nervous about this mission. Because he was still a little rattled by that encounter with his multiverse self and was trying to figure out how best to move up the ladder, and rumors that the only way that might happen is if Boims committed to humiliation because that’s what Ransom wanted in order to be impressed, only added to his nerves. As though he would never be anything but a joke. One where he was tempted by the Admiral to join him until Ransom pointed out he wanted Boims on the mission because he was so wiry and brave, and a valued officer. Which allowed for Boims to bring the Admiral back to the Cerritos.

Tawny Newsome, Noël Wells, Lauren Lapkus, Eugene Cordero, and Gabrille Ruiz as Lieutenant Beckett Mariner, Lieutenant D’Vana Tendi, Ensign Jennifer Sh’reyan, Lieutenant Samanthan Rutherford and Lieutenant T’Lyn in Episode 503 of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ – ‘The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel’. (Photo Courtesy of Paramount+.)

Meanwhile, Mariner and the other Lower Deckers, were tasked with bringing down Glumpus, as Ruthy so affectionately called the nanite cluster, and well… that went poorly. Since every trap helped for it to grow and because Mariner was out of sorts as well. Mainly because Jennifer came along on this mission, and she was eager to be lovey-dovey as though she and Mariner hadn’t split up. Even though they had, or at least… Mariner thought they had. Which brought about a little cat and mouse game as this duo worked to save the day. One where Jennifer made it clear, she wanted to hear it from Mariner that it was all over. So that they each had closure, and after they finished capturing ol’ Glumpus, they had that, and both of these stories truly hammered home the lesson in a beautiful manner.

Since Boims’ journey really did examine how we sometimes lose our way and lose our confidence, no matter how many great things we’ve done. In large part because the future is so unpredictable and because… it’s hard to see the good things we do when we are always pushing toward a goal. But having friends and respected co-workers remind us of how far we’ve come is always wondrous. Not to mention, we sometimes lose sight of the fact that we need to properly communicate with people, because that can cause harm and cause trouble when we don’t do it, and Mariner was reminded of that, and while she hates confrontation, and closure, and well… feelings in general, she knows she has to start discussing those feels and be open and it’s okay that she hasn’t yet. Because we are always learning.

All of which made for a delightful episode, one that of course had some delightfully funny moments. After all, Boims’ shenanigans were amazing, and T’Lyn’s love of Krog and his music was just a magnificent running joke, one that paid off in spades. Plus, it was to see the multiverse story isn’t done yet, and it was great to see the Admiral get a second chance. In fact, that was the best way to wrap up this wonderful lesson. For this showcased a world where people can make mistakes and enjoy forgiveness and a chance to be better after. To find their way again and be supported in doing so. Which is a great future for certain, one worth celebrating, and it will be interesting to see what other wondrous moments involving the best of parts of us, await as the final season of this beloved series plays out. Until next time.

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