It’s time to bid farewell to Starfleet’s statistically horniest and least romantically committed crew. Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Episode 10, “The New Next Generation,” is a damn great series finale. It’s chock full of action, adventure, comedy and drama. Even a smattering of romantic confirmation if you’re a delusional fan of a certain ship like me.
More than anything, though, “The New Next Generation” bursts at the seams with hope and boundless optimism. The rift is wide open for more narrative possibilities and, as Boimler puts it, “a whole new frontier to explore.” Do with that what you will.
To celebrate (and mourn) the end of this hilariously zany, Franchise-honoring series, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite quotes from “The New Next Generation.” Cerritos strong!
RELATED: Read our recap of Star Trek: Lower Decks‘ “The New Next Generation”
Sexy Holodeck Times
T’ANA: “Since we both have the afternoon off, wanna play sexy Treasure Island on the holodeck?”
SHAXS: “Only if I get to be Long John [bleep].”
I’m inexplicably heartbroken that we won’t get at least a taste of sexy Treasure Island, but I’m guessing that would be too explicit even for animation. Also, you can fill in the blanks regarding that bleep in Shaxs’ reply. Long John F*ck? Long John Dick? The world may never know (well, except Ransom, who was right behind them. And he’s taking that secret to his grave.).
FREEMAN: “All hands, brace for weird!”
Perhaps “The New Next Generation” should be subtitled “Captain Freeman and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” It’s one thing after another for our fave cap and her intrepid crew. For me, “brace for weird” is the story of my life.
MATT: “Getting sprayed down? Sign me up!”
KIMOLU: “Save the jokes for when we’re not in mortal peril, Matt.”
“But making jokes when in mortal peril is my brand!” Matt probably said off-screen. He uses humor as a coping mechanism — how relatable.
RELATED: Unpacking Star Trek: Lower Decks Opening Credits Battle Scene Through the Seasons
Science Besties 4 Life
TENDI and T’LYN: “Now we unite as science besties!”
It’s giving “Wonder Twin powers, activate,” and I love it. Although we were deprived of more time with Tendi and T’Lyn as science besties, I’m happy their decision to join forces helped save the day.
RUTHERFORD: “Wow, emotions can get pretty intense without a dopamine inhibitor, ha.”
T’LYN: “I was unaware of your romantic affection.”
Listen, I’m gonna ignore what T’Lyn says seconds later in this scene. This is my Tendiford confirmation. Mike McMahan, you can poke fun at me all you want. I’m on this ship until it sinks because it’s inflatable, and I inadvertently poked a hole in it due to my carelessness.
RELATED: Read our Star Trek: Lower Decks recaps
We Believe in Each Other
MARINER: “Nobody on the Cerritos is even close to perfect. We’re a mishmash of people and various creatures that don’t fit in anywhere else. But we’re a family. That’s why I love it here. We believe in the mission and each other.”
I love that Mariner got a bona fide hero’s speech. She deserves it. Her character growth, along with Boimler’s beautiful beard, is a highlight of this series. This monologue will have you reaching for the tissues and then laughing promptly after when she claims she set her bed on fire and kicked a computer. At the end of the day, Mariner’s gonna Mariner.
RANSOM: Engage the core!
Could this be a more Ransom-esque warp catchphrase? I hope he continues workshopping these phrases, and they’re all workout-related. If anything, it’ll irritate his provisional co-first officers.
What are your favorite quotes from “The New Next Generation”? Sound off in the comments below.
Star Trek: Lower Decks is now streaming in its entirety on Paramount+.
STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS: Who’s Who on the Anaximander Bridge Crew
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
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