Star Trek fans have something intriguing to talk about as Star Trek: Lower Decks #2 introduces energy swords, resembling the iconic lightsabers from the Star Wars franchise. Written by Ryan North and illustrated by Derek Charm, this episode features the 'Lower Deckers' caught up with the Excalibans, who desire to see them fight for their amusement. While Boimler tries to persuade the Excalibans against violence, the team is abruptly beamed away just as they catch sight of these alluring energy swords. This twist not only contributes to the narratives of Lower Decks but offers light-hearted commentary on the longstanding rivalry between Star Trek and Star Wars.
These new weapons provide what is likely the closest Star Trek has come to making its own version of lightsabers, the ultimate weapon celebrated by the Jedi and Sith. "Energy swords" might just be the Excalibans' way of evoking the thrill and fandom surrounding Star Wars' legendary weaponry. They, quite evidently, can never be called lightsabers due to trademark complications, but it's clear they draw inspiration from the beloved franchise. The setup cleverly allows Lower Decks to pay homage to pop culture through its sharp humor and engaging narrative.
The roots of the lightsaber lie deep within the Star Wars canon, celebrated not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for the rich lore they bring to the universe. The introduction of energy swords brings forth the question: how do Star Trek's energy swords compare to their Star Wars counterparts? Unfortunately for fans hoping for a showdown, Lower Decks offers only the briefest glimpse of the energy swords, leaving any direct comparison pending. Besides, it's hard to place them on the same pedestal as lightsabers without ample screen time to showcase their capabilities.
Switching gears, the Star Trek: Lower Decks season three finale aired with some notable surprises. Although the USS Enterprise-E made its appearance, it sparked renewed speculation about who is at the helm. Starfleet's flagship is shrouded in mystery—yet, Lower Decks had previously dropped hints about its commander two seasons ago. This finale sees the Cerritos crew attempting to save the entire Prime Universe from collapsing due to massive quantum fissures, calling attention to the absence of Captain Worf.
While the USS Enterprise-E floats nearby, it remains unclear who is commanding the ship during the finale's chaos. The show implicitly clarified its captain's identity earlier: it's Captain Worf, who took over after Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) was promoted. While Picard remains influential to all Starfleet paths, Worf has the honor of leading one of the most iconic starships in Starfleet’s arsenal, yet the series has yet to showcase him capturing this role fully.
Questions surrounding the fate of the Enterprise-E linger on the horizon. A significant clue arises from Star Trek: Picard, where Geordi La Forge reveals he repaired the legendary Enterprise-D but cannot do the same for the Enterprise-E, leading to speculative fan theories about its downfall under Worf's command. While no explicit details outline Worf's tenure, the responses imply some turmoil, as Worf defended his actions with, "That was not my fault," when discussing the ship’s plight.
This delicate narrative links back to the ever-flourishing fandom surrounding both Star Wars and Star Trek. The 1999 film Galaxy Quest, initially perceived as merely parodying the science fiction genre, transcended its definitions by illustrating themes shared by the two fandoms. By portraying conventions of fans celebrating their favorite shows, Galaxy Quest effectively shines light on those who live and breathe the lore behind these franchises.
Patrick Stewart, who later praised Galaxy Quest, said it artfully captured the essence of fandom. "No one laughed louder or longer in the cinema than I did…. It was both funny and also touching..." Words like these encapsulate the beautiful connection people have with the Star Trek universe, bridging generations of fans. The film tells the story of actors embracing their roles, communicating the depth of dedication fans exhibit toward the lore.
While energy swords may briefly tantalize fans, and voids surrounding the Enterprise-E’s legacy stir discussion, the affection for the ship's crew and lore persist. The story world presents challenges and victories, promising intriguing narratives for seasons to come. And whether through the comedy of Lower Decks, the reruns of Star Trek: The Next Generation, or the explorative narratives from Galaxy Quest, the conversations around these beloved franchises continue to thrive.
