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Writer's pictureAntal Bokor

The Latest Episode of Lower Decks Gives us a Surprisingly Candid Look at Orion Culture



Lower Decks Season 4 Episode 4 “Something Borrowed, Something Green” is a bit of a surprise. There were some hints at D’Vana Tendi’s backstory, but this episode removes all mystery, and lays bare Tendi’s Orion heritage–also giving us a unique glimpse into Orion culture that other Trek shows haven’t quite touched on.


First of all–I love that T’Lynn has become a regular Lower Decks crew member. They really needed a “straight man” to act as a foil against all of the cast’s enthusiastic energy. Because let's face it, there’s not much these guys aren’t enthusiastic about, especially when it comes to science or exploring new cultures. That’s so damn wholesome, and so very Star Trek–and that’s what make Lower Decks great, along with its ensemble cast that has such great chemistry. I really dig what T’Lynn brings to the group.




It’s been hinted at through the last few seasons that Tendi’s Orion background is a little bit cooler than she wants people to know. This entire episode is essentially all the juicy Tendi backstory you’ve wanted to know–and yeah, she’s totally badass. (I’m a huge Tendi fan, so I’m biased).


In this episode, Tendi is summoned back to her home planet to help her sister, D’Erika, who has been kidnapped. Bridal kidnappings are a normal Orion custom, apparently, so she isn’t too worried. However, Mariner and T’Lynn insist on Tendi going on the rescue mission–and taking them with her.




“Something Borrowed, Something Green” does reference a few previous Trek episodes in regards to the Orions, but this episode surprisingly stands on its own, and even manages to have a few poignant moments. Also, I can’t help but find Tendi’s embarrassment about her badass prowess to be incredibly endearing. She just wants to be a scientist, dammit!


While Mariner, Tendi and T’Lynn are on Orion, Boimler and Rutherford enjoy a predictable and funny side plot that involves them having disputes as roommates–and hashing it out via holodeck conversations. In character. The same character. Yeah, it’s weird. There’s also a throwback to a semi obscure alien called a Chalnoth–this race originally appeared in the TNG episode “Allegiance.” Lower Decks doesn’t stop with the obscure throwbacks–and I hope it never does.




As a huge Trek nerd it’s not lost on me that “Something Borrowed, Something Green” takes some huge leaps in revealing the Orion culture and home world. In fact, I think this is the first time the Orion homeworld has been depicted on screen–which is pretty awesome. And while the enemy that’s been hinted at since the first episode makes another appearance, there is little revealed. However, it seems closer than ever to running into the Cerritos and its crew.


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