STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS: 16 Returning Franchise Characters
For this week's Trek Tuesday, we're sharing X Star Trek characters who debuted elsewhere in the Franchise and returned on Lower Decks. Did we include your favorite? Riker and Troi Photo Cr: Best Possible Screen Grab CBS 2020 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The first major returning Franchise character appeared in the Lower Decks Season 1 finale, 'No Small Parts.' In this episode, the U.S.S. Cerritos came under attack by the Pakleds in the Kalla system. But just when the California class ship is about to succumb to the Pakled party, some familiar heroes show up to lend a hand.
RELATED: Unpacking Star Trek: Lower Decks Opening Battle Scene Through the Seasons
These are William T. Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis). Both characters were originally introduced in the series premiere of Star Trek: The Next Generation, 'Encounter at Farpoint.' Riker (or at least his transporter clone) would later appear on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, while both Riker and Troi appeared on Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Picard. And both characters appeared in all four The Next Generation era Star Trek movies. Tom Paris Photo: PARAMOUNT+ ©2021 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved
One of the great things about Lower Decks is that it takes place after the final The Next Generation era movie, Star Trek: Nemesis. This means that it is also set after the Voyager finale, which means that it takes place after the U.S.S. Voyager has returned to the Alpha Quadrant.
Lower Decks took advantage of this chronology in Season 2's 'We'll Always Have Tom Paris.' In this episode, Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill) from Voyager visits the Cerritos. This is a during a handshake tour which Paris is undertaking in the wake of Voyager's return to Earth. Sonya Gomez Photo: PARAMOUNT+ ©2021 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved
In the Lower Decks Season 2 finale, 'First First Contact,' Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis) reunites with one of her old friends, Sonya Gomez (Lycia Naff). Now, Gomez is the captain of the U.S.S. Archimedes.
RELATED: Star Trek: Lower Decks : 8 Big Bradward Boimler Episodes
But when we first met Gomez, she was just an ensign aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise-D. She appeared in The Next Generation Season 2 episodes 'Q Who' And 'Samaritan Snare.' But in those episodes, Gomez held the rank of ensign. The character's appearance as a captain in Lower Decks emphasizes that even the higher ranking officers originally start off on the lower decks. Quark and Kira Photo: PARAMOUNT+ ©2022 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Lower Decks Season 3 episode 'Hear All, Trust Nothing' sees the Cerritos visiting Deep Space 9. Since Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome) previously served on the station, she's less enthusiastic than the other beta shifters.
However, the rest of the Cerritos crew encounters Quark (Armin Shimerman) and Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor). Both characters originally debuted in the Deep Space Nine series premiere, 'The Emissary.' According to the commentary track for the episode, Shimerman found it necessary to wear his prosthetic Ferengi teeth while recording his voice over lines. Leeta and Rom Photo Credit: Paramount+
In Lower Decks Season 4's 'Parth Ferengi's Heart Place,' the Cerritos visits Ferenginar. Once again, the visit opens the door for several Deep Space Nine alums to make an appearance on the animated show.
RELATED: Star Trek: Lower Decks : 9 Essential D'Vana Tendi Episodes
Due to the nature of their mission, this brings Freeman in contact with the leaders of Ferenginar. Thanks to a narrative development from the climax of Deep Space Nine, there are now Grand Nagus Rom (Max Grodénchik) and his wife, Leeta (Chase Masterson). Nova Squadron Photo Credit: Paramount+
Over the course of Lower Decks Season 4, ships throughout the quadrant have been disappearing. In the penultimate episode of the season, 'The Inner Fight,' the person behind these disappearances is revealed. It's Nick Locarno (McNeill).
Locarno originally appeared in The Next Generation Season 5's 'The First Duty.' That episode also introduced the rest of Nova Squadron, which includes Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton). Several other members of the squadron appear in a flashback in the Lower Decks Season 4 finale, 'Old Friends, New Planets.' These are Sito Jaxa (Shannon Fill) and Crusher. The Anaximander Crew Photo credit: Paramount+.
In the penultimate episode of Lower Decks fifth and final season, several legacy characters return. These characters comprise the crew of the U.S.S. Anaximander, under the command of William Boimler (Jack Quaid). These include T'Pol (Jolene Blalock) from Star Trek: Enterprise , Garak (Alexander Robinson) and Julian Bashir (Alexander Siddig) from Deep Space Nine and a plethora of Harry Kims (Garrett Wang) from Voyager . Later, the crew meets a variant of Lily Sloane (Alfre Woodard) from
RELATED: Star Trek: Lower Decks : Who's Who on the Anaximander 's Bridge Crew
Technically, these characters aren't returning characters. Instead, they are multiversal variants of characters we've met in Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Enterprise and Star Trek: First Contact. But it is never the less exciting to see these familiar faces return, even if they are coming from another timeline.
These Star Trek: Lower Decks episodes are currently available for streaming on Paramount+.
STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS: 5 Merchandising Ideas for Paramount's Profit Avery Kaplan is the author of several books and the Features Editor at Comics Beat. She was honored to serve as a judge for the 2021 Cartoonist Studio Prize Award and the 2021 Prism Awards. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her partner and a pile of cats, and her favorite place to visit is the cemetery. You can also find her writing on Comics Bookcase, NeoText, Shelfdust, the Mary Sue, StarTrek.com, in many issues of PanelxPanel, and in the margins of the books in her personal library.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
32 minutes ago
- Fox News
GREAT AMERICANS: Gary Sinise, Actor, Author, Musician, and Founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation
On today's edition of the Guy Benson Show and Fox News Audio's Great Americans series, Gary Sinise, actor, author, musician & founder of Gary Sinise Foundation joined the program. Sinise's stage, film and television career has spanned more than four decades. In 1974, at 18 years old, he co-founded Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company. 20 years later, for his performance as Lt Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump, he received nominations for Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Awards, and earned the Best Supporting Actor Award from the National Board of Review and the Commander's Award from the Disabled American Veterans. Other film credits include Apollo 13, Ransom, Snake Eyes, Impostor, The Green Mile, Mission to Mars and The Human Stain. For over 40 years, Gary has stood as an advocate on behalf of America's service members. In 2003, after several USO handshake tours, he formed the 'Lt. Dan Band' and began entertaining troops serving at home and abroad. Over the years, the 13-piece cover band has performed hundreds of shows for charities and fundraisers supporting wounded heroes, Gold Star families, veterans and troops around the world. In 2011, to expand upon his individual efforts, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation with the mission to serve and honor America's defenders, veterans, first responders, Gold Star families and those in need. The foundation remains committed to finding new and exciting ways to give back to those who sacrifice for our nation and encouraging others to do the same has become his personal quest and what he hopes will endure as a legacy of service to others. In 2008, he was given the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor awarded to citizens for exemplary deeds performed in service of the nation. He is only the third actor ever to receive this honor. Listen to Guy's full interview with Gary Sinise below! Listen to the full interview below: Listen to more from the Guy Benson Show below:
Gizmodo
33 minutes ago
- Gizmodo
The Must-Have Gear to Survive and Thrive Summer Con Season
The summer for fan destination travelers is jam-packed with conventions, theme parks, and maybe some beach time. San Diego Comic-Con is, after all, in sunny Southern California. That Hall H line is essentially right on the Pacific coast, so why not queue up in style and comfort? Roll up with the kids in an official One Piece Wonderfold Wagon, travel with rebel Star Wars style on the train, and please don't forget to deodorize (we beg) with Dr. Squatch's Avengers body collection. Here's our list of top travel essentials you should remember to pack: Heroes and Villains 'Star Wars' Rebel Trudger Duffle ($120.00) Keep all your cargo nearby with this duffle bag that's perfectly suited to carry an extended weekend's worth of clothes. Casetify x 'Star Wars' (Prices vary) Accessorize your tech with Casetify's Star Wars collection, with an extensive line that features phone cases, power banks, and more. Recharge with Liquid I.V. (Prices vary) Hail hydration! These on-the-go packets will keep you going on long days and late nights during your trip. Quiksilver Beach Chair ($70.70) Park yourself in line for Hall H with this lightweight and easy-to-carry beach chair from Quiksilver. RYOBI Lithium Clamp Fan Kit ($39.97) Keep cool with an attachable fan clamp from RYOBI available at the Home Depot. Dr. Squatch featuring Marvel, Godzilla, and more (Prices vary) Deodorize and wash up for those sweaty convention days with Dr. Squatch. The bath and body brand currently has Marvel, Star Wars, and Minecraft themed deodorant sticks alongside an assortment of fandom soaps. Marvel Studios 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' HERBIE Tumbler ($24.99) The future retro art on this HERBIE tumbler is a neat touch to celebrate the comic book favorite companion coming to the big screen. And like the trusty robot, this receptacle is a cute, gentle reminder to keep drinking water. Marvel Studios 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' HERBIE Pillow (Prices vary) Let HERBIE provide comfort whether you're needing extra support in hotel rooms or sleeping overnight outside to make sure to get into Hall H. Retrospekt Barbie and Ken Preloaded 35mm Cameras ($49.00) Make some fun memories with a throwback touch by taking 35mm pics with this Barbie and Ken single-use camera set. Tomorrowland x Loop Experience 2 Earplugs ($39.95) Crowds can be intense whether you're in a packed panel or at a live show. Thankfully, Loop has you covered if you're feeling a little overwhelmed with their latest releases of colorful earplugs. Wonderfold: 'One Piece' Thousand Sunny Stroller Wagon (Starting at $729.00) Sail through the crowds at upcoming conventions with your little Straw Hats in the Wonderfold x One Piece collab that's a truly adorable ride for small fans. Cybex Coya Stroller ($599.95) Ultra-compact and plane cabin ready, the Coya folds with one hand and meets requirements for convention hall-approved-size strollers. DC Studios 'Superman' x RSVLTS (Prices vary) RSVLTS has released its Superman collection, which features the brand's staple button-up short sleeves with classic and new icons for the DC Studios hero. 'Jaws' x Goodr Sunglasses For the Amblin classic's 50th anniversary, Goodr has released limited edition Jaws eyewear. These are perfect for the summer if you plan on standing around outside for a while in the sun. JBL Tour One M3 ($399.95) Whether you're passing the time in line or working on your content reaction to the latest news out of the convention, tune out all other noise with JBL's Tour One M3. The over-the-ear headphones allow for ease of use in any bustling situation. JBL Tour Pro 3 ($299.95) The JBL Tour Pro 3 ear buds are great for on-the-go calls while traveling or listening to audio in packed places. RYOBI Compact Hand Vacuum Cleaner Kit ($99.98) Take this cordless vacuum from RYOBI on the go. Perfect for the road trip down to San Diego for snack messes or to keep in your room in case of styrofoam messes while repacking collectibles for longer travel. Home Depot: 6 ft. 8-Outlet Surge Protector Mini Tower ($29.78) Make sure to have all your tech plugged in to recharge. This mini tower features USB-C and USB-A slots in addition to standard plug inserts. Crocs x 'Superman' ($69.99) Rest those feet in the latest DC Comics x Crocs release inspired by Superman. Stay tuned to io9 for the latest out of SDCC 2025! Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
CBS News
43 minutes ago
- CBS News
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance showcases wild animal antics videos on social media
With millions of videos on various social media platforms, it can be difficult to stick out, let alone reach millions, yet the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance has found a way to do just that. Over the last several years, the digital content team at the zoo has worked very hard to take all that happens at the zoo and present it in a new light. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's TikTok account. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance "The way that we do animal care is always evolving, the way we think about conservation is evolving, so the way that we communicate it should also evolve," said Erica Haase, Digital Content Manager. Countless videos posted by the team in Denver have gone viral, reaching millions and millions of viewers. "There is so much that happens behind the scenes, and we get to tell, we would love to share with every single person, and that is why social media is such a powerful tool," said Dailyn Sounder, the Digital Content Coordinator. Dailyn shoots a lot of the video from the zoo for its social media pages. "A photograph can say a million things, but a video can say a million more, and when it comes to integrating humor, we can do that in a way that is not only informative but inspiring," says Sounder. The Denver Zoo's Digital Content Coordinator Dailyn Sounder tapes a social media video with Digital Content Manager Erica Haase. CBS Many of the videos not only feature the silly nature of some of the animals, but also tell bigger picture stories of the work being done at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. "A really interesting element of the zoo is that we have a state-of-the-art animal hospital – and we take care of all of our animals, not just our four-legged creatures, but our aquarium creatures. The fish getting a CT scan being held in a bucket with sponges holding it up, keeping it wet, was such a fun, interesting thing to go out into the world," Sounder says. Many of the videos show the animals at the zoo, just doing what they do, paired with trending audio from pop culture. Others take that special work done behind the scenes and bring it to millions across the world. "Likes are great, and that is fun for me to see, but there is more to the story with social media. Social media is such a powerful tool to reach new audiences and connect with people, and invite people to be part of our mission," says Haase. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance If you want to get a good laugh or learn something new, give the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance a follow on Instagram and TikTok.
