Star Trek: Lower Decks Twist Fixes The Next Generation’s Biggest Blunder

The first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation attempted to establish a new worst-enemy of the Starfleet, the big-eared Ferengi. These humanoid species were obsessed with money, making it their only goal that's above all their other endeavors. However, while the second episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks animated series points out the stereotype of the Ferengi, its twist also made them not so terrible after all.

SPOILERS FOR STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS, SEASON 1, "ENVOYS" EPISODE BELOW

This episode's primary plot is about Beckett Mariner trying to show her natural street smarts to Brad Boimler, getting them out of different encounters with monsters and even a shapeshifter. However, by the end of the episode, the pair were confronted by a Ferengi trying to rip them off.

While Mariner acts like everything is under control, Boimler surprisingly identifies the traits of the Ferengi, getting them out of the situation. This made Boimler feel better about himself by actually knowing something about the species to get them out of trouble even though he wasn't able to do so with the other monsters they crossed paths with.

Credit: CBS All Access

It's surprising that Mariner didn't recognize the signs of a scheming Ferengi even though she was able to outsmart those other monsters. Well, that's because the twist involves her actually having a quick chat with that same Ferengi, setting up a plan to act the fool to make Boimler feel better. The pair had a normal conversation, with Mariner even asking about the Ferengi's wife.

As pointed out by Inverse, Boimler's thoughts about how the Ferengi were perceived most probably aligned with that of the viewer as well. While The Next Generation made these species known as those who only thrive on greed and corruption, the Lower Decks twist didn't reduce the species to a few traits. The mention of the Ferengi's wife is to be noted too, seeing as their culture is "hopelessly sexist."

Catch Star Trek: Lower Decks now available on CBS All Access.

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