Space, the final frontier. Even though they’re not ensigns anymore, Mariner and her friends aren’t getting the best jobs on the ship. From running away missions to scanning chips, the life of a Lieutenant Junior Grade seems like a Lower Decker with more scrutiny. But rank does come with its fair share of perks and higher stress levels. So grab your phaser, assemble your away team, and join us as we give you five thoughts on season 4, episode 3, “In the Cradle of Vexilon.”
1.Finally, a supercomputer that isn’t hellbent on dominating all life
Star Trek has had its fair share of evil computers over the years. So many that Lower Decks established a special prison designated for “Self-Aware Megalomaniacal Computers.” But one of the things this show excels at is showing the exceptions that prove the rule, and “In the Cradle of Vexilon” is no exception. Vexilon, the sentient control system of Corazonia, is an incredibly gentle and caring leader, embarrassed that it is failing at its primary function. Oscar Montoya does an incredible job of making the sentient computer have a degree of humanity that showcases it’s not your traditional electronic foe.
The problem, though, when dealing with ancient computers is that they will inevitably need a reboot. This moment makes Lower Decks a loving parody by having Vexilon’s pieces and parts look delightfully archaic. From stone floppy disks to “safe mode” reboot screens, “In the Cradle of Vexilon” is a visual feast of old technology and a reminder that rebooting an old computer is always a coin flip. (Thankfully, Starfleet’s finest are on the case.)
2.Bradward’s support staff is anything but supportive
“In the Cradle of Vexilon” starts with a surprisingly confident Boimler. Sure, he’s giving himself a mini pep talk before addressing his away team, but who amongst us hasn’t done a little positive affirmation in the mirror before work? Honestly, it’s a refreshing change of pace, seeing the often overthinking and self-critical Lieutenant ready to rise to the challenge of being a leader. Unfortunately, he’s paired with the worst person for a confidence boost, T’Lyn.
In the first few episodes of season 4, T’Lyn is a crucial new addition to the Lower Decks team, introducing some appropriate sitcom energy to the main four’s dynamic. It’s not that she’s out of line or cruel, but her no-frills, no-nonsense Vulcan logic will just blow Bradward’s thin confidence out of the water. In a few sentences, T’Lyn deflates Boimler, and he’s suddenly the insecure mess we’ve grown to love as “In the Cradle of Vexilon” progresses. It’s going to be fun to see her interacting with the rest of the cast and see what kind of unintentional conflict she’s going to stir up!
3. The small perks of getting a promotion
As I mentioned in “I Have No Bones, Yet I Must Flee,” just because the newly promoted Jr. Lieutenants aren’t in the communal bunk doesn’t mean they get the best jobs. While Boimler leads his away mission and the Captain attempts to reboot an ancient computer, Mariner, Tendi, and Rutherford are stuck doing some classic ensign grunt work, scanning chips. While “In the Cradle of Vexilon” has the trio trying to figure out if this is hazing, it also suggests some small perks to being higher-ranked officers.
Sure, they’re not getting the best jobs or rooms next to the Nacells, but they do get access to the anomaly room! This allows “In the Cradle of Vexilon” to play with some of Trek’s weirdest stuff, from the talking Betazoid gift box to a game of Wadi Chula. Once they’re thoroughly convinced they’re being hazed, their newfound freedom leads to some less-than-regulation pranks. The problem? Sometimes, what seems like a hazing might be an officer working through personal issues.
4. Promotions are earned, not given
While Boimler desperately tries to do everything himself to keep his away teams of ensigns safe, it turns out that being a “doing everything yourself boss” is just as bad as a “do nothing boss.” “In the Cradle of Vexilon” is about balancing being a hands-on leader and trusting your team’s capabilities. It does a fantastic job exploring this idea in a hilarious half-hour episode by allowing Boimler to open up about his insecurities. What gives him the right to lead other ensigns when he was an ensign just a few days ago?
Continued belowIt’s a difficult question to ask. Promotions are hard and scary, especially when it feels like you’re leaving people behind. But, as is usually the case with Vulcan logic, the thing that can tear down your confidence can be used to build you right back up. T’Lyn explains that promotions are not a random thing, and she’s reviewed Brad’s files before “In the Cradle of Vexilon” began, seeing a capable leader. It’s also nice that the show doesn’t suggest that he’s a perfect candidate for leader; no one is, but there is enough good that outweighs the shortcomings. It’s an incredibly impactful story that really feels to be in the spirit of the series.
5. Even in a socialist utopic future, some traditions never die
After realizing that Dirk wasn’t hazing them, Tendi, Rutherford, and Mariner fight to take apart their trap and complete the task. Rutherford and the Betazoid box live an entire life and escape from Wadi Chula, Tendi finds the missing chip, and Mariner learns WAY too much about Tellurite slop jazz. But “In the Cradle of Vexilon” reminds us that we’re in a brave new world and hazing is a thing of the past. Or IS IT?
The twist is that, yes, Dirk’s mundane task was indeed hazing, an ancient ritual that never seems to die, no matter how good the future turns out. Is it in the spirit of Star Trek? Maybe not, but again, this is where Lower Decks shines. “In the Cradle of Vexilon” reminds us that we’re not on the flagship, and sometimes a hazing ritual is something all new officers have to deal with.
What did you think of the episode? Sound off below, and see you among the stars!
