This is the first time we see Boimler and Mariner on separate missions as their fellow Ensigns Rutherford and Tendi take a back seat as Boimler finds his true calling being on a strict schedule doing monotonous work when he accidentally reveals to Captain Freeman the concept of buffertime. Meanwhile Mariner undermines Commander Ransom every opportunity she gets.
1. Buffer Time: A Lower Decks Tradition
The idea of buffer time is surprisingly old in the Star Trek universe, going as far back as Scotty explaining the premise to Kirk in Search for Spock. In the context of this episode, it really highlights the idea of each Federation Ship being a futuristic office environment as much as it is “the final frontier”.
This dichotomy is even more pronounced when Captain Freeman responds to the discovery of buffer time by micromanaging the entire crew because she feels their laziness is negatively affecting her reputation within Starfleet. This throwaway line in a movie from the original series ends up having a lot to say about the growing rift between management and workers
2. An Introduction to Jack Ransom
The episode begins with a star date from Commander Ransom, the number two to Captian Freeman. He’s a bit of a suck up to Freeman and a douche to his subordinates. Worse than that though, he’s the type of guy who disengages autopilot when he thinks it’s gonna be a tough landing.
Mariner points this out and “calls bullshit on (his) whole thing,” believing him to be not up to snuff when there’s more to it than looking the part. But by breaking protocol Ransom earns Mariner’s respect by the end of the episode, but only for a moment.
3.A Case for The Boimler Effect
After Captain Freeman bans buffer time, everyone on the Cerritos begins rushing their tasks and perpetually being late. They end up doing two or three things at once and start making mistakes.
This even gets to a point where they are forced to not ‘slack off’ while the ship is being overrun with aliens. The whole episode makes a case for trusting your workers to manage their time effectively and be content the work will get done.
4. Boimler at His Best
After his crisis of confidence last episode Boimler, for the first time is put in a situation where he is in his element. While everyone on the ship begins to crumble under the weight of such tight deadlines, Boimler not only keeps up his pace under the strict monotony but excels in it.
What’s even more interesting is that Boimler saves the day, reluctantly telling Captain Freeman to trust in the crew’s ability to think on their feet and work independently despite personally having one of the best weeks of his career.
5. Sexual Tension Between Mariner and Ransom
Mariner, despite her best efforts, falls for Ransom’s good looks and “ethical” fights. After he saves the day fighting Vindor shirtless he picks Mariner up so she doesn’t have to walk on the foot he stabbed.
When they’re both back on the ship she’s glad to have another scar and admires the fact he was willing to break protocol. Unfortunately Ransom almost immediately ruins it by reporting her for rolling up her sleeves. Mariner’s unbridled rage makes Ransom consider that he might have feelings for Mariner too.
