UNCUT - Lower Decks (TNG S7E15) | Star Trek Journey 306

man... knowing what happens in this episode, i start tearing up like halfway through it every time. by the end i'm a complete mess, every time. this might be my favorite episode of TNG.

This episode of course is an S but so was your reaction, Alex’s surprise face is getting better and better top thirty mayby top fifteen of tng

I can't really think of any other instance of any TV show that gave new characters as much depth and made me care about them in a single episode the way this one did. (I'm counting Sito as a new character despite her previous one-episode appearance.)

I COULD BE WRONG but the reason Ensign Gates isn't featured is because she's played by a background actor and stunt double and not a speaking actress.

Personally I'd want to be a civilian attached to a Starfleet ship rather than a member of Starfleet. Whether I applied and got a contract or was the spouse of an officer and got a job on the ship (I'm assuming all these spouses are actually doing jobs [who knows maybe Mott the barber is an officers husband]). I wanna work on a ship and contribute to Starfleet but not be a part of the military structure (less chance of being ordered to a deadly mission when all I really wanna do is contribute to science.) Of course there's always risks on board but id rather not be part of the military structure, I just wanna contribute

Introducing new characters at the tail end of a show is really well done in season one of the HBO Max series The Pitt, set in a Pittsburgh ER. They bring in the night shift in to assist in the last four episodes and I really would love a spin off about them!

To me this is a Top 5 TNG episode, it's one of my favourite episodes of Star Trek in general. I get a bit emotional every time I watch it. Thanks for a great reaction.

Great Episode!!

Hey here is a evil Picard take. Picard could have used Ro but used this girl because he actually did hate what she had done. His dressing down was from the heart. His later building her up was a form of psychological manipulation. Breaking someone down and then building them up to make some reliant on you. He then gave her the option of taking the mission but he knew for sure she would take the mission but he made her optional to relieve himself any questioning. He knew she would always definitely die. Evil Picard....

I’ve been waiting for this since you guys mentioned, seasons ago, wanting a lower deck episode. This is one of the best TNG episode. S7 is a little weak overall but it had some Great episodes. Back when lavelle was trying to chat with Riker my reaction was the same as Alex’s. And I’ve seen it a number of times. Each time I cringe. And every time at the end of the episode I tear up.

This is going to be the first time I watch one of your reaction videos a second time (not counting all the times they come up on autoplay on YouTube while I'm asleep). I actually remembered to take my happy pills today so let's see if I can get through you guys crying without me catching tears again. Cuz Gorram! Those tears were contagious yesterday. I found the little man who was chopping onions under my bed and I gave him some money to go out to Dave and Busters for the next few hours (Jerry Smith voice "Is that still a thing?")

"I didn't think she'd be so young" is one of the greatest lines and hits even harder on rewatch.

My friends and I play the Star Trek TTRPG. In our current game Sam excelled in his position all the way to being captain of our ship.

Other notes- the tv show Upstairs, Downstairs was a major inspiration for the episode. There was also consideration about making Torik the vulcan a recurring character because they loved his performance. Originally, the fate of Sito was more ambiguous since they loved the character and wanted to set up the potential future DS9 episode I referred to where she was actually taken prisoner and is rescued after years and has to deal with the effects of long term incarceration and torture. Worf would have felt guilty, but also to Klingons dying in the line of duty is the highest honor and earns a place in Stovakor which he (sort of) believes in, so his reaction would be morre complex. It would have been nice to get a bit more on Picard's feelings, though he has to deal with ordering people to their deaths on a regular basis. This has been most deal with in regards to Jack Crusher.

another thing I'll say, reacting to the patron takes. This episode is good, but maybe a tad over rated in the fandom. At the time, I'm not sure how common "high concept" episodes were common in tv; but noadays there certainly are. While this was great, because of the timne restrictions, they had to of course limit the focus. So the "lower decks" people are almost entirely focused on their careers. Given these are overchiaver types, first year ensigns who made it to the flagship and who really do have huge stakes in terms of their career trajectory, and being incredibly ambitious by nature, that makes sense. It also works for mirroring them with our senior staff. But I can imagine an even better episode, maybe a two parter, where this story goes deeper and gets fleshed out. Like maybe we actually see the nurse's boyfriend and aspects of their relationship. Maybe Data is invovled with Geordi and Torik, and Data has to give them advice where he talks about his difficulties when he was a junior officer of having superior capabilities to his seniors. Maybe we get into the fact these people are away from home for an extended period for the first time of their lives and discussions about how all they have ever wanted was to be on a ship but find themselves missing their home. Maybe one character is questioning their choices and with the help of Troi decides they don't actually want to be in starfleet. Maybe we get more about Ben and how he managed to be there and his awkward place as a civilian. I'm just saying it's good, but the heavy emphasis on career limits what could have been incredible if we had more time. If it was a two parter, we could flesh out the significance and the stakes of the Cardassian spy mission even more so we know what her sacrfiice meant instead of just the abstract "this will help the federation." Maybe there even could have been another character who was actually a cardassian spy. More background on the Vulcan- he is clearly an atypical vulcan in that he likes to socialize with humans and even bunk with one, and getting into why hes like that and his background Again, great episode, just maybe SLIGHTLY overrated. It was as you know partially the inspiration for an entire show, no boudt due to its high reputation among the fan base. I mean, I get that- it's part of the trend from TNG onward of making the Trek universe a more fully realized place. Getting to see what the junior officers are up to makes the world feel more real. But also because of that, like Wesley, I feel like the character types of these officers is almost like what an audience member would focus and relate to (thus also the popularity, doing for the show what the wiz kid wesley was supposed to do, be a gary sue for younger fans) but actually working. That does however, in my opinion make it a little weaker in the sense all of these people sort of come across as "star trek fans" in that position.

Also, let the record show my take was sub rosa was I liked it too.

Its total top 5. This, Yest Ent, First Duty, Relics and then finding a 5th top episode is tough because of quaiity issues, but I can see Measure Of A Man maybe, or even something offbeat like like Troi in command with Ro if you erase the nauseating kids, or the one where Beverly is alone on the ship. Maybe BoBW Part 1, but I am not entirely sold that is as good as people insist. It's good, it is not one I'd ever dream of rewatching whereas the four I mention all are rewatchable.

Love this episode! Great to see Georgi, Beverly, and Worf being leaders and mentors. One nit - I think Worf would have a different attitude about Sito’s death - she died with honor in battle!

I think Ensign Gates, though she doesn't talk much, has more expereince with the senior staff where she wouldn't have this same outsider view of them. The crew we're focused on here is not just "not the senior staff", they seem to be ensigns recently assigned fresh out of the academy, like this is their first year and first assignment, thus being a bit more green and nervous. Even say a lieutenant who has some more expereince would be a little less nervous. They've finished the academy and this is the very beginning of their career. Starfleet Academy is super elite to get into, but even so, one would imagine that a lot of first year officers wash out, or wind up on non starship assignments like assigned to a planet or a research base or something. The fact these ensigns have the flagship as their first assignment is unique in that they are overachievers but could easily "blow it" and wind up on a career path similar to the Picard we see in "Tapestry" or just assigned to be part of ground forces on some planet and not make it out into space (presumably every Federation member planet has a contingent of Starfleet there for defense and other reasons)

Season 7 isn't perfect but boy when they hit, they smash it.

Picard might have given Sito a posthumous promotion for her bravery.

Can't wait until you get to the show Lower Decks in about 5 years or so :)

You talked about the actors playing young characters - Patti Yasutake was 41 when this came out! Yes, I was surprised too!

In my head canon, they asked Ro first but she told them to f. off.

I'm so genuinely happy we got a Ken R comment on this one. Was low key jonesing to know what he thought of it!

This is the thing with season 7 - we get some bland episodes, we get some fun episodes. There's some absolute batshit episodes then ones like this that are expertly written and stick with you for decades after.

One of those episodes where, even knowing the sorrow to come, it still hits me hard. I get tears every time, with no shame. RIP Sito Jaxa.

This might be my favorite TNG episode S++ Makes me cry but it is so worth it. I love seeing the perspective of the junior officers and a chance to connect with someone who we have to lose in a way that makes sense and yet is senseless. Plus poker. Can’t go wrong.

1:06:52 I agree, I can't see Guinann playing poker. Definitely better with a different character.

I don't remember when you were talking about "the view from below" but we were all waiting for this episode for you. It is kinda weird how Ogawa has not been promoted before, though...

"Lower Decks" is actually better than I remember. How did that happen?

43:38 Josh has teary eyes! TEARS CONFIRMED!

Alexander Enberg who played the Vulcan Taurik, was the son of Executive Producer Jeri Taylor.

the actree that played Nurse Ogawa just recently Passed

Rene Esceverra(SP?) was a very unappreciated member of the writing staff, its hard to make us care for one shot guest characters, although we;ve seen a few before but he pulled it off, one of the best of Season 7

11 Episodes left, after this one

Easily one of my favorite episodes. Sam is the hottest red shirt to ever make it out of an episode alive. And my new head canon for Ogawa's test is Beverly walking her into sick bay with ensign Sito tied to a bed - on the try where the medical devices should be there's only a rusty pipe. Beverly puts a hand on Alyssa's shoulder, smiles warmly at her, "Make it look convincing, Lieutenant." Ogawa picks up the pipe, smiles, "I won't let you down, doctor," winds up, fade to black.

Josh Alex, This Star Trek episode is literally the full E ticket ride.

This one seems to strike a chord with me even more each time that I rewatch it. Probably the best episode of the season, and definitely an S tier episode of TNG overall. So well done both overall and for how it expertly balances the lighthearted stories with the sobering finish that makes my eyes water every time. Definitely worthy of Josh's "I love this fucking show, man" comment at the end. The best episodes often evoke that kind of thought from me, too.

These damn allergies of mine are really acting up right now... Something I think about is that whenever Sam looks into the mirror and sees that second pip on his collar, he will be remembering Sito. When I'm thinking of what episodes or movies are my favorite, I have found that a very important question to ask is, "what did the episode/movie leave me with?" It's surprising how often this question changes my mind on what is my favorite. Also, I've been waiting 10 seasons of Star Trek for you guys to get to this one because I knew Josh would lose it.

I'd forgotten how good this episode was. I remembered most of the plot, and the painfully awkward interaction between Riker and Lavelle.

easily a top 10 and arguably a top 5. you won’t forget this episode in 35 years

In TV nomenclature, a "Lower Decks Episode" in an episode focusing on side characters who through their eyes provide new information on our main cast. The TV Trope is actually named after this episode, because it was one of the first to do it: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/LowerDeckEpisode

They’re playing 5 Card Stud, which is apparently one of the more popular poker variants in the 24th century

Great time rewatching this episode with you guys. Top 10 for me.

Ben telling Lavelle that Riker was Canadian was like Rhodes telling Bruce that he should bow to King T’Challa in “Infinity War”. Totally set him up. 😂

I’ve seen this episode dozens of times and never noticed Lavelle doing the Riker maneuver throwing his leg over the chair to sit down in Ten-Forward until this reaction.

gut punch

From the worst ep of TNG Subrosa to possibly the best TNG ep Lower Decks, so good they named a series after it.

I totally agree with you Josh, “Lower Decks” is one of my favorite TNG episodes.

I think what makes Picard's announcement to the crew hit so hard is that, in addition to the confirmation of the death of someone we had come to care about, Sito also gets redemption for her mistake at the Academy when Picard calls her "a young woman with remarkable courage and strength of character", after her character had been previously called into question.

A death usually enhances an episode or movie. I should know. ;-)

Top ten favorite episode of TNG for me.

Glad you really enjoyed it guys. This has been in my top 5 of TNG for years but recently took over as my favourite episode. You aren't alone, when Picard makes the announcement at the end it gets my eyes going every time😂😂😂

Lol... the "HARD" joke in the discussion. Well done, Josh. But let's talk about Whispers... who had the better O-Face: Beverly & the Candle or Alex & the 2nd O'Brien? (Just breaking up the sadness).

Oh, as an aside; I love the Hereditary shirt, Josh! All hail Paimon!

An absolute S Tier episode in every way. It hit all the marks. I rank this right up there with Parallels (which is S for me for different reasons). And yeah, the Bajoran/Cardassian stuff absolutely fleshes out the the franchise as a whole. It's episodes like this that makes sure we know TNG and DS9 do not exist in self-contained bubbles.

Many of us have been waiting a loooooooong time for this one.

Good guy Worf building up his underlings

One of my favourite episodes. It hits all the right notes, and though I barely had time to get to know the junior officers, I ended up feeling deeply for them - which says it all, really :-)

Picard’s announcement at the end reminds me of a few times Kirk had to say something similar back in TOS. The weight of being the captain.

In my humble opinion this is one of the best written episodes of TNG. The series, not the season.

This episode gets me as well every time.

Josh's little tear so nice, I went and watched this reaction twice

Been waiting for this one for a LONG time. One of my faves for sure. I watched this with my family before I went to boot camp. This one and Data's Day lmao. Lower Decks is the much better episode overall, but I still love Data's Day too.

I've been waiting for you guys to get to this episode ever since you said that in the past (wanting an episode from the perspective of lower ranked officers).

I think this is the first time the Vedeks of Bajor are mentioned on something other than Deep Space 9. That was the reason I recognized Sito right away. When I first saw this episode.

My favorite episode of season 7. I don’t watch it often because it makes me cry but it was nice to share the experience with TA. Great video!

Lavelle popped up in the Marvel Star Trek comics! Drawn very differently with a crew cut. But same name, he and Riker seemed friendlier then..

This is also one of the few where I was ... "Hmmm, should I purchase early access for this? Should I? Should I? Yeah, I'll do it." The $$ goes to Josh and Alex, so it's worth it. :-D

Some of the episodes this season, it's kindof.. "ugh." You sortof endure them (and no, I don't count Sub Rosa among that - boring episodes are usually worse than bad episodes). But then when you think you're hitting a rough patch, they'll surprise you with a gem like this.

This is one I have to skip almost every time I scan the episode list for this season. Every time I watch it I'm a mess after. This story wrecks me every time. Everyone cares so much about her it is impossible as a viewer not to. And then the gut punch. A nice touch is Beverly putting her hand on Ogawa's shoulder when Picard delivers the bad news. That was for all of us.

I love Lower Decks. (the episode and the show)

Good reaction.

King Paimon is a male thus covetous of a male human body.

This episode makes e weep EVERY DAMN TIME.

Not surprised you loved it, since the same writing duo also wrote Lessons. Lower Decks is almost universally loved in the fanbase. I don't believe it was intended to be any sort of backdoor pilot like Assignment Earth. It did serve as something of an inspiration for the Lower Decks series though, at least in the general premise or following junior officers. I do think the characters they chose to follow all worked well. We've actually seen Alexander Enberg before in Time's Arrow where he played a reporter. He's also Jeri Taylor's son. I think Ben worked better than Guinan would have. Sure Guinan could have lots of friendships with members of the crew we don't see or hear about, but it would feel a bit manufactured. Since we haven't seen him before either, it's an easier sell that they have a fully developed friendship. It's also nice to see Ogawa actually get something to do besides basically hand Crusher stuff and basically be a background character(I suppose she had a bit of a role in Suspicions). Also compare Crusher here to the "Dr. Ogawa!?!?" version in Parallels. Lavelle seems like a decent dude, but good God was that scene with Riker cringe. I mostly just find Lt. Picard in Tapestry sad, but that whole scene was just so incredibly awkward. Good on him for getting promoted. And yeah, like the patron take said, I could see Worf reassuring him that he shouldn't feel guilty about the promotion given Yar's death led to his current posting. In regards to Gates, only thing I can think as to why she wasn't included is the actress just couldn't handle a more involved role. There's a ton of background characters that barely get more than a few lines. You start to notice them on rewatches though. And finally there's Sito. Honestly she wasn't one of the more memorable members of the team in that episode. Most of the focus was on Wes and Lacarno, but they built her up enough in this one episode that her death arguably hits harder than Yar who had a whole season. I've heard some argue that Picard basically bullied her into volunteering, but I really don't see it that way. He already broke the act and told her how she got on the Enterprise, and he offered her a way out. I get she wouldn't want to disappoint him, but also, those kinds of risks do come with wearing the uniform. Tragic, but it is part of the job. Also having Worf in the mentor role gave him IMO one of his better performances on the show. Finally, what I think is great about this episode is that going all the way back to TOS, there have always been "redshirts". In episodes like Q Who we hear about close to 20 lives being lost, and not one of them even gets a name. A lot of the time these casualties can just seem like numbers because we don't know them like the main cast, but Lower Decks has us hang out with a bunch of "nobodies" for 45 minutes, and kills one of them off, and it hits way harder. After seeing this episode and feeling the loss of Sito, you start to think differently about the random people killed in Trek shows. They're not just redshirts anymore.

My favourite TNG epiode, this is IT.

If you guys like this Ron Moore–produced, character-focused, gut-punch kind of stuff, you should give his BSG reboot another chance. Rewatching this episode now, I can see where he pulled a couple different BSG episodes from it.

Great reaction! This is the first time I've rewatched this episode since I watched DS9 for the first time and I think it packs a far greater punch now. Seeing the Cardassian/Bajoran backstory develop on DS9 just makes that scene between Sito and the Cardassian on the shuttle that much more poignant.

While it's easy to make fun of Hollywood pretentiousness (and I very often do), movies and TV can still do an amazing thing to make you emotional over fictional characters and situations.

Ensign Ninja Cutting of the Starship Onion. Director's highlight for me: the back and forth during the poker games.

Having another story that involves Bajorans and Cardassians and their back story but NOT on DS9 makes it feel like a big, shared universe much more than a simple lead character crossover episode or something. That story doesn't go away just because DS9 has taken the lead on it.

It occurred to me much later on that Sito is a security officer, so is basically a "red shirt." They make you feel for one of them!

Top 2 episode of the season, easy.

Note to self don’t watch it this while chopping onions 😬

Wonderful episode, up there with the very best of the show. It’s very much the guest stars episode but the regulars get some excellent scenes.

59:08 A show about Lower Decks full of cameos? You don't say... XD

This episode is so great! It has so much depth and reach. Into the past of TNG and into the future of Trek. Love the reactions!

I'm looking forward to when they remember where Sito was from.

This episode affects me at the end almost as much as City on the Edge of Forever. I'm with you, Josh and Alex.

This and The Pegasus are the standout episodes of Season 7.

An incredible episode, but a bittersweet moment - for me, this is the last S of TNG.

Considered one of the best of the series. It’s one you will go back to years to come. Was waiting for this reaction! Awesome

Good run coming up.