This Star Trek: Lower Decks article contains spoilers.
EveryTrekkieknows that the first season ofStar Trek: The Next Generationsucked.
So bad were the series initial episodes that even the cast doubted the show would get a second season.
So what changed to makeTNGone of the most beloved sci fi series of all time?
There are lots of potential answers, everything fromGene Roddenberrysdeath toPatrick Stewartlearning how to have fun with his castmates.
But most Trekkies point to one phenomenon as the turning point: Commander William T. Riker grew a beard.
What made a superfan like Boimler start his no-shave journey in the fifth and final season ofLower Decks?
It took a visit from an alternate reality for Bomiler to understand the importance of growing the beard.
In the season five premiere ofLower Decks, theCerritoscrew meets slight variations of themselves.
Much to the delight of Prime Boimler, the alternate reality Boimler was confident and in control.
And, of course, he had a rich, purple beard.
Yet, in classic Boimler fashion, the plan backfires.
But, in those cases,TNG,DS9, andVOYall had several seasons of 20-plus episodes to follow.
Star Trek: Lower Decks releases new episodes every Thursday on Paramout+.
