Assigned a special task by Dr T’Ana, Tendi enlists Mariner for help. On the U.S.S. Cerritos, Rutherford is consumed by a bridge crew mystery.

The 800th episode of Star Trek (and pause here to recall that the original series had under 80) is a fun half hour, but doesn’t feature the show at full potential. Each of the Lower Deckers gets something to, and there’s a good smattering of Star Trek Easter eggs, but it’s by no stretch a classic.

Boimler is back on the Cerritos but is troubled that the ship’s programs don’t seem to recognise him, but more excitingly he’s looking forward to seeing Voyager’s Lieutenant Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill in a guest spot) who is making a visit. Boimler wants him to sign his commemorative Paris plate, which looks just like part of the collection issued by Hamilton in the 90s. Elsewhere, Rutherford is troubled that former head of security Shaxs is alive, having sacrificed himself at the end of season 1 – apparently, bridge officers often do this, but you should never ask why!

Mariner and Tendi have some girl time on their first shared road trip, but it’s soon apparent that they have little in common and know very little about one another – like first names or previous vessels. The plot – involving a feline sex toy for the ship’s medical officer – is fun, particularly when Mariner has to become an undercover Orion pirate, and both girls realise that they have a mutual appreciation of one another.

Verdict: A commemorative episode more by chance than design, this passes the time nicely, but won’t linger long in the memory. 7/10

Nick Joy