Anomaly consolidation day on the U.S.S. Cerritos leaves the Lower Deckers with mixed emotions while Captain Freeman attempts to negotiate peace on the Pakled home world.

Who would have thought that the Pakleds, the fairly anonymous race from TNG’s Samaritan Snare, would shape up to be Lower Decks’ most returning race? Freeman is visiting the unimaginatively-titled Pakled Planet (their name for it) and becomes involved in a political battle when a Pakled beams over to the Cerritos, seeking refuge.

The asylum seeker is actually a spy, but he’s a Pakled, so he’s rubbish. In fact, when he disappears from his Starfleet escorts it’s because he hit the airlock release button – he thought he was hitting the toilet flush! The Lower Deckers are split between Boimler being seduced into joining a clique of elitists, the Redshirts (they worship Riker), and the others clearing up rogue or unwanted anomalies on the ship. These are fun diversions, and Boimler once again proves that he’s one of the team, but it’s the Pakled story that’s the most engaging. Oh, and the prank calls to Armus!

Verdict: Captain Freeman continues to get the best plots on the show, which revels in its multiple Star Trek Easter eggs and overall sense of fun. 7/10

Nick Joy