The Lower Decks Connection: Crossing Over

Welcome back to The Lower Decks Connection, where we curate an episode watch list of legacy Trek shows based on the latest episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks! This week’s episode saw the crew of the Cerritos visiting a very familiar location: the station Deep Space 9 herself. Fans were treated to another story featuring Colonel Kira Nerys and everyone’s favorite Ferengi businessman Quark. It was as though Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was back on our screens for an episode. This is not the first time that two Star Trek shows have crossed over with each other. If you’re eager for more crossovers, we’ve collected a few examples of when the legacy Star Trek shows crossed over with each other.

TNG had already crossed over with The Original Series before this episode – both Leonard “Bones” McCoy and Sarek had made appearances in the early seasons – but this episode was a major moment in the in-universe history of the Alpha Quadrant. Spock, ever wise, tries to bring both Vulcans and Romulans together and unify their people as they once were centuries before. It’s up to Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-D to help him as best they can. The episode beautifully concludes when it is revealed nearly two decades later in the Star Trek: Discovery episode “Unification III” that Spock’s dream was ultimately realized.

Scotty gets to make an appearance in the TNG episode “Relics” after being missing in-universe for 75 years. Suddenly surrounded by technological advancements, Scotty contends with his place in this new universe. When the Enterprise-D is threatened by the Dyson Sphere that trapped Scotty for so long, it’s up to him and the current Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge to save the ship and crew. One last miracle from Mr. Scott, he leaves to explore the galaxy, but not before imparting some words of wisdom to La Forge.

The pilot episode ofDeep Space Nine begins during one of TNG’s darkest moments — Picard’s assimilation. As the battle of Wolf 359 rages on, Commander Sisko suffers an immense loss, his wife Jennifer. This moment sets up the catalyst for his journey through the episode, especially as he meets Picard face-to-face. While most view Picard with reverence, Sisko is furious – and rightfully so – over the former's role in his wife’s death. As Sisko faces his trauma through a later conversation with the Prophets, he ultimately faces Picard and accept his commission to be commander of the station.

What do you do when a vengeful Klingon uses a Bajoran Orb to travel back in time to kill Captain Kirk? Travel back in time as well, disguise yourself with classic TOS uniforms, and try to stop him, of course! The crew of the Defiant must stop Arne Darvin, the villain from the classic episode “The Trouble with Tribbles,” from exacting revenge on Kirk from the future. As Sisko and his crew try to stop him, they wind up in the background of key moments from the episode. It’s a joyous episode, and a delight for fans of both TOS and DS9.

Captain Sulu takes the stage in the Tuvok-centric episode “Flashback,” which also features former-Yeoman-turned-Commander Janice Rand. As Tuvok deals with a virus, he reflects on his days aboard the U.S.S. Excelsior during the events of the film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. This gives us a chance to see Sulu at his full, captain-ly power, which is always a sight to behold. It also provides us insight into Tuvok’s backstory, as he trusts Janeway to join him in a mind meld to save his life.

Lt. Barclay and Commander Troi take center stage as Barclay begins to obsess over the crew of the U.S.S. Voyager. Involved in the Pathfinder project as it attempts to make contact with Voyager, Barclay develops a Holoprogram of the crew, which he befriends.

Ultimately, Barclay is able to contact Voyager, bridging the gap between the ship and Starfleet. Overjoyed, the Voyager crew holds a small party for Barclay; even though none of them know him personally. For his relentless work, he is made an honorary part of the ship’s crew.

It might seem strange to use a series finale as a potential jumping on point for a series, but this episode is the only time that a character from another series appears in Star Trek: Enterprise due to the series being a prequel.

Using the Holodeck as a framing device, Commander Riker and Commander Troi watch the beginnings of the Federation through the eyes of Archer and his crew. This is later referenced in the first season finale of Lower Decks, “No Small Parts,” as Riker says he’s late to the Bridge because he was in the Enterprise Holoprogram yet again.