Star Trek: Lower Decks has introduced us to a plethora of vibrant characters since it premiered in 2020. Today, we’re taking a look at the journey of our favourite purple-haired Starfleet officer. Yes, we’re talking Bradward Boimler (Jack Quaid), from Captain’s log in the closet to trusty Lieutenant of the U.S.S. Cerritos.
The Boimler we first meet in Lower Decks Season 1 is a ‘book smart’ and die-hard Starfleet officer. However, in practice he is very clumsy and inexperienced. To us this is hilarious, but it also gives Boimler room to grow and develop over the next few seasons.
Let’s explore some of his best moments and arcs so far!
Getting Everything Wrong on Tulgana IV
Boimler’s escort mission to Little Qo’noS on Tulgana IV is his big chance to impress his superiors and rub shoulders with diplomats. But, like almost every mission on the U.S.S. Cerritos, it doesn’t go to plan. Our loveable Boims is left so deflated that, after some embarrassing mistakes, he’s intent on quitting Starfleet. This early episode sets up how goofy Boimler is. However, it also solidifies his friendship with Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome), who beats the mojo back into him.
Ditching The Cerritos For The Titan
Who wasn’t shocked when Boimler ended up leaving the Cerritos to accept a Lieutenant position with Captain Riker (Jonathan Frakes) on the U.S.S. Titan?
As the Titan was investigating the threat of the Pakleds, Boimler was struggling to keep up. With the constant action and danger he faced at every turn, he eventually comes to terms with a tough truth. He may not be cut out for this life yet. Boimler returns to the Cerritos after a transporter accident creates a clone of him. This clone calls himself William Boimler, and decides to stay on the Titan.
Bold Boimler And A Crisis of Existence
Boimler’s crisis of self arc begins with William remaining on the Titan. William gains a reputation for living up to the challenges of that position. So, much to the concern of his friends, ‘Bold Boimler’ is born. From volunteering as prey for a ceremonial hunt to winning big on the Dabo table at Quark’s. Brad Boimler dives head-first into new challenges without considering the risks as he did before.
During ‘Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus‘, Boimler learns of William’s meaningless demise due to a gas leak in his sleep. This triggers a ‘meaning of life’ crisis. Using a holodeck program as therapy, Boimler seemingly fails to find the meaning he’s looking for until a heartbreakingly beautiful exchange with Hikaru Sulu (George Takei). We had no idea when watching this episode how deeply Boimler was suffering. But oh boy did we love him a thousand times more afterwards.
We know William Boimler is still alive. Will he return in season 5?
Live-Action Antics
If you’d have told us a few years ago that Lower Decks would cross over with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and we’d meet live-action Boimler and Mariner, we’d have told you it’s a daft pipe dream that will never happen. ‘Those Old Scientists‘ is truly one of the greatest episodes of Star Trek ever made, and it gave us some of the best Boimler we’ve seen.
Jack Quaid brings his animated character to life, from cartoonish hip wiggling whilst speed walking to the epic Boimler scream. It’s truly a gift to see these two eras interact and a surprise to see how well Lower Deck’s antics positively impact the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
Lieutenant Bradward Boimler
In season 4 we see Boimler and co promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. This is something we weren’t sure we’d see during Star Trek: Lower Decks (and nobody tell Harry Kim! (Garrett Wang)).
Lower Decks artfully and hilariously tells the story of a young man dealing with command and responsibilities for the first time. The standout moment in Boimler’s story arc is his away mission on Corazonia and the danger is at it’s highest. In the thick of the action T’Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz) helps Boimler accept that danger is a part of the job.
Countdown to Season 5
Don’t miss our previous and upcoming articles celebrating Lower Decks ahead of season 5! We explore our favorite characters’ development and greatest moments throughout the series. Our first two featured Beckett Mariner and the Friends & Foes of Lower Decks. Season 5 premieres on Paramount+ in the US, UK, Canada, Latin America, Australia, Italy, France, the Caribbean, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland and South Korea. You can also catch it on Bell Media’s CTV Scifi Channel in Canada. The final, on-screen adventure kicks off with a double episode premiere on Thursday, October 24 (2024).
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