The animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks has carved out a unique and hilarious corner in the Star Trek universe. While deeply respectful of canon, it injects a fresh dose of humor, largely thanks to its animation style and the talented team behind it. Barry Kelly, a key figure in the show’s animation, points out the seemingly “crazy” fact that Lower Decks employs animation techniques similar to cartoons from two decades prior. He explains, “I still say Flash, but it’s Adobe Animate, but it’s still the same process where it’s the characters are animated in Flash, then backgrounds are in Photoshop, After Effects is all compositing, and then we’re still in all Adobe Suite almost the whole time.” This blend of familiar methods with updated software highlights the emphasis on artistry over solely cutting-edge tech. Chris Prynoski, co-founder and CEO of Titmouse Inc., the animation studio, succinctly puts it, “The most advanced technology is talented artists.” And Star Trek: Lower Decks undoubtedly benefits from a crew of exceptionally skilled artists.
Alt text: Detailed character art showcasing the Star Trek Lower Decks uniform design, highlighting the vibrant colors and unique delta insignia, reflecting the show’s comedic and animated style.
The collaborative and enthusiastic environment behind Lower Decks is palpable. While season 1’s post-production was conducted remotely due to pandemic restrictions, the team has since become a close-knit “family.” Kelly recounts the difference in atmosphere compared to other projects: “It’s really funny, we’ve all been animating on shows for a long time and shows are funny, but you can tell in the room when animators are watching their own shots or […] not everyone’s laughing. And then in this show, everybody laughs. It’s a genuinely funny show.” This genuine humor translates directly to the screen, making Lower Decks a standout in the Star Trek franchise.
A significant factor contributing to the show’s success is the prevalence of Trekkies among the staff. This shared passion for Star Trek lore enriches the creative process, making script readings particularly enjoyable. “We laugh really hard at the scripts and we’re like, ‘Crap, now we’ve got to make this show, we got to make it as funny as it was when we read it.'” Their dedication has clearly paid off; Lower Decks has consistently delivered both heart and humor across its seasons. While Kelly remained tight-lipped about season 5 spoilers, he assured audiences, “It’s going to be an awesome last season.”
Alt text: The bridge crew of the USS Cerritos in Star Trek Lower Decks uniforms, featuring Mariner, Boimler, Rutherford, and Tendi, emphasizing the distinct uniform styles and comedic character dynamics within the animated series.
Fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5 in fall 2024. The show’s unique blend of animation, humor, and Star Trek tradition continues to resonate, and the final season promises to be a fitting conclusion to this beloved animated series, complete with the signature Star Trek Lower Decks uniform aesthetic that fans have come to adore.
