Those Old Scientists

In this crossover episode, characters from the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks are sent back in time to the 23rd-century setting of Strange New Worlds.

"Those Old Scientists" was written by a combination of Lower Decks and Strange New Worlds writers and directed by longtime Star Trek actor and director Jonathan Frakes.

While Ensign Brad Boimler excitedly says that it was discovered by the crew of the USS Enterprise, led by Captain Christopher Pike, D'Vana Tendi insists it was found by an Orion vessel that her ancestor was stationed on.

Boimler and Spock fail to synthesize more of the portal's power source, the rare material horonium, while Mariner talks with Nyota Uhura, her idol, and convinces her to take a break from always working to have some fun.

[5] Seasons 1 and 2 of Strange New Worlds were shot nearly sequentially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to what Frakes called a frequently "grueling" pace,[4] but he said he was "thrilled" for the opportunity to make a full-on comedy.

Quaid wore a wig in a toned-down purple compared to his animated character; he considered dyeing his hair but thought that would tip off fans about the crossover before it was announced.

[4] In addition, Lower Decks actors Noël Wells (Tendi), Eugene Cordero (Rutherford), and Jerry O'Connell (Ransom) have brief speaking appearances as their characters.

[8] McMahan originally wanted the crossover to remain a surprise, so that unexpecting viewers would cut from the normal opening titles to the animated first scene.

[16] Critics found the comic tone of Lower Decks meshed with that of Strange New Worlds and demonstrated the increased variety of storytelling the Star Trek franchise employed.

[13][14][17] Baugher and Vulture's Keith Phipps said that while on paper the different tones of the shows should not have worked well together, in practice the episode made the combination look easy, relying on the commonalities of optimism and heart.

[7] The Escapist's Darren Mooney opined the episode had been too reverential and nostalgic for previous Star Trek media while also lacking dramatic stakes.