'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Crossover Episode With 'Lower Decks' Drops Early

In a surprise to Star Trek fans, the newest episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds dropped early at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 22 on Paramount+. The news was released after an advance screening of the episode in Hall H at San Diego Comic Con this weekend. The episode, "Those Old Scientists" is the first crossover episode for Strange New Worlds (though several of the characters have appeared on Star Trek: Discovery) and blends the live-action series with its animated counterpart, Lower Decks.

Directed by Jonathan Frakes and written by Kathryn Lyn and Bill Wolkoff, the episode, "Those Old Scientists," finds Lower Decks' ensigns Mariner (Tawny Newsome) and Boimler (Jack Quaid) accidentally falling through a portal that sends them back in time over a hundred years to the Enterprise and the days when Pike (Anson Mount) captained the ship. Mariner and Boimler fangirl and fanboy over their favorite Enterprise crewmembers - Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding), Pike, Number One (Rebecca Romijn), and Spock (Ethan Peck). The episode is humorous and a love letter of sorts to fans seen through the eyes of our Lower Decks crew. It also pays special attention to Lower Deck details including Boimler's purple hair and his Starfleet insignia shoes.

Though they don't have a scene together, Romijn, who plays Una Chin-Riley on Strange New Worlds, shares the episode with her real-life husband, Jerry O'Connell, who voices Commander Ransom on Lower Decks.

The episode could also be subtitled, "Next Generations." Jack Quaid, who plays Boimler on Lower Decks is the son of actors Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan. Ethan Peck, who plays Spock on Strange New Worlds is the grandson of actor Gregory Peck. The two met at a convention several years back and bonded over their similar upbringing in Los Angeles. This is the first time they've worked together.

"Those Old Scientists" was screened for attendants at Comic Con this weekend in San Diego. Afterward, the episode was released early on Paramount+ instead of dropping on its usual Thursday launch date. The Ready Room, the aftershow for all things Star Trek will also be available to stream early on Saturday, July 22 at 7 p.m. Hosted by Wil Wheaton, this episode will feature exclusive interviews with actor/director Jonathan Frakes, as well as Lower Decks cast Tawny Newsome and Jack Quaid.

Along with the surprise announcement, Paramount+ also revealed an official trailer for the upcoming season of Star Trek: Lower Decks as well as a premiere date. A five-minute trailer for the final season of Star Trek: Discovery was also shown at Comic Con.

Fans will also get to see the crew of the Enterprise in a musical episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. It's the first musical episode in Star Trek canon. The special musical episode “Subspace Rhapsody” will feature ten original songs, plus a“Subspace Rhapsody” version of the series’ main title, with music and lyrics by Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) and Tom Polce (Letters to Cleo, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend).

Get more details and view trailers here.

Related: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 Is Here! Get Details on the Upcoming Musical Episode as Well as Other Returning Star Trek Series!

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