The crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos is gearing up for one last intergalactic adventure as "Star Trek: Lower Decks" prepares to launch its fifth and final season. With the animated comedy series set to conclude, fans can expect a star-studded farewell featuring some familiar faces from the Star Trek universe.
Series creator Mike McMahan has hinted at exciting cameos from legacy Trek characters in the upcoming season. While keeping most details under wraps, McMahan did confirm one highly anticipated guest appearance: Garrett Wang reprising his role as Harry Kim from "Star Trek: Voyager."
Wang, who played the eternally-ranked Ensign Kim on Voyager from 1995 to 2001, will voice an animated version of his character in "Lower Decks." This time, however, Harry Kim has finally earned a promotion to lieutenant. But there's a twist - the episode will feature multiple versions of Harry Kim.
Tawny Newsome, who voices Beckett Mariner on the show, expressed enthusiasm for Wang's guest spot. "Garrett Wang has so much personality and energy," Newsome said. "We couldn't have just one Harry Kim, so we had to find a way to have multiple versions."
Eugene Cordero, the voice of Sam Rutherford, described Wang's appearance as "an unbelievable cameo" that "feels like more than a cameo," hinting at a substantial role for the Voyager alum.
While Wang's guest appearance has been officially announced, the "Lower Decks" team is keeping tight-lipped about other potential legacy character cameos. Newsome playfully teased, "There might be other cameos. Who knows?"
Previous seasons of "Lower Decks" featured guest appearances from Star Trek icons such as Jonathan Frakes (William Riker), Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi), and John de Lancie (Q). Fans can likely expect more surprise appearances in the final season.
McMahan revealed that every episode of season 5 draws inspiration from classic Trek, suggesting that longtime fans of the franchise will find plenty of nostalgic elements to enjoy.
As "Lower Decks" prepares to sign off, viewers can expect the show's signature blend of humor and heart, along with plenty of sci-fi action. Newsome promised "definitely more explosions" in the final season, staying true to the series' penchant for cosmic chaos.
The fifth and final season of "Star Trek: Lower Decks" premieres with two episodes on Paramount+, followed by weekly releases. The series finale is scheduled to air on December 19, bringing the animated comedy's journey to a close.