Episode 259: Lower (NOT Below) Decks and Fall TV

·42 min·4 clips

Margaret thought Andrew wanted to watch a reality show about cruise staff, but he actually meant a Star Trek cartoon.

In this episode, Margaret, Catherine, and Andrew begin with a humorous anecdote about confusing the Star Trek animated series Lower Decks with the Bravo reality show Below Deck, highlighting their similar themes of unseen staff work. They delve into Lower Decks, noting it as a CBS All Access series that focuses on ensigns on a second-rate ship, contrasting it with high-stakes, serialized modern Star Trek shows like Discovery and Picard. The hosts appreciate its episodic nature and lower stakes, comparing it to workplace comedies like The Office. Andrew explains the show's premise and its connection to a Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, while Margaret shares her enjoyment as a casual viewer. The discussion then transitions to fall TV previews, covering a range of upcoming shows. Andrew mentions Fargo season four and the absurd Next Marijuana Millionaire reality series. Catherine details the chaotic production of The Bachelorette, including lead Claire's exit and replacement by Tayshia, amid broader franchise diversity discussions. Margaret highlights HBO's The Undoing and Netflix's The Crown season four, featuring Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher. Catherine also promotes the documentary series City So Real by Steve James, focusing on Chicago's mayoral election. Andrew adds Miss Scarlet and the Duke, a Masterpiece Mystery series, and Star Trek Discovery season three. The hosts briefly touch on other shows like PEN15, Big Mouth, and Bridgerton, sharing personal opinions and excitement. They conclude with audience engagement details, including social media and Patreon links.

As heard by us

A Lower Decks mix-up becomes a playful way to sort the fall TV season.

Appointment Television turns a quarantine-era planning problem into a running joke, then keeps finding uses for it. Andrew says he has started watching Lower Decks, Margaret hears it through the lens of Bravo's rented-luxury-cruise reality show, and the confusion becomes a way…

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Why you'd press play

You are here for a Lower Decks mix-up that somehow becomes a fall-TV sorting system.

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