As a lifelong Star Trek enthusiast who’s seen every series since the original, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with a touch of melancholy as we approach the final season of Lower Decks. The dynamic between Tendi and Rutherford has always been one of my favorites, and their reunion in Season 5 promises to be nothing short of heartwarming.
In the fourth season of “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” characters Tendi and Rutherford experienced significant growth as Tendi returned to her Orion homeworld after securing a battleship for Starfleet. Previews suggest that Season 5 will show Tendi in full pirate mode, while also hinting at a reunion with her close Starfleet friend Rutherford. Given their separation, it’s possible that their relationship could evolve into something more romantic. Here are some insights I gathered from interviews with Eugene Cordero and Nöel Wells, along with my thoughts on their responses.
In a fantastic opportunity, I engaged in a conversation with the cast of “Lower Decks” prior to the debut of its final season, exclusively available for Paramount+ subscribers. Naturally, I couldn’t resist inquiring about potential developments between Tendi and Rutherford, and the voice actors graciously shared their thoughts on this intriguing topic. Overall, it was an enlightening experience for me.
How Eugene Cordero and Nöel Wells Described Rutherford And Tendi’s Relationship In Season 5
With no certainty that future “Trek” series will include characters Tendi or Rutherford, I wondered if fans of the pair, the ‘shippers’, would find satisfaction in the final season of “Lower Decks”. Here’s how Eugene Cordero answered when asked about surprises for Rutherford’s relationship with Tendi:
They aren’t usually caught off guard, but rather continuously surprised by their strong bond with each other. What you rarely see in shows, particularly comedies, is a couple who are just incredibly good friends and nothing more. We can’t be sure if this dynamic might shift…but for now, I believe they are content to simply enjoy their friendship together.
As a fan, I must admit that a certain quote left me slightly deflated, but hold tight! Right after that, Noel Wells responded to Eugene Cordero’s remark in such a way that her words could reignite the flickering flame of hope for a romantic connection between these two.
There are, I wouldn’t say, surprises, but the tension remains.
Okay, so that’s a little more ambiguous than the first statement. And to her credit, I can’t say I’d be outwardly surprised or shocked if Tendi and Rutherford either did engage in a romance, or if they remained best buddies. That said, I think it’s pretty clear which direction it’s headed by the end of this series, based on their comments.
How I Interpret What The Lower Decks Actors Had To Say About Tendi And Rutherford
As a dedicated fan, it didn’t come as a complete shock to me, but Eugene Cordero, who plays Rutherford on Star Trek: Lower Decks, seems to have hinted that Tendi and Rutherford will remain best friends and nothing more at the end of Season 5. While some may see this as falling short of the romantic resolution promised by co-creator Mike McMahan, I for one would welcome a strong, platonic friendship between these two characters in this series. Such a dynamic could add depth to their relationship and provide an example of close companionship that doesn’t rely on romance.
Indeed, the creator of Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry, was not a fan of romantic relationships within Starfleet. This point was emphasized by William Shatner, who stated that Roddenberry would likely be displeased with the developments in the current shows of the franchise. However, it’s worth noting that this rule was often disregarded starting from The Next Generation and wasn’t exclusive to recent productions. Given that Shatner doesn’t watch the shows, he might not be aware of these exceptions. In any event, many classic fans who enjoy Lower Decks could find satisfaction in Tendi and Rutherford’s close bond remaining platonic.
What I will add to that is that Nöel Wells’ comments indicated that the “tension” will still be there between them, meaning there’s still something for hopeful fans to gnaw on that could always get picked up in another Star Trek: Lower Decks adventure down the road. While the series is ending on Paramount+, Mike McMahan and the cast made it clear at their recent appearance at New York Comic-Con that they’d love to see the adventure continue in some way (via TrekCulture).
If Star Trek: Lower Decks continues beyond its current form and the dynamic between characters Tendi and Rutherford remains unresolved, there’s a possibility that they might develop a romantic relationship in future episodes or perhaps in the live-action Star Trek comedy being developed by Tawny Newsome. So, fans hoping for a romantic turn of events for these two should not lose hope, as it may not be realized until beyond Season 5.
As a devoted fan, I can hardly contain my excitement! The highly anticipated two-episode premiere of “Star Trek: Lower Decks” is set to blast off on Paramount+ this coming Thursday, October 24th. Buckle up and join me as we embark on the latest exhilarating journey with the crew aboard the USS Cerritos. May our fingers stay crossed that this is just the beginning of many more thrilling escapades!
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2024-10-21 04:37