6. 'Hear All, Trust Nothing' (Lower Decks)
“Hear All, Trust Nothing” is Lower Decks at its most generous, turning a comedic animated series into an affectionate love letter to DS9. The Cerritos docks at the station, bringing back Kira, Quark, and the iconic promenade with a mix of jokes and genuine reverence. Beneath the gags, the episode is really about Boimler, Tendi, and the others wanting to prove themselves worthy of the legacy they’ve inherited.
That makes it a great show to watch over the holidays for fans who have been around for a long time. Tendi reconnects with her Orion roots as she decides who she wants to be. Quark gets a classic Ferengi lesson with a surprisingly gentle landing. For fans who grew up with DS9, the station itself feels like home. Nostalgia is like a warm hug instead of a list of things to do. It reminds everyone that there is always room for fresh stories in old places.