This might be a bit biased, as I'm a huge DS9 fan, and seeing DS9 featured so heavily just made me happy.
Let's get the main references out of the way first. The start with the DS9 theme was beautiful and the gag around it was great. Both Kira AND Quark (played by Nana and Armin) had an actual substantial role in the episode, which just made it feel like DS9 was more than just a backdrop.
Many of the jokes hit very strongly, Shax and Kira arguing over who saved who last, Tendi hating the Pirate persona of the other Orion officer, then being forced to show that she is more than a capable space pirate herself. Mariner ending up phasering all Jennifer's friends, and more.
Lower Decks always seems to get amazing in the latter part of the season, and if this is the threshold for this season, I can't wait for the rest.
Let's get the main references out of the way first. The start with the DS9 theme was beautiful and the gag around it was great. Both Kira AND Quark (played by Nana and Armin) had an actual substantial role in the episode, which just made it feel like DS9 was more than just a backdrop.
Many of the jokes hit very strongly, Shax and Kira arguing over who saved who last, Tendi hating the Pirate persona of the other Orion officer, then being forced to show that she is more than a capable space pirate herself. Mariner ending up phasering all Jennifer's friends, and more.
Lower Decks always seems to get amazing in the latter part of the season, and if this is the threshold for this season, I can't wait for the rest.