The wait is over! Fans of the iconic Star Trek franchise were treated to a thrilling finale of "Star Trek: Lower Decks," titled "The New Next Generation." If you haven’t seen it yet, beware—spoilers ahead! As we bid farewell to this beloved animated series, hopes remain high for its return as Starfleet ushers in a groundbreaking twist to its lore: a stable portal to the multiverse.

Yes, you heard that right! While previous Star Trek installments toyed with the concept of alternate realities—like the Mirror Universe and the Kelvin timeline—"Lower Decks" took things to an exhilarating new level. The introduction of a reliable multiversal portal opens up endless storytelling possibilities for future series, thrilling fans and creators alike.

I had the chance to speak with Mike McMahan, the showrunner of "Lower Decks," who shared insights about how this game-changing element made it into the series. Surprisingly, it wasn't a straightforward process. McMahan revealed that it took quite a bit of convincing to get the idea greenlit by the higher-ups. In his words, “It took a little bit of convincing to get approved, but we believed in the vision.”

A striking reference to Lily Sloane from "Star Trek: First Contact" showcases McMahan’s deep respect for the franchise’s rich history. His previous experience as head writer of "Rick and Morty," renowned for its playful embrace of multiverse concepts, undoubtedly influenced his approach here. If there's anyone who could lead a series diving deep into Trek's multiversal adventures, McMahan is at the forefront of the possibilities.

He also praised his team, especially fan-favorite voice actor Jerry O'Connell, who has his own connections to multiverse storytelling from his past sci-fi projects. McMahan hinted at the potential for crossovers and rich narratives that could emerge from exploring this vast multiverse—a tantalizing prospect for Star Trek enthusiasts.

While it's disappointing that "Star Trek: Lower Decks" is not slated to return in 2025, the introduction of the multiverse portal offers new avenues for the franchise to explore. Future shows set in the Prime timeline could take advantage of this narrative device, ensuring that the legacy of adventures continues, rather than allowing it to fade away.

As of now, the chances of the animated series reappearing on television might feel slim, but Star Trek fans know better than to count out their cherished shows. History shows us that beloved series often find a way back into the spotlight, just as "Star Trek: Prodigy" managed to do on Netflix. So perhaps there’s hope yet for "Lower Decks." Enthusiasts are urged to rally together, send letters to Paramount, and keep the spirit alive to see more multiverse escapades!

For those who missed out on the finale or are looking to relive the journey of "Star Trek: Lower Decks," all episodes are available for streaming on Paramount+. Don’t wait—immerse yourself in this captivating universe before the next adventure begins!