Brad Boimler

Bradward Boimler, also known as Brad for short, is a fictional character from the American science fiction television series Star Trek: Lower Decks. He is known for always following the rules, and pleading excessively for his best friend, Ensign Beckett Mariner, to do the same. In the far future, Boimler is remembered for the Boimler Effect, a ship-wide mandate aboard the USS Cerritos encouraging breaking the rules. Boimler does not want to be known for this, thinking that people will believe he wasn't a rule-follower. Boimler is voiced by actor Jack Quaid.[1][2]

Brad Boimler
Star Trek: Lower Decks character
First appearance	"Second Contact" (2020)
Created by	Mike McMahan
Voiced by	Jack Quaid
In-universe information
Full name	Bradward Boimler
Nicknames	Brad Boimler
Species	Human
Gender	Male
Title	Ensign
Occupation	Starfleet officer
Origin	Earth

Characterization

Jack Quaid voices Brad Boimler.

Boimler has been described as the kind of person who does "everything by the book" and "a total stickler."[3] About the character, Quaid noted that Boimler would "nail the written portion of the driving test with flying colors but once it actually got to him being in the car, it would be a complete and total disaster." Quaid additionally called Boimler the direct opposite of friend Beckett Mariner.[4] According to Variety, "while great at sci-fi stuff, he’s completely bound to the rules. He doesn’t know how to follow his gut, and if he wants to be a captain some day he’s going to have to learn how to improvise."[5] Quaid also originally auditioned for the role of Sam Rutherford, but was cast as Boimler.[6] Brad Boimler has also been likened Quaid's character on the Prime Video original series The Boys, Hughie.[7]

Fictional biography

Season 1

In the beginning of season one, Boimler is tasked with keeper his friend and co-worker Beckett Mariner in check by the USS Cerritos captain Carol Freeman, who, unbeknownst to him, is Mariner's mother. He sees his friend smuggling supplies to a pair of poor farmer down on a planet the Cerritos is making second contact to, and so he must decide to either follow the rules and report Mariner's behavior or break the rules like Mariner and do what's right. In the end, Boimler decides not to help Mariner but also not to report her.

For most of the rest of the season, Boimler tries to do both and impress the bridge crew while he's at it. However, though he and Mariner remain friends, he slowly starts to grow resentful of her constant rule breaking and that it always gets the job done anyways. In episode two, "Envoys", Boimler even considers quitting Starfleet after being Mariner navigate a foreign planet so much better than him, but Mariner makes it right by enlisting an alien to pose as a Ferengi so Boimler can best it. In the season finale, "So Small Parts", Boimler deduces that Mariner is Freeman's daughter, causing havoc around the ship.

Season 2

In season two, Boimler is an officer aboard the USS Titan, and works with Star Trek: The Next Generation character William Riker.[8]

Reception

Brad Boimler has been a generally well-received character. Author Jodi L. Milner reviewed the series, and in the article she noted that the character is "desperate to get into command to the point that he will literally do anything to gain attention."[9] Rolling Stones called Boimler "easily flustered try-hard who doesn’t understand why his rigorous rule following goes ignored by Captain Carol Freeman" but likened the character nonetheless.[10]

References

1. "Star Trek: Lower Decks Cast and Character Designs Unveiled". Star Trek. Retrieved 2021-01-13.
2. "Ensign Rutherford and Boimler from Star Trek: Lower Decks".
3. Pascale, Anthony. "SDCC19: 'Lower Decks' Panel Unveils An Animated Comedy By And For Star Trek Fans". TrekMovie.com. Retrieved 2021-01-02.
4. Sullivan, Emily Rose. He's So Bad, But He Does It So Well (Thesis). Wesleyan University.
5. "Star Trek: Lower Decks - Midseason Special - The Ready Room - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2021-01-02.
6. "Star Trek: Lower Decks - Midseason Special - The Ready Room - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2021-01-13.
7. Britt, Ryan (2020-10-05). "Jack Quaid says his characters from The Boys and Star Trek might actually bond". SYFY WIRE. Retrieved 2021-01-13.
8. "Star Trek: Lower Decks: A Major Character Leaves the Cerritos". CBR. 2020-10-10. Retrieved 2021-01-13.
9. Jodi. "Brad Boimler". Jodi L. Milner, Author. Retrieved 2021-01-13.
10. Sepinwall, Alan; Sepinwall, Alan (2020-08-06). "'Star Trek: Lower Decks': Animated Satire Is Highly Illogical". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2021-01-13.

External links