‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ Review: Grounded Return to School Adventure
The new series “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” premiered on Paramount+ featuring back-to-back episodes. Set in the 32nd century, this series offers a fresh approach to the beloved franchise while embracing its core themes. Created by Gaia Violo, it aims to attract a younger audience as it explores the adventures of cadets training for Starfleet.
Unique Setting and Characters
The narrative unfolds at the Starfleet Academy campus, located in Sausalito, California, with a view of San Francisco across the bay. The show is set in a campus that has been reconstructed after more than 120 years, utilizing the unique design of the USS Athena’s detachable saucer as part of its architecture.
- Nahla Ake: Portrayed by Holly Hunter, Captain of the USS Athena and Chancellor of the Academy.
- Caleb Mir: A former student navigating his complex past, played by Sandro Rosta.
- Nus Braka: A space pirate, portrayed by Paul Giamatti.
- Darem Reymi: A privileged cadet and Caleb’s rival, played by George Hawkins.
- Genesis Lythe: An admiral’s daughter portrayed by Bella Shepard.
- Sam: A cheerful Kasqian hologram played by Kerrice Brooks.
- Jay-Den Kraag: A nonviolent Klingon interested in medicine, played by Karim Diané.
Themes of Growth and Acceptance
The students are not just learning about Starfleet protocols. They grapple with interpersonal challenges, trust issues, and their evolving identities. The first episode, titled “Kids These Days,” sets the tone for this exploration of youth and responsibility.
The cadets engage in typical college antics, from pranks to rivalries with students from the War College next door. Their journey is a blend of humor and academic challenges, emphasizing teamwork and maturity.
Engaging Faculty
The faculty adds depth to the storyline. Notable characters include:
- Jet Reno: An engineer from “Discovery,” played by Tig Notaro.
- Lura Thok: A first officer with a mixed heritage, portrayed by Gina Yashere.
- Digital Dean of Students: Voiced by Stephen Colbert, providing humor throughout the series.
Cast and Cultural References
The show contains a dynamic range of characters, reflecting various alien cultures and their nuances. This assortment of backgrounds enriches the storytelling, making the series relatable to a diverse audience. Humor remains a cornerstone of “Star Trek,” with faculty and students alike delivering memorable lines.
As the series unfolds, viewers witness the development of these cadets into capable officers, ready to face the challenges of the universe. The blend of adventure with personal growth creates a compelling narrative arc that is both entertaining and poignant.
Final Thoughts
While “Starfleet Academy” may not appeal to all traditional “Star Trek” fans, its fresh perspective and engaging storytelling promise to attract a new generation. With six of its ten episodes already available, it seems the series successfully balances nostalgia with innovation, allowing it to find its own unique place within the expansive “Star Trek” universe.
