Tawny Newsome Discusses Resolving DS9 on ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’
Tawny Newsome recently shared insights about her writing experience on the premier episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, titled “Series Acclimation Mil.” This episode pays tribute to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9), highlighting its significant yet often overlooked impact on the franchise.
Tawny Newsome’s Journey into Writing
Best known as the voice of Beckett Mariner in Star Trek: Lower Decks, Newsome collaborated with Kirsten Beyer, a seasoned Trek novelist and producer, on this project. This marks Newsome’s debut as a TV series writer, a field she approached with excitement and reverence for the Star Trek universe.
A Love Letter to Deep Space Nine
Newsome emphasized the importance of DS9 in the Star Trek canon, stating, “We haven’t talked nearly enough about the Siskos.” She felt a strong desire to celebrate and honor the legacy of Captain Benjamin Sisko and the actors, particularly Avery Brooks, who portrayed him.
Collaboration and Team Efforts
- Writers: Tawny Newsome and Kirsten Beyer
- Co-showrunners: Noga Landau and Alex Kurtzman
- Executive Producer: Aaron Baiers
Newsome spent months working with Cirroc Lofton, who plays Jake Sisko, to ensure a faithful and respectful representation of the DS9 storyline. Together, they tackled the complexities of Sisko’s unresolved narrative while navigating canonical constraints.
Honoring Avery Brooks
A pivotal aspect of the episode is Avery Brooks’ contribution. Near the end, a private recording from his 2006 spoken word album was included, providing a heartfelt nod to his legacy. Newsome expressed her gratitude for Brooks’ support during the writing process.
Canonical Challenges
The writing team faced challenges in weaving Sisko back into the narrative while maintaining consistency with existing lore. They aimed for a balance, concluding with Jake saying, “I can’t prove it,” to reflect the ambiguity surrounding Sisko’s fate.
Unique Structural Choices
The episode adopts an unconventional format, allowing for creative freedom. Inspired by Alex Kurtzman, the structure broke traditional molds, enabling a different storytelling approach.
Easter Eggs and Humor
Throughout the episode, thoughtful Easter eggs pay homage to DS9. Newsome insisted on including lines reminiscent of Sisko’s iconic moments, showcasing her dedication to the franchise.
Looking Ahead
With promising discussions and future plans for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, fans can anticipate more insights from Tawny Newsome and exclusive content featuring Cirroc Lofton. Stay tuned for updates and further explorations of the Star Trek universe at Filmogaz.com.
