When you’ve been boldly going where no one has gone before for almost 60 years, the question inevitably arises: where do we go next? For decades, Star Trek has explored distant galaxies, moral dilemmas, and the human condition. However, it has rarely focused on the messy, exhilarating, chaotic world of young adulthood. Enter Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the franchise’s first full-scale coming-of-age story.
Set hundreds of years after the catastrophic event known as “The Burn” in Discovery, Starfleet Academy is finally reopening its doors. This is a galaxy still healing and still learning to trust. So, the Federation, eager to rebuild interstellar exploration and train a new generation of officers, relaunches the Academy alongside the War College.
For longtime fans, it may be bittersweet: most of the beloved characters from previous series have long passed. Yet through clever Star Trek storytelling, a few familiar faces return. Robert Picardo reprises his role as The Doctor, now centuries later, and Tig Notaro returns as Commander Jett Reno, the engineer from Discovery. Their presence ties this new era to the legacy of the franchise. However, you may be asking yourself, “How?” Well, discovering how is a treat in itself.
STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY IS FOR ALL
As someone who grew up surrounded by Star Trek but never really got into it, Starfleet Academy has been a fantastic gateway. It’s approachable, exciting, and grounded enough that even newcomers can jump in and immediately feel part of the universe without being overwhelmed by decades of lore.
New leadership is key to the Academy’s success, and the cast does not disappoint. Holly Hunter stars as Chancellor Nahla Ake, bringing an effortlessly cool aunt energy to the role. She’s wise, approachable, and fierce when she needs to be. She’s a perfect mentor for the cadets, navigating both the challenges of Starfleet, her past, and the challenges of growing up.
Comedian Gina Yashere plays Lura Thok, a cadet master who is part Klingon, part Jem’Hadar. Every scene with her jumps between laughter and tension, often in the same breath, proving that even in the 32nd century, Star Trek can balance humor and gravitas. Some Trekkies have been skeptical of her character, but she’s a bold addition. She’s a pioneer in representation and a perfect example of the franchise continuing to push boundaries.
The cadets themselves are richly developed. Each character has a distinct backstory, personal stakes, and relationships that evolve naturally throughout the series. Friendships are tested, trust is earned, and the trials of space and wanna be adulthood are intertwined seamlessly. The camaraderie is real, the stakes are high, and the adventure never stops.
While at first glance, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy might seem like just another coming-of-age story, it is still quintessentially Star Trek. The series weaves in moral questions, societal parallels, and unexpected dangers at every turn. It reminds viewers that growing up in Starfleet isn’t just about passing exams, it’s about learning to navigate the galaxy with courage, curiosity, and integrity.
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