Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Premiere Review

The Star Trek universe continues to expand with the debut of its sixth modern series, Starfleet Academy. Set in the aftermath of the galactic catastrophe known as The Burn, the new show introduces a fresh perspective on the iconic franchise. The series premiere, "Kids These Days," and the second episode, "Beta Test," are now available for streaming on Paramount Plus.

Under the guidance of executive producer Alex Kurtzman, the series aims to carve out its own unique identity. While the pilot episode initially leans into the large-scale visual spectacle that has become a hallmark of modern Star Trek, it quickly pivots to establish a more intimate, character-driven narrative. The result is a promising start that feels both familiar and new.

The series centers on Chancellor Nahla Ake, portrayed by Holly Hunter. A once and future Starfleet captain, Ake has been tasked with the monumental job of rebooting the Academy after a century of darkness for the United Federation of Planets. Her return to the fold is driven by a desire for redemption, stemming from a misguided decision in her past.

Years earlier, Ake sentenced a woman named Anisha Mir to a "rehabilitation camp," a punishment that resulted in the woman being separated from her child, Caleb. This past incident serves as the emotional core of the series, as Ake is reunited with the now Academy-age Caleb, giving her a chance to right her wrongs. The script touches on the real-world issue of family separation, though it largely frames it as a personal motivation for the Chancellor rather than a deep societal commentary.

The show finds its true footing when Caleb arrives at the Academy, which is uniquely housed aboard the starship USS Athena. It is here that the series' core cast of cadets is introduced, creating a dynamic ensemble reminiscent of Deep Space Nine's deep bench of characters. The group includes:

• Jay-Den Kraag (Karim Diané), a Klingon who aspires to be a doctor.
• Sam (Kerrice Brooks), a hologram struggling to connect with organic beings.
• Genesis Lythe (Bella Shepard), the daughter of an admiral who appears to have everything figured out.
• Darem Reymi (George Hawkins), a member of a shape-shifting species who initially seems antagonistic.

The chemistry between the cadets is established quickly. In a standout moment, Darem and Jay-Den have a minor confrontation over a pair of space-binoculars. After Caleb intervenes, Jay-Den reveals a softer side, explaining that his mother gave him the binoculars and taught him to see the "beauty in things." This quiet, un-Klingon moment signals the beginning of a classic Star Trek friendship.

The series is rich with familiar characters, both old and new. The premiere features a delightful cameo from Robert Picardo as The Doctor from Star Trek: Voyager. Despite the show being set approximately 800 years after Voyager, the holographic Doctor serves as the ship's medical officer and an Academy instructor. The cast is also bolstered by recurring players from Discovery, including Tig Notaro as Jett Reno and Oded Fehr as Admiral Vance.

The first episode introduces a villain in Nus Braka, played with gusto by Paul Giamatti. A half-Klingon, half-Tellarite character, Nus has a past tied to both Chancellor Ake and Caleb. While he provides a humorous and disruptive presence, his long-term role in the series remains to be seen. As a recurring character, his impact may be limited, especially considering that space pirates have historically not served as long-term antagonists in the Star Trek universe.

Despite a somewhat slow start laden with exposition and CGI-heavy action sequences, Starfleet Academy quickly finds its rhythm. The show's greatest strength lies in its new, endearing cast and its willingness to explore a different corner of the Federation's vast history. With a shorter season order of 10 episodes, the series has the opportunity to tell a focused, character-centric story.

The blend of new characters, returning fan favorites, and a central narrative of personal redemption creates a compelling foundation. While the pilot occasionally falls into the "shock-and-awe" trap of modern television, it ultimately settles into a fun and exciting adventure that honors the legacy of Gene Roddenberry's world while boldly going where no series has gone before.

Starfleet Academy successfully launches a new chapter for the franchise, focusing on a new generation of explorers. The series is defined by its strong ensemble cast and a central performance from Holly Hunter as Chancellor Ake. The inclusion of legacy characters like The Doctor adds a layer of nostalgia while the new cadets promise fresh storylines for years to come.

Ultimately, the show represents a continuation of Alex Kurtzman's vision to explore varied angles within the Star Trek universe. By grounding its story in personal stakes and character relationships, Starfleet Academy has laid the groundwork for a successful and engaging series.