As the Star Trek franchise enters its 60th year and approaches a decade of what fans dub “new Trek,” there’s understandable concern about what’s next. While the streaming era has seen a return to regular TV production, the reception has been mixed. The fan service has noticeably increased, but that doesn’t mean the franchise can’t try out a few new things. After a foray into adult animation, there was some success targeting a younger audience. There is a certain sense, then, in this latest move: going for that precious YA market.
Starfleet Academy takes the traditional Star Trek mold and adds some youth-focused energy. Taking place in the far-future 32nd century, the series follows the first batch of recruits to the newly reopened Starfleet Academy, led by the peculiar Nahla Ake (Holly Hunter). There’s the rebellious human Caleb (Sandro Rosta), pacifist Klingon Jay-Den (Karim Diané), the first hologram student Sam (Kerrice Brooks), the wealthy jackass Darem (George Hawkins), and admiral’s daughter Genesis (Bella Shepard). That’s just covering the cadets! There’s a whole slew of teachers, rivals, and computer programs to keep these kids busy. It’s enough to make one worry about the show’s ability to develop these characters.
A large cast and a short episode order are nothing new for modern Star Trek. Thankfully, the setting adds some necessary creative license. First introduced in the later seasons of Discovery, the 32nd century finds Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets recovering from a cataclysmic event called “The Burn.” It’s a harsher setting than we’re used to, while also providing a fresh canvas for the writers. This allows the writing to reiterate the ideals of the franchise while showing people who have grown disillusioned with them. It’s a shame that the mundane tropes found throughout much of recent Trek remain present.
The dark and sterile sets are still here, for one. The biggest challenge is the increased number of melodramatic character arcs. This is an expected part of any show attempting to play with the trappings of a teen drama. The problem is that it often overshadows the more enjoyable science fiction elements. For example, an episode that focuses on the campus rivalry between the Academy and the War College. The concept takes the standard rival school idea and adds a nice Trek twist to it. In execution, the episode gets bogged down by focusing on Darem’s parent issues. A genre fusion like this requires a delicate balance to pull off, and Starfleet Academy hasn’t found it.
Still, there are plenty of performances here that sell you on the show’s potential. Holly Hunter does fantastic work as Captain/Chancellor Ake. She balances playfulness and seriousness effectively, honoring the old Starfleet tradition. The first episode goes deep into the history between her and Caleb. It establishes them as the relationship the series centers on. There’s also Gina Yashere as the part Klingon, part Jem’Hadar first officer Lura Thok and the return of Robert Picardo as The Doctor (no, not that one). The two offer support to Hunter as figures for the cadets to look up to. The debut episode also introduces us to Paul Giamatti’s deliciously sleazy Nus Braka. Giamatti clearly loves chewing the scenery, rounding out a cast of veteran actors who can help guide the youngsters.
Starfleet Academy has a lot to say about potential. The young cadets all have the skills necessary to make it, but they need the right guidance. The same is true of the show. As odd as the genre mash-up seems at first, it can work with the right focus. Unfortunately, in the episodes available so far, the potential remains unrealized. Your mileage will almost certainly vary, but if you were already weary of this idea, the series won’t do much to change your mind.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is currently streaming on Paramount+. New episodes air on Thursdays.