Starfleet Academy is the latest installment in the Star Trek franchise, bringing its iconic universe to a high school setting that pays homage to the likes of Hogwarts and the original series' alma mater. Set 15 years into the future of the Trek timeline, this streaming series finds itself in the 32nd century, where the once-great space academy is on the cusp of receiving its first new intake for over a century.
The story kicks off with Nahla Ake (Holly Hunter), an ex-Starfleet captain from the pre-Burn era, as the frontrunner to take on the role of chancellor. Her half-Lanthanite heritage makes her the perfect candidate, but a troubled past involving a young boy named Caleb and a rough-around-the-edges Braka (Paul Giamatti) serves as a prime motivator for Ake's pursuit of the job.
This unlikely mentorship between Ake and Caleb - a student with a penchant for causing trouble and mayhem - is the central axis around which this show revolves. With Hunter's free-spirited take on her character, Starfleet Academy gets to revel in its own brand of transgressive charm. It's an unmistakable departure from previous Trek captains, who have historically exuded an air of gravitas and decorum.
Giamatti, meanwhile, delivers a scenery-chewing performance that feels as if it was inspired by the heightened acting style of the original 1960s series. Braka is a character that commands attention, with his erratic coiffure and over-the-top antics making him more of a scene-stealer than a traditional villain.
The show's attempt to inject campus cliches from teen movies into its narrative feels somewhat jarring, but it also speaks to the heart of what makes Starfleet Academy so endearingly formulaic. There are moments where the writing gets too caught up in nostalgia, leading to some predictable plot twists and character arcs that feel like they've been lifted straight from a Happy Days episode.
Yet, beneath its earnestness lies a show that is all about embracing its own brand of cheesy charm. With Robert Picardo reprising his role as the Doctor - an opera-loving hologram turned grumpy teacher - Starfleet Academy gets to explore some genuine Trek history lessons in a way that's both fun and educational.
What truly sets this show apart, however, is its focus on a group of impulsive and sometimes horny teenagers who are navigating the complexities of high school life. The Grange-Hill-with-phasers vibe they bring to their interactions with one another makes for surprisingly engaging viewing, especially in comparison to previous Trek crews that have often played it safer.
In short, Starfleet Academy is a show that wears its heart on its sleeve and revels in the unvarnished charm of its high school setting. With Ake at its helm, this series may not be the most sophisticated take on the franchise, but it's an earnest and enjoyable ride that will likely leave fans smiling - even if it occasionally gets caught up in a little too much cheesiness.
The story kicks off with Nahla Ake (Holly Hunter), an ex-Starfleet captain from the pre-Burn era, as the frontrunner to take on the role of chancellor. Her half-Lanthanite heritage makes her the perfect candidate, but a troubled past involving a young boy named Caleb and a rough-around-the-edges Braka (Paul Giamatti) serves as a prime motivator for Ake's pursuit of the job.
This unlikely mentorship between Ake and Caleb - a student with a penchant for causing trouble and mayhem - is the central axis around which this show revolves. With Hunter's free-spirited take on her character, Starfleet Academy gets to revel in its own brand of transgressive charm. It's an unmistakable departure from previous Trek captains, who have historically exuded an air of gravitas and decorum.
Giamatti, meanwhile, delivers a scenery-chewing performance that feels as if it was inspired by the heightened acting style of the original 1960s series. Braka is a character that commands attention, with his erratic coiffure and over-the-top antics making him more of a scene-stealer than a traditional villain.
The show's attempt to inject campus cliches from teen movies into its narrative feels somewhat jarring, but it also speaks to the heart of what makes Starfleet Academy so endearingly formulaic. There are moments where the writing gets too caught up in nostalgia, leading to some predictable plot twists and character arcs that feel like they've been lifted straight from a Happy Days episode.
Yet, beneath its earnestness lies a show that is all about embracing its own brand of cheesy charm. With Robert Picardo reprising his role as the Doctor - an opera-loving hologram turned grumpy teacher - Starfleet Academy gets to explore some genuine Trek history lessons in a way that's both fun and educational.
What truly sets this show apart, however, is its focus on a group of impulsive and sometimes horny teenagers who are navigating the complexities of high school life. The Grange-Hill-with-phasers vibe they bring to their interactions with one another makes for surprisingly engaging viewing, especially in comparison to previous Trek crews that have often played it safer.
In short, Starfleet Academy is a show that wears its heart on its sleeve and revels in the unvarnished charm of its high school setting. With Ake at its helm, this series may not be the most sophisticated take on the franchise, but it's an earnest and enjoyable ride that will likely leave fans smiling - even if it occasionally gets caught up in a little too much cheesiness.
! I mean, who wouldn't want to see the iconic universe in high school? It's like they're saying, "You know what would be great? If we took a show that's all about exploration and diplomacy and turned it into a teen drama 
." But seriously, I think this is exactly what the franchise needed - some fresh blood (no pun intended) to shake things up.
. I'm intrigued by the idea of an ex-Starfleet captain with a troubled past, and Holly Hunter is absolutely perfect for the role 
. It's like they're setting up this whole complex character arc that's gonna be so satisfying to watch.
. I mean, it's not just about teenagers navigating high school life; it's about how they're learning to work together as a team and support each other in the face of adversity. It's like they're saying, "Hey, you don't have to be a 'traditional' Starfleet captain to make a difference" 
.
. It's all about embracing its own brand of cheesy charm and having fun with it 
. Bring on the fan service and nostalgic nods - I'm in 
!
starfleet academy feels like the perfect show for anyone who grew up watching the original trek series... they're just so optimistic and charming, you can't help but root for them 
. i love how the show isn't trying to be too serious or realistic, it's just embracing its own brand of cheesiness and having fun with it 
. i'm not sure about the campus cliches from teen movies yet... will see how that plays out over time 
. but overall, starfleet academy feels like a breath of fresh air in the trek franchise 
. It feels like they're trying to bring back the old school vibes of Trek, and I gotta say, it's kinda infectious 
that guy is just so over-the-top, I love it 
. The show might not be the most subtle or sophisticated take on Trek, but there's something to be said for embracing its own brand of cheesy charm 
The idea of a high school setting for Starfleet Academy is genius, and I think it's so cool that they're drawing inspiration from Hogwarts. 