Star Trek: Starfleet Academy utilizied several actors from Star Trek: Discovery, which includes veteran Oded Fehr as Admiral Charles Vance. He was the first Starfleet officer shown when Discovery jumped into the 32nd century and still makes appearances on Academy. And in an interview with TrekMovie.com, Fehr addressed the differences between the two shows, plus how they shift his performance as Vance. The actor said:
"I think the atmosphere of the show is very much – I live in Austin, Texas now. It’s a college town. I love college towns. I love the optimism of students, the excitement of what’s ahead and what the future holds. I think this show is very much like that."
Fehr continued by saying:
"I think this show is very much, Starfleet coming back post-Burn to a time where we start exploring again. And the starting the exploration is also what these kids are doing, exploring their new life and environment with their friends and everything that that being in college means."
Fehr’s works echo a common sentiment on Academy in that the vibe is much younger and fresher. That makes sense given it’s about young cadets learning how to be part of Starfleet and some rough lessons ahead.
So far, Vance has appeared in person at the Academy in a debate with the President of Betazed on getting the planet back in the Federation, which included having the Federation's capital moved to Betazed. Vance has popped up a few more times in holographic form to talk to Chancellor Ake (Holly Hunter), with Fehr enjoying his time.
Notably, the actor summed up how this is a far more relaxed Vance than the often strict man of Discovery and he enjoys a lighter role. Fehr said during the same interview:
"I think for me to play the character of Admiral Vance, who was so hard always, and tough, and so on. And now he’s in a period where decision-making is a little lighter, at least in the beginning. And it’s great fun. And it feels like that on set. You’re surrounded by all these very young actors who are all relatively in the beginning of their careers, and all amazing, and all just happy and beautiful. So, it’s great fun."
Vance’s evolution is logical, as when he was introduced in Discovery, he was a man who grew up after The Burn nearly wrecked the Federation. He was fighting to keep Starfleet going as much as he could and thus had a harsh attitude. Now, with the Federation recovering and a new Starfleet class on the way, Vance can be more hopeful and thus kinder.
That comes off in Fehr’s performance with Vance still commanding, yet able to compliment others and a brighter outlook. It’s a good showcase for how Starfleet Academy differs from Discovery and why this show still has a bright future.
Do you prefer Vance from Discovery? Or do you lean toward how the admiral is portrayed in Starfleet Academy? Share your thoughts and comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages. And Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is now streaming on Paramount+.