After several episodes of flirting, Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta) and Betazoid Tarima Sadal (Zoe Steiner) finally hooked up in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. While the couple faced a dramatic turn — more on that in a minute — it was still fun to see them together.
In a dual interview with ScreenRant, Steiner and Rosta discussed how episode 9 was directed by Jonathan Frakes, aka Will Riker. And, naturally, Frakes provided some insight into the special Betazoid Imzadi relationship shared between Riker and Troi (Marina Sirtis). Steiner said:
"Yeah, I remember the first day I met Jonathan. I'm trying to remember the exact words he said. Just something like it's great to meet me, and he can't wait to collaborate. And like, ‘You do know that my character was involved with a Betazoid?’ He said something like, ‘I have a real soft spot for the Betazoids.'"
Rosta added:
"He said something similar to me as well. We were filming episode 9, and Frakes is such a personable guy. And he would just put his arm around you and whisper in your ear, like a bit of his lore. He said something very similar to me, like, ‘You know, you're kind of doing what I was doing back in the day. You're dating a Betazoid princess.’ I’m like, ‘Yes, I am.’ He’s like, ‘You're a lucky man. I know what it's like.’"
It’s a fun touch for the couple as the episode featured them getting hot and heavy in the dorm room before Tarima’s attempt to read Caleb’s mind went poorly. It was revealed that Tarima long fought with her powers, which accidentally deafened her own father.
Sadly, the relationship between Tarima and Caleb was rocked when the cadets were caught up in an attack by the monstrous Furies. Things looked grim, so Tarima tore out the inhibitor device that held back her powers, unleashing her full psychic abilities. It destroyed the Furies but also left her in a coma.
There’s no word on when Tarima will recover, and Caleb will obviously struggle with what she means to him. The pair does have a wonderful connection, which was obvious since they first met. They’re both outsiders in their own ways, not used to opening up to other people and that bond added to their connection.
Seeing Tarima nearly die, while saving him, rocked Caleb: a man who’s still learning to trust others. There are also the ramifications when it comes to Tarima unlocking her full powers, as it’s hinted that doing so can have long-term health consequences.
Unlike Riker and Troi, Caleb and Tarima seem intent on becoming a couple faster. It’s a nice reminder of how a human and a Betazoid can meld together and, hopefully, Starfleet Academy’s couple can do the same.
For more Star Trek content, visit the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages. And Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is streaming on Paramount+.