Just how far has Starfleet Academy come in the 32nd century?
Kerrice Brooks is playing a completely unique and fascinating character the likes of which creator Gene Roddenberry’s science fiction universe has never offered before in such a rich capacity. Brooks joins Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’s core-five cadets as the sentient hologram known as SAM (Series Acclimation Mil), and the actor will portray the first Kasqian to attend the hallowed institution.
Brooks was clearly moved the most during the unveiling of Starfleet Academy’s official trailer at this year’s New York Comic Con when compared to the actor’s co-stars and the series’ showrunners sharing the stage. Brooks broke down in tears and for a very good reason that Trekkies will certainly appreciate. Brooks said during the Star Trek universe’s NYCC panel (via TrekMovie.com):
“I’m going to keep crying. I’m sorry. What it means to be here is it’s really crazy because I feel like, especially right now, we’re in such a just a really dark time in the world. I know Star Trek has always been like a beacon of hope, but to see the younger generation… I feel like we’re also like the darkest generation ever. And it’s kind of fun to be dark, sometimes in a little bit of a sadistic way. But we really do need a beacon of hope these days. And so just to be here, embraced in such a family with you guys, it’s an honor that I feel like that just transcends… It’s just an honor. It’s a real honor.”
Certainly, Alex Kurtzman has his detractors among the Star Trek fandom, but he and co-showrunner Noga Landau deserve a lot of credit for assembling what is unquestionably a talented group of actors to portray these unique personalities, some created specifically for Starfleet Academy — a show not just relying on the Oscar-winning Holly Hunter and Academy Award-nominated Paul Giamatti to carry the load. No, each of the young performers portraying the core-five cadets has a chance to shine on the show given the complexity and variety of each student.
Clearly, diversity is still at the core of the 32nd-century version of Star Trek. Witnessing a Terran, Klingon, Kasqian, Dar-sha, and Khionian all thrust together is wonderful to see, but just how far has Starfleet come since the heydays of James T. Kirk (23rd century) and Jean-Luc Picard (24th century)? Trekkies are already aware of the progress made in the past, concerning inclusion, as more and more species united for the greater good over the years. For example, the full-blooded Romulan Elnor attending Starfleet Academy was certainly a milestone.
Will Kurtzman and Landau’s Starfleet Academy really show significant change and push the envelope even further? After all, if a hologram like SAM can attend the prestigious institute, perhaps Starfleet Academy’s showrunners will really throw Trekkies a curve ball or two.
Could the Borg and Federation now stand united for a better tomorrow? After all, Seven of Nine is a fan-favorite character for many Trekkies. How about witnessing some Q draped in redshirts? What do you think? Also, does SAM just seem like a more advanced version of The Doctor, who will also appear in the upcoming series? Share your thoughts and comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
And be sure to check out the official trailer for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. The new show drops on Jan. 15, 2026.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!