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Starfleet Academy's 'Come, Let's Away' is way better than its low rating (and this is why)

This SFA episode deserves a far better rating than 6.7/10 stars.
L-R: Paul Giamatti as Nus Braka and Holly Hunter as Chancellor Nahla Ake in season 1 , episode 1 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+
L-R: Paul Giamatti as Nus Braka and Holly Hunter as Chancellor Nahla Ake in season 1 , episode 1 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+
5 of 5

5. Paul Giamatti & Holly Hunter

Much has been said praising Paul Giamatti as Nus Braka, and we hate to beat a dead Targ, but his character truly comes alive when he is in contact with Captain Nahla Ake. Their scenes together are electric, with his seething menace and her praise worthy self control.

Nus Braka's full villainy is seen in a later scene in her Ready Room where he recounts the details of her son’s death, all in an attempt to get a rise out of her. Holly Hunter’s reactions, or rather non-reactions, to his taunts are flawless.

As Ake, she doesn’t let Braka see her true feelings or the impact of his words — a move worthy of any Star Fleet Captain. In the end, it’s just plain fun seeing two acting powerhouses locked in battle during their scenes.

Every show has its ups and downs, Starfleet Academy being no exception. However, there is a lot more to appreciate than dislike throughout the show's run and this episode is no exception. The IMDb rating may be low, but the story within is worth a second watch.

Do you feel "Come, Let's Away" deserved a better score? Share your thoughts and comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages. And Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is streaming on Paramount+.

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