Skip to main content

Starfleet Academy's 'Rubincon' is way better than its low rating (and this is why)

The SFA season 1 finale deserves way better than 6.8/10 stars!
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Photo Credit: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Photo Credit: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+.
4 of 6

3. The trial

Early Release Images
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+

The bulk of "Rubincon" is Nus Braka putting Nahla Ake, Anisha Mir, and the Federation itself on trial. It’s obviously a kangaroo court with Braka just playing up a big show for his allies to witness. What’s fascinating is how the three actors underplay the scene rather than going for histrionics.

For once in Starfleet Academy, Paul Giamatti's acting isn’t over the top, and instead it conveys the real pain behind Braka’s actions and his sense of justification in his crusade. It's almost sympathetic, despite knowing the man is a monster. Holly Hunter matches him, reminding you why she’s an Oscar winner with her own nuanced turn.

It’s easy to see modern parallels in their debate styles, Ake’s logic against Braka’s passion, with Anisha caught in the middle. It also addresses issues behind the Federation’s actions and presents difficult questions which fans have to face. "Rubincon" once more showcases how brilliant the Hunter-Giamatti chemistry was as their acting boosted the scene up.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations