Starfleet Academy asks "Whatever Happened to Benjamin Sisko?"

We review the Deep Space Nine-heavy fifth Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episode, “Series Acclimation Mil" and one cadet's exploration into the age old question "Whatever Happened to Benjamin Sisko?"

Hologram SAM meets virtual Jake Sisko

I believe I have figured it out. I know why the Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episodes are so different. It seems the writers create a relatively standard Star Trek script—one you might have found in the 1990s if a Starfleet Academy series had existed. Then, before filming begins, someone runs the final version through a filter that alters it just enough. The setting on this filter: a 2010s high school-age perspective.

The story for this fifth episode, “Series Acclimation Mil,” is not bad. It captures the spirit of a classic “Star Trek: The Next Generation” episode such as “Data’s Day.” The episode checks all the right boxes. It is an outsider story, reminiscent of those centered around characters like Data, Odo, Seven, or Spock. SAM, the Starfleet cadet who is a hologram, is the only member of her species assigned to determine if holograms should allow organics on their world after the Burn. She serves as an emissary, much like Benjamin Sisko was to the Bajoran Prophets, also known as the wormhole aliens. When her overseers instruct her to take a more advanced class, SAM is tasked with discovering what happened to Benjamin Sisko approximately eight centuries earlier. Did he join the Prophets? Did he perish in the fire caves on Bajor defeating the Pah-wraiths? Did he return to command the U.S.S. Theseus? That last possibility is firmly ruled out; the IDW comic is explicitly excluded. Therefore, recent “Star Trek” and “Star Trek: Defiant” years are considered irrelevant.

The episode works well overall, except for some scenes that are among the worst missteps this series has produced.

Let us address the negatives first:

• Why are there so many side stories involving SAM? The scene in which she gets drunk—or more accurately, is programmed by Caleb to be drunk—raises questions. How does this contribute to her understanding of Sisko? Her behavior at times resembles that of a sixth-grade tween.

• This episode amplifies every concern previously expressed about SAM’s character. Earlier episodes have portrayed her as naïve, innocent, and curious. While those traits are present to some extent here, she is depicted far more as a 21st-century tween—giggling, dancing to rap music—engaging in behavior inconsistent with a Starfleet officer.

• It is unclear whether certain scenes occur in SAM’s mind or are actually happening. The narrative sometimes seems to reflect her idealized perspective as a holographic lifeform. For example, the bizarre moment with Reymi vomiting glitter defies explanation.

• The interactions among Caleb, Tarima, and SAM, with SAM attempting to bring Caleb and Tarima together, resemble the actions of a teenage girl living vicariously through another, more ideal couple. While this may fit SAM’s character, it lacks dramatic weight and merely distracts from the main story.
  

Now, for the positive aspects—of which there are several noteworthy examples:

• Jake returns! While he appears only as a hologram in a museum and in SAM’s mind, it is indeed Cirroc Lofton. We learn Jake had a fulfilling life, wrote “Anslem” about Benjamin himself, yet never published it. He had his own family. In many ways, this is a respectful nod to “Deep Space Nine’s” episode “The Visitor.”

• The subplot involving Chancellor Ake and War College Chancellor Kelrec centers on an upcoming visit by an alien chancellor, and a dinner that includes The Doctor and Jett Reno. Despite its absurd premise—a senior officer and administrator boiling the Pacific Ocean to accommodate the visiting chancellor’s eels—the scene is intended as comic relief and is genuinely funny at times. The tone shifts abruptly and effectively when Kelrec expresses resentment toward Ake for abandoning Starfleet, creating a powerful dramatic moment.

• A standout moment occurs between SAM and The Doctor when she asks how one copes with losing someone, alluding to Sisko. The Doctor’s acerbic response clearly reflects his feelings about his own 24th-century Voyager crew. Only dedicated “Star Trek” fans are likely to catch these subtle references, but the episode is filled with such moments.

• The budding love triangle involving Jay-den, Reymi, and the War College cadet, Kyle, is hinted at here. The subplot is handled subtly and does not come across as heavy-handed, in keeping with the series’ approach.

There's something very familiar here...

• The highlight of the episode is undoubtedly the surprise reveal of another beloved character from the golden age of “Star Trek.” The moment arrives unexpectedly and will delight longtime fans. The instructor guiding SAM on the Sisko assignment turns out to be Dax—yes, that Dax. Now part-Trill, part-Cardassian, and possibly more, this Dax—whose host is Illa, played by Tawny Newsome—closely resembles Jadzia. The episode addresses continuity regarding the character and previous hosts, opening up new storytelling opportunities for this popular character.

• And how about that ending? Although Avery Brooks does not return as Sisko or make a cameo, his voice appears in a voiceover at the conclusion. While it is a recording from years ago, it is new to “Star Trek.” The short piece was used with Avery's blessing according to Tawny Newsome. SAM exits the scene before the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine theme covers the episode credits.

Rating this episode is hard. I’m not sure the Emissary himself could do it. Let’s go with a defiant 3.5 out of 5.