As a cadet sets out to solve an ancient Starfleet mystery, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns the value of forging her own path. 

Written by Star Trek stalwarts Kirsten Beyer and Tawny Newsome (Beckett in Lower Decks), this episode of Starfleet Academy is a curious one for sure. There are a lot of deep cuts into Star Trek’s legacy, specifically Deep Space Nine, and I’m reticent to share too much about who is discussed or appears for fear of spoiling things, but here goes.

The focus is primarily on photonic life-form SAM (the delightful Kerrice Brooks), who needs to solve an ancient mystery so that she can get into a class at the academy, or risk losing her place as an emissary for her makers. Elsewhere, there’s a sub-plot where Nahla (Holly Hunter) helps a fellow chancellor with practising etiquette for an imminent diplomatic dinner.

It’s a curious episode, where your knowledge of legacy Trek will add another level of interest, though I wonder what those new to the franchise will make of this introspective hour. Something that comes through is the pressure to achieve academically, particularly if you’re the first of your kind to be admitted to the Academy. It’s not all high jinks and interstellar action, as we’ve seen in previous episodes, it’s about learning and developing.

Verdict: An interesting diversion from what we’ve come to expect in the preceding four episodes, but legacy references notwithstanding, I’m happy to resume business as usual next week. 7/10 

Nick Joy