As the year comes to an end, Caleb must choose between the life he thought he wanted and the life he’s built for himself at Starfleet Academy. 

After the last two episodes that dwelt on PTSD, Starfleet Academy is up and running again for its two final episodes of the season, and just spotting that that teleplay is by Trek expert Kirsten Beyer and directed by TNG’s erstwhile Number One (Jonathan Frakes) means that we’re in safe pairs of hands.

It’s 300th night – the end of the academic year – and the cadets are travelling to Betazed, to dedicate the new seat of government. They’re finally finding a sense of connection and of joy, but Caleb is still yearning to find his missing mother. Elsewhere, series baddy Nus leads his Venari Ral invasion force onto battle against Starfleet.

There’s a reassuringly familiar feel to this episode, and director Frakes has certainly been down this road many times before – both in front of and behind the camera. It all builds up to a tense cliffhanger ending, with everything to play for in the final hour.

Verdict: Thankfully, Starfleet Academy has got out of its funk in time for the end of the season, delivering a zippy and familiar hour of fun. 8/10

Nick Joy