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Spoilers for “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” episode 5 comply with.
The “Star Trek: Deep Area 9” sequence finale, “What You Depart Behind,” left the door open only a tad for its lead, Captain Ben Sisko (Avery Brooks). For the reason that present’s premiere, Sisko had develop into the Emissary of “Prophets” (noncorporeal aliens) who reside in a wormhole close to planet Bajor. Sisko later discovered he was at all times linked to the Prophets; his mom, Sarah (Deborah Lacey), had been possessed by one when she gave beginning to him.
In “What You Depart Behind,” Sisko defeated his nemesis Dukat (Marc Alaimo) within the Fireplace Caves of Bajor and prevented the rise of an evil faction of Prophets: The Pah-Wraiths. Along with his work accomplished, Sisko ascended to be with the Prophets. He advised his spouse Kasidy (Penny Johnson) that he would return, however he could not promise when.
Now, “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” resolves Sisko’s destiny. (The sequence is ready within the thirty second century, 800-ish years after “DS9.”) Within the episode “Collection Acclimation Mil,” it seems that Sisko by no means got here again; historical past’s final file of him is his combat with Dukat on Bajor, and Starfleet formally lists him as MIA. “Starfleet Academy” has thus formally wiped a number of “Star Trek” comics and novels from any doable canon.
A protracted-running sequence of novels (printed from 2001 to 2017), persevering with the story of “DS9” after the sequence’ conclusion, depicted Sisko returning in time for his and Kasidy’s daughter to be born, and resuming his function in Starfleet. The 2023 comedian “Star Trek: Godshock” (written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing) additionally depicted Sisko returning three years after “What You Depart Behind.”
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Not in keeping with official “Star Trek” canon, although, which now has no room for “Godshock.”
Star Trek: Godshock reveals Ben Sisko’s non-canonical return
It is necessary to recollect why “Collection Acclimation Mil” needed to go about honoring Sisko this fashion. Within the lapse between when “Deep Area 9” ended and now, Brooks retired from appearing. Meaning it made extra sense to put in writing the episode with Sisko by no means coming again.
In contrast to a TV present, a comic book would not have to fret about casting. That is why “Godshock” can set itself three years after the “DS9” finale, although Brooks has aged rather more than three years. The comedian additionally options Sisko forming a brand new crew with different fan-favorite “Star Trek” characters — his outdated second in command Worf (Michael Dorn), Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) and Information (Brent Spiner) from “Star Trek: The Subsequent Era,” Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill) from “Star Trek: Voyager,” and even Scotty himself (the late James Doohan) from the unique “Star Trek.”
Getting all these characters collectively would have logistical problems on tv, however not so for a comic book. That is one motive that “Star Trek” comics and prose are the best medium for fanservice tales and crossovers like “Godshock.”
Plus, “Star Trek” has at all times drawn a pointy line between the TV and films (which “depend” as canon) and expanded materials like books, comics, and video video games (which do not). Akiva Goldsman of “Star Trek: Unusual New Worlds” has mentioned that the present’s definition of canon would not embody comics or novels. “Starfleet Academy” would not erase “Godshock” as a result of the comedian ought to at all times have been learn as a enjoyable “What If…”
For a TV episode that wished to respect Brooks’ retirement, it makes extra sense to interact along with his absence in an emotional approach.
Starfleet Academy does Ben Sisko justice by way of Avery Brooks’ absence
“Collection Acclimation Mil” has some believable deniability since it’s set thus far sooner or later relative to “Deep Area 9.” One may say this solely signifies that historical past by no means recorded Sisko returning. However within the episode, Sisko’s long-lived pal Dax (Tawny Newsome) and a holographic duplicate of his son Jake (Cirroc Lofton) each communicate like they by no means noticed him once more. Then once more, the Prophets do not do linear time, so maybe Sisko remains to be planning to return to the twenty fourth century in the future?
However as for the place the episode leaves us, it should convey combined emotions for “Star Trek: Deep Area 9” followers. For one, it means Sisko broke his promise to Kasidy. Nevertheless, Avery Brooks himself signed off on the “Starfleet Academy” tribute to him and Sisko, so presumably meaning he was comfortable with Sisko by no means coming again.
The grown-up Jake additionally got here to phrases along with his father’s absence, remembering him as a loving dad and the person who taught Jake to be one himself. Watching Jake’s scenes within the episode and his recollection of his father, you’ll be able to’t assist however consider Dr. McCoy’s (DeForest Kelley) phrases eulogizing Spock (Leonard Nimoy) in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” — “He is actually not lifeless, so long as we keep in mind him.”
“Collection Acclimation Mil” reveals Sisko was definitely remembered. By the thirty second century, the Bajoran faith reveres the Emissary as a god in flesh. That cements the Christ parallels to Sisko’s relationship with the Prophets. (Like actual Christians, the Bajorans are nonetheless ready for his or her savior’s second coming.) Trekkies, too, won’t quickly neglect Benjamin Sisko or Avery Brooks.
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” is streaming on Paramount+.
