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Spoilers for “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” episode 5 observe.
The “Star Trek: Deep Area 9” collection finale, “What You Depart Behind,” left the door open only a tad for its lead, Captain Ben Sisko (Avery Brooks). Because the present’s premiere, Sisko had change into the Emissary of “Prophets” (noncorporeal aliens) who reside in a wormhole close to planet Bajor. Sisko later realized he was at all times related to the Prophets; his mom, Sarah (Deborah Lacey), had been possessed by one when she gave delivery 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 collection 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 report 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 attainable canon.
A protracted-running collection of novels (revealed from 2001 to 2017), persevering with the story of “DS9” after the collection’ 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 accordance with official “Star Trek” canon, although, which now has no room for “Godshock.”
Star Trek: Godshock exhibits 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. Which means it made extra sense to write down the episode with Sisko by no means coming again.
Not like 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 way more than three years. The comedian additionally options Sisko forming a brand new crew with different fan-favorite “Star Trek” characters — his previous second in command Worf (Michael Dorn), Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) and Knowledge (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 issues 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 “rely” 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 embrace 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 needed to respect Brooks’ retirement, it makes extra sense to interact together with his absence in an emotional method.
Starfleet Academy does Ben Sisko justice by means 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 might say this solely signifies that historical past by no means recorded Sisko returning. However within the episode, Sisko’s long-lived good friend Dax (Tawny Newsome) and a holographic duplicate of his son Jake (Cirroc Lofton) each converse like they by no means noticed him once more. Then once more, the Prophets do not do linear time, so maybe Sisko continues to be planning to return to the twenty fourth century someday?
However as for the place the episode leaves us, it’s going to carry blended 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 happy with Sisko by no means coming again.
The grown-up Jake additionally got here to phrases together 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 possibly can’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” exhibits 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, is not going to quickly overlook Benjamin Sisko or Avery Brooks.
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” is streaming on Paramount+.
