We got a two-for-one today to start the school year at Starfleet Academy. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1 Episode 2 “Beta Test,” reintroduces us to the Academy. While we’ve only gotten glimpses of the Academy in past Star Trek episodes, our first real tour of the school starts here. Plus, we’re in the 32nd century now, so I imagine some things have changed in the past 900 years or so. Let’s head to class for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy season 1 episode 2 “Beta Test.”
Reintroducing Betazoids
We reintroduce the Betazoids in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1 Episode 2 “Beta Test.” This is an interesting situation, as our primary knowledge of Betazoids comes from Deanna Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, this is a very different Betazed than the one we have seen previously. This is a Betazed, which, despite its empathic abilities and the ability to read minds, is very isolationist and closed off from the outside world.
This reintroduction, especially via Tarima Sedal is an interesting one. Being a Betazoid who has to have her abilities inhibited makes for a fascinating dynamic, especially when she chooses Caleb as her tour guide. As someone who would rather have you shoot straight than with me than hit me with flowery language, I appreciate the desire for a no-nonsense guide.
I also appreciate that Tirema seems to be someone who is without guile. Having a character that is sincere and genuinely kind is wonderful. Sincerity is undervalued in our society of sarcasm, so she will prove an interesting addition to this crew.
As for Betazed rejoining the Federation, there are lots of wonderful things happening in these conversations. Vance is careful to point out that many say they want change, but are unwilling to change themselves. Offering to make Betazed the seat of Federation government is an olive branch of the highest caliber. It also makes the Federation less Earth-centric than it has been. I like that because it forces the audience to imagine something larger than Western culture. Broadening your horizons is never a bad thing.
Interpersonal Dynamics
The interpersonal dynamics among our students grow in “Beta Test.” I appreciate how Genesis, who seems to be our stereotypical “popular and pretty” girl, is also warm and open-handed. The way she encourages SAM (whom I find utterly delightful) and reminds her that she fits, that there is a place for her in Starfleet, is heart-warming. Sometimes all you need is a friend to remind you that you matter because you exist, and you don’t have to be anyone else but you.
Speaking of SAM, I love this concept of an AI, but as a young adult. Her utter fangirling over The Doctor is wonderful. I also feel like she may be a stand-in for neurodivergent folks. Not sure how to interact with others, told she’s too much, etc. I feel a lot of that. But what I love the most is that she persists anyway, especially with Genesis’ encouragement.
Meanwhile, Caleb and Darem are still at it, looking for ways to one-up each other, so of course, they will be roommates at the Academy. But by the end, it looks like their rivalry will be a little more friendly, especially with their third roommate, Tarima’s brother, as the buffer between the two. Watching Darem help Caleb make a bed for the first time, especially after hearing him tell Ake that he’s never had a bed before, is heartwarming. The icing on the cake is Sendal suggesting that they make a fort. Chef’s kiss. 10/10. No notes.
Make Your Bed
In our current socio-political moment, it can be easy to feel powerless. To feel like nothing you do matters, or can change things. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1 Episode 2 “Beta Test,” reminds us that even the small things matter. Ake says, “If you want to serve the galaxy, make your bed. Here’s another. Get to class on time. It doesn’t seem like much. Just tiny acts of service to your fellow cadets. A single stitch, then another, and another, until you’ve woven something greater than you ever imagined. A tapestry. The tapestry that is Starfleet. That is history.”
The small things we do matter. Small acts of kindness and service ripple throughout beyond what we can see. They push back against darkness and fear, which can isolate us. That darkness and fear kept Betazed behind a wall. No more. Small acts of kindness, like an honest conversation, helping a friend with a chore, etc., beat back the darkness and remind us that we are not alone. As Ake says, “That is Starfleet. That is history.” Are we Starfleet yet? No, but it is history. It’s the Ten Booms hiding Jews in their home during World War II. It’s bringing dinner to your neighbor who is recovering from surgery. Sharing a cup of coffee and a listening ear with a friend. All of these make up history. It’s ordinary people saying no to the darkness with their daily choices.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up, here are a few small things that I really enjoy in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1 Episode 2 “Beta Test.” First, I love the aesthetics of the Academy. Lots of “Floaty Robot Buddies” are running around with the DOTs and Exocomps. We see all kinds of aliens, like Brikar and Kelpiens. We also have nice touches like the Sato Atrium, Boothby Memorial Gardens, paying homage to legacy Trek characters.
I mentioned in my review of “Kids These Days” that I suspected that Chancellor Ake is a nod at neurodivergence. She doesn’t like the shoes, so she doesn’t wear them. That reads like a sensory issue to me, which is common among those with neurodivergence. I am not an expert in such things and don’t have sensory issues myself, so I’d like to hear what others have to say.
Additionally, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy continues the fine tradition of demonstrating that in the future, disability will be accounted for and accommodated without stigma. Watching an actual deaf actor, Anthony Natale (who I know better as Cole Holland in Mr. Holland’s Opus), play the president of Betazed, and incorporate sign language into his performance while his signs are being translated audibly for the hearing folks, is so important. It shows that there is a place for everyone of every ability in the Federation.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy season 1 episode 2 “Beta Test” also shows us that it is doing what Star Trek does best: reminding us that every single one of us can make a difference, even through the small acts of service to those in our circle. Love your neighbor. Care for those around you. That’s Starfleet. That is history.
What do you think of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1 Episode 2 “Beta Test”? Leave me a comment and let’s talk Trek.
The next episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will air on January 22, 2026, on Paramount+. The first episode of the series, “Kids These Days,” is also available for free on the Paramount+ YouTube Channel.
