Paramount+’s New Star Trek Series Is Leveling Up in Season 2 [Exclusive]

Star Trek's latest sci-fi spin-off is officially halfway through its first season. This week, Paramount+ released a new episode of Starfleet Academy that sees Kerrice Brooks' attempt to solve the great mystery of Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks). We won't spoil what happens in the must-see episode if you haven't gotten a chance to watch it yet, but to celebrate what's being hailed as one of the best episodes of Star Trek, we're delighted to bring you a sneak peek of what you can look forward to in Season 2.

I recently sat down with Starfleet Academy stars Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, and Sandro Rosta to unpack this incredible episode. During our conversation, I had to ask about what to expect from Season 2 as the cast was gearing up to film the final two installments of their sophomore outing. Hawkins knew his answer immediately, saying, "Oh man, Episode 4 for me, for sure." Brooks backed him up, saying, "Oh, yeah, [Episode] 4 is iconic." Brooks went on to reveal that one episode in Season 2 took her to the brink of her skills and pushed her personally and professionally. She teased:

"It's a tie, and they're my favorite for very, very different reasons. I would say Episode 5 because it pushed me to my absolute traumatic limits. I found out exactly who I was filming this Episode 5. [...] I found out what I can and can't take. I found out what I need to just shut up and push for. I found out a lot about myself as an individual, not even as an artist. And then I would say Episode 1, just because of all the stunt work. That was lit."

Will 'Starfleet Academy' Season 2, Episode 6 Be a Big One for Caleb and Tarima?

For Rosta, his mind was already set on the finale, saying, "I'm finding it hard to remember some of the episodes. Right now, we're about to go into [Episodes] 9 and 10, and that's where my brain is." Earlier this year, Alex Kurtzman told Collider he would be directing the final two episodes of Season 2. Brooks and Rosta revealed that this would also be the first pair of episodes they've filmed in order, which may be surprising, but is certainly not uncommon for an episodic series. "It's the first time we're actually filming one after the other," said Rosta.

He went on to echo Brooks' praise for Episode 5, but swiftly switched gears to say, "Honestly, I'd say [Episode] 5, too… No, I'm taking it back. Number six. Number six, for sure. Episode 6." His choice may be of particular interest to any Caleb and Tarima shippers out there. When we spoke to Zoe Steiner earlier this season, she also noted Episode 6 as her favorite from Season 2. Will the episode deliver for the show's favorite budding romance? We'll have to stay tuned to find out!

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1, Episode 5, "Series Acclimation Mil," is now streaming on Paramount+. Stay tuned at Collider for our full conversation with Brooks, Hawkins, and Rosta.