Welcome to the Academy!

So, here’s the scoop on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy – it’s not just about space cadets learning to boldly go where no one has gone before. It’s also a grand ol’ adventure featuring a motley crew of characters from all corners of the universe. We’ve got humans, Klingons, Betazoids, and even a few holograms! They tackle the whole coming-of-age gig from a bunch of different angles. But despite all the cosmic calamities in season one, our girl Genesis Lythe from the Dar-Sha just isn’t getting the spotlight she deserves!

Diving into Genesis

In episode seven, aptly named “Ko’Zeine,” we finally dig deep into what makes Genesis tick—and boy, does it get juicy! Bella Shepard, the actress behind Genesis, revealed to Den of Geek, “This episode really uncovered so much about Genesis. I finally got to peek behind the curtain!” Bella felt a mix of joy and relief as she got the script, shedding light on what was previously just scattered hints about Genesis’s background.

The Real Story

Hold onto your phasers, because this hour dives into some serious themes of duty, expectations, and good ol’ self-discovery. Spoiler alert: Genesis is not the perfectionist she presents herself to be. It turns out she kind of ‘spiced up’ her Starfleet Academy applications by omitting not-so-great reviews. Why? Because underneath all that ambition lies a tall mountain of fear. For her, success is just a cloak she wears to hide from the dread of failure.

The Fear Factor

Bella breaks it down: “She’s afraid of failing, and that fear is like a scary umbrella that covers everything! She worries about keeping up her perfect image or not giving enough love to those who deserve it. Her entire identity has been molded around achievements. Love and friendship? She thinks those don’t stack up as much since she believes people only want her to shine through her victories.” Talk about pressure!

A Legacy to Carry

Genesis has her eyes set on following her famous dad’s footsteps, a Starfleet admiral who’s not winning any parenting awards. Yet, “Ko’Zeine” makes us wonder if this is really her path at all. Bella points out, “It’s like she’s stuck in a rut of what’s safe and familiar. If her dad was a boring librarian, she’d probably be the world’s best book-shelver—but it’s all just to avoid her fears.”

Unexpected Friends

Luckily, the Academy is a perfect place for Genesis to meet new faces and break out of her shell! In “Ko’Zeine,” she’s stuck hanging out with Caleb during a holiday, and while they may start with some petty law-breaking, their friendship blooms beautifully.

Finding Balance

“Genesis sees Caleb’s ability to be carefree, and he sees her structured life. Neither one is perfect on their own, but together? Magic! They vibe because they fill each other’s gaps,” Bella gushes. “I mean, they could practically finish each other’s sandwiches—uh, I mean, sentences!”

A New Breed

Bella isn’t just bringing us a new character; she’s exploring an entirely new alien species, the Dar-Sha! With her unique appearance (yeah, no eyebrows, just stylish ridges), she’s breaking the mold in the franchise!

Cultural Mashup

“It’s exhilarating to create something totally fresh,” she says. “I get to mix in elements from real cultures since the Dar-Sha are nomads who pick up bits from everywhere while zooming through space. It’s like crafting an intergalactic salad!”

The Journey Ahead

As Genesis struts through the Academy, we’re left wondering just what twists and turns await her in future episodes. Bella promises that “Ko’Zeine” is merely the beginning of a whole new chapter in Genesis’s journey of self-discovery. “Everyone gets to learn the tough lessons of youth. And trust me, we’ll see Genesis tackling more of her flaws while also embracing her strengths in the upcoming season.”

Tune In!

Catch new episodes of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy every Thursday on Paramount+, leading to an epic finale on March 12. Don’t miss out on the cosmic fun!”