Heading into this week's episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, we had a sense that the stakes would be raised. The trailer teased the introduction of a dangerous new enemy in what looked to be the most action-packed episode of the series, and "Come, Let's Away" delivered on all fronts.
Episode 6 was filled with explosive action, unexpected twists, and, unfortunately, the first major death of the series. With that, it should be noted that this article does contain spoilers for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Episode 6, "Come, Let's Away."
The episode revolves around a joint exercise between the Academy and the War College which involves them exploring the experimental vessel USS Miyazaki. The exercise goes awry when the Furies launch an unexpected attack, taking the cadets hostage. It's quickly established that the Furies are are a ruthless and technologically advanced humanoid hybrid species with cannibalistic tendencies.
Out of options, Starfleet has no choice but to turn to Nus Braka (Paul Giamatti) for help dealing with the Furies. Braka proves difficult to work with, but ultimately inspires Starfleet with an idea on how to defeat the Furies. With a plan set in motion, it's ultimately revealed that Braka was the entire mastermind behind the crises. He orchestrated the entire trap in order to launch a separate surprise assault on a nearby space station, ransacking it and killing hundreds.
Nahla Ake (Holly Hunter), with the help of Tarima Sadal, is able to save most of the cadets by beaming them back, but not without the loss of one major character. Vulcan War College cadet B'Avi (Alexander Eling) suffers a tragic death when stepping in front of a point-blank phaser shot form a Fury to save Caleb Mir.
B’Avi’s death is foreshadowed earlier in the episode when the Vulcan recites Spock’s famous line to Mir: “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.” Still, that doesn’t make his fate any less shocking or tragic.
Introduced as an academic rival in the War College, B’Avi proves himself both intelligent and thoughtful. Before the end, he and Mir develop a genuine respect for one another. His sacrifice ultimately reveals him as a selfless and heroic cadet, willing to do what’s necessary for the greater good.
Prior to this week’s episode, I felt that Star Trek: Starfleet Academy needed to raise the stakes. The death of B’Avi, a promising young cadet, was certainly one way to accomplish that. Beyond that loss, the episode firmly establishes Nus Braka as a cunning foe driven by revenge against Captain Ake and the Federation. Now armed with Federation weaponry and technology, he poses an even greater threat moving forward.
How did you feel about Episode 6, "Come, Let's Away"?