Avery Brooks, best known for his role in Star Trek, recently returned to the universe after 27 years. He made a special voice appearance in a new episode of Starfleet Academy.
In the fifth episode of the new series, cadet Sam (Kerrice Brooks) begins investigating the fate of Captain Benjamin Sisko (Brooks) from Deep Space Nine.
As a huge ‘Deep Space Nine’ fan, seeing Cirroc Lofton – Jake Sisko himself! – pop up in this episode was amazing. It honestly felt like the whole thing was a tribute to the original series, which I totally loved. But it wasn’t just nostalgia; the ending really got to me. Hearing that iconic DS9 theme and then seeing a thank you to Avery Brooks? Yeah, I definitely needed a moment.
Okay, so get this – even though he’s officially retired from acting, Mel Brooks pops up with a voice cameo! It’s a surprisingly poignant moment where he delivers this beautiful little speech about love being the key to understanding life’s deeper truths. He basically says that divine rules are straightforward, but human ones are so complicated it takes a lifetime to grasp them, and only love can truly unlock their meaning. It’s a small part, but it really resonated with me and adds a lovely touch of wisdom to the film.
The show’s creator, Noga Landau, explained how a spoken word piece by the character Avery ended up in the episode. While working on it, they discovered Avery had recorded some poetry, and they felt one piece perfectly captured the episode’s message. Luckily, the actor was happy to let them use it.
EP Alex Kurtzman told TV Line that Brooks is a very talented jazz musician and generously allowed them to use his existing recordings.
That episode was challenging to develop, like many of them were. Ultimately, it really showcased the incredible writing and the team’s deep affection for Deep Space Nine.
It really highlights how much Deep Space Nine meant to fans, especially for those who weren’t able to watch it when it first aired.
We’re really pleased with how this episode turned out. It’s a special one because it manages to be both hilarious and deeply moving, and that combination is what makes it so good.
He explained that the story was difficult to develop, and they went through numerous drafts. As soon as he and the showrunner, Noga Landau, read the script, they both immediately agreed it was one of the strongest first drafts they’d ever seen.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy airs weekly on Paramount+.
Don’t miss Starfleet Academy! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app today for daily TV suggestions, articles, and more.
Authors
Louise Griffin edits the Sci-Fi & Fantasy section at TopMob, where she writes about popular franchises like Doctor Who, Star Wars, Marvel, House of the Dragon, and Good Omens. Before TopMob, she was a Senior Entertainment Reporter at Metro and holds a degree in English Literature.
- Visit us on Twitter
Read More
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- 7 Home Alone Moments That Still Make No Sense (And #2 Is a Plot Hole)
- DCU Nightwing Contender Addresses Casting Rumors & Reveals His Other Dream DC Role [Exclusive]
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- Stephen Colbert Jokes This Could Be Next Job After Late Show Canceled
- Is XRP ETF the New Stock Market Rockstar? Find Out Why Everyone’s Obsessed!
- 10 X-Men Batman Could Beat (Ranked By How Hard It’d Be)
- 10 Most Brutal Acts Of Revenge In Marvel Comics History
- DC K.O.: Superman vs Captain Atom #1 Uses a Fight as Character Study (Review)
- The 9th Charnel launches January 30, 2026
2026-02-06 15:34