Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’s Hilarious Apollo Callback in ‘Ko’Zeine’

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Be warned, this article contains spoilers for Season 1, Episode 7 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, titled “Ko’Zeine.” The episode features a funny visual reference to a powerful Greek god who previously appeared in Star Trek: The Original Series. Written by Alex Taub and Eric Anthony Glover and directed by Andi Armaganian, the episode sees Darem Reymi (George Hawkins) return to his home in the Khionian Realm.

During the All-Worlds Day celebrations, Darem Reymi was unexpectedly taken to the Khionian Sunset Moon for his wedding to Kaira (Jaelynn Thora Brooks). Jay-Den Kraag (Karim Diané), who followed Darem, ended up as his best man. Jay-Den quickly realizes that Darem is fulfilling his obligation to Khionia, even though he secretly dreams of attending Starfleet Academy.

During Darem’s best man speech, Kaira understood that supporting her husband’s journey at Starfleet Academy meant giving him space to pursue it. The seventh episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy explored the culture of Khion, showcasing their elaborate clothing and a distinctive headdress worn by Darem, reminiscent of the original Star Trek series.

Darem’s Laurels In Starfleet Academy Calls Back To Apollo In Star Trek: The Original Series

Just before and during his short time as king of Khionia, Darem Reymi wore a crown resembling the laurel wreaths of ancient Greece and Rome, particularly those associated with the god Apollo (played by Michael Forest). His appearance was a comedic surprise for Jay-Den Kraag, who believed he was rescuing a friend who had been kidnapped.

Darem looked handsome and a bit playful with the laurel wreath he wore as part of his traditional Khionian clothing during his joining with Kaira. Though it appears similar to ancient Greek or Roman laurel wreaths, Darem’s crown is actually designed to look like coral, representing the Khionians as a blue, aquatic people who can transform into human form.

Okay, so Star Trek: Starfleet Academy wasn’t trying to be Battlestar Galactica or anything, but I couldn’t help but notice the helmet Darem was wearing. It seriously reminded me of Apollo from the original Star Trek – you know, the god who trapped the Enterprise with that massive green hand on Pollux IV? It was such a memorable episode, and that headgear felt like a fun little Easter egg.

What Happened To Apollo & Star Trek’s Greek Gods

The Star Trek: The Original Series episode “Who Mourns for Adonais?” revealed that the gods of Greek mythology actually exist within the Star Trek universe. While not as powerful as some of Star Trek‘s most formidable cosmic entities like the Q Continuum or the Metron, these gods were revealed to be aliens originating from the planet Pollux IV, who once came to Earth and were mistakenly worshipped as deities.

Captain Kirk and the Enterprise crew met Apollo, who was the last surviving member of his ancient pantheon. After the other gods had left this world, Apollo remained alone on the planet Pollux IV, hoping humanity would eventually reach the stars and rediscover him. He believed his followers would return to worship him, but he was mistaken. In the end, Apollo faded away, joining the other gods and goddesses in a mysterious, unknown realm.

In season 5, episode 6 of Star Trek: Lower Decks, titled “Of Gods and Angles,” viewers met Ensign Olly (Saba Homayoon), who is revealed to be the descendant of Zeus. Like her ancestor, Olly has powerful psychokinetic abilities, including the power to absorb energy and generate thunderbolts. She attempted to hide these powers and pursue a career as an engineer, but her abilities caused problems, leading to multiple transfers between Starfleet ships. Eventually, Olly found a place where she belonged aboard the USS Cerritos.

Ensign Olly from Star Trek: Lower Decks connects the 24th century to the mythology of Apollo and the Greek gods first seen in Star Trek: The Original Series. While Darem Reymi’s Khionan culture in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is unique, there are visual connections between this 32nd-century aquatic race and the god-like beings who were once worshipped in Ancient Greece on Earth.

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2026-02-23 15:18