Captain Ake’s Chair Controversary in ‘Starfleet Academy’ Now Makes Perfect Sense

by

Okay, let’s talk about Captain Ake. Early episodes of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy got a lot of flak – and I mean a lot – about how Holly Hunter portrayed her command style, specifically how she sat in her chair. Honestly, it felt like a strange hill to die on. But after watching Episode 6, “Come, Let’s Away,” I get it. The show doesn’t spell it out with dialogue, but it subtly reveals why Ake commands the USS Athena the way she does. It’s clever storytelling; they show you, rather than tell you, and it makes a world of difference. Suddenly, those earlier criticisms feel a lot less justified.

Because the new season of Starfleet Academy is set so far in the future, it’s hard to bring back many familiar characters. While a few have appeared, like Robert Picardo as the Doctor and Tawny Newsome as Illa Dax, those opportunities are rare. That’s why the show features a lot of new characters, including Captain Ake. She’s a fascinating addition, but many Star Trek fans are distracted by her unusual way of standing on the bridge of the Athena.

‘Starfleet Academy’ Episode 6 Establishes a Key Part of Captain Ake’s Command Style


Paramount+

“Come, Let’s Away” is a surprisingly intense episode with serious consequences. Some viewers might be distracted by Captain Ake’s relaxed posture – a common complaint since the show began. But when a simple training exercise turns into a dangerous hostage situation, even Hunter’s usually laid-back character becomes fully focused and engaged.

Captain Ake’s relaxed posture might seem unusual for a Starfleet officer, but it doesn’t actually violate any rules. In fact, it helps create a calm and comfortable environment on the bridge, allowing her crew and cadets to work with less stress. However, she immediately adopts a more formal, upright position when danger arises. This sudden change serves as a clear signal to her crew that something is seriously wrong, and it’s a much more effective warning than relying on standard Red Alert signals like loud sirens and flashing lights. It’s a clever character trait that has a strong psychological effect.

There’s Another Explanation for How Captain Ake Sits on the Bridge in ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’


Paramount+

Captain Ake appears human, but she’s actually half Lanthanite – a species known for living incredibly long lives. We don’t know much about Lanthanites, but we can learn more from Commander Pelia, the only other Lanthanite seen in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. As fans of the show know, Carol Kane plays Pelia, and her personality is quite similar to Captain Ake’s.

MovieWeb Report: Subscribe and never miss what matters

Immerse yourself in the cinematic universe with the latest movie news, reviews, and exclusive content from MovieWeb.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our
Terms of Use
and
Privacy Policy
. You can unsubscribe anytime.

These two characters, though high-ranking Starfleet officers, behave in unexpected ways. They’re both very casual, sometimes even seeming disrespectful. This could be a common trait among Lanthanites, much like the typical stern and logical nature of Vulcans. Since alien captains who are also central figures are rare in Star Trek, putting Ake in command in Starfleet Academy naturally meant showcasing behaviors not usually seen in Starfleet officers.

Read More

2026-02-13 02:04