Co-Writing DS9 Tribute Episode at Starfleet Academy with Tawny Newsome

When it comes to Star Trek on Paramount+, Deep Space Nine hasn’t gotten as much love as other series. But Lower Decks star and writer Tawny Newsome made sure that didn’t stay the case. She wanted to give DS9 the attention it deserved, bringing back original cast members like Nana Visitor, Armin Shimerman, and Alexander Siddig for the animated series. And the love for DS9 continued in Starfleet Academy’s latest episode, “Series Acclimation Mil,” where SAM (Kerrice Brooks) sets out to find Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) after his time as the Emissary of the Prophets. Newsome opened up about the episode, from recruiting Cirroc Lofton to play Jake Sisko to the emotional voiceover by Brooks himself.
Newsome not only co-wrote the episode but also appeared in it as Professor Illa Dax, the latest host of the Dax symbiote and a lifelong friend of Ben. When asked about the heavy lore in the episode, Newsome was firm that it was essential to honor the Siskos and the legacy of Deep Space Nine. Bringing Jake back in the holographic form at the Sisko Museum was a labor of love, with months of discussions with Cirroc Lofton to make it happen. And Brooks’ voiceover at the end? It was a personal recording from his spoken-word album, graciously shared for the episode. The effort to bring Sisko’s story to a satisfying conclusion involved a team of dedicated individuals working tirelessly to make it happen.
For the full scoop, including insights into Ben’s legacy, Illa Dax’s origins, and more, check out the complete interview. And don’t forget to catch new episodes of Starfleet Academy streaming on Paramount+ every Thursday.