This morning I’m making a slight change to my usual routine. Instead of sitting down to write a full blog post, I’m going to watch the season finale of Starfleet Academy before I get ready for work.
I’ve been enjoying the series, and since today is the finale, it seems like the perfect excuse to take a few minutes with my coffee and see how they wrap things up. Besides, sometimes even a blogger needs a morning off from writing.
George Hawkins as Darem Reymi (left) and Sandro Rosta as Caleb Mir (right)
My vacation from work is now half over. Where has the time gone? I’m just glad that I didn’t have to rush to get up this morning to write my blog post and that I have time to watch Starfleet Academy. I can take my time drinking my coffee, eating some toast for breakfast, and watching the show.
When I first learned about the series (they’ve been saying for years that they would make a show about Starfleet Academy, but I didn’t really believe they would), I was disappointed to see that it was going to take place in the 32nd century like the final seasons of Discovery. I also thought it odd that Holly Hunter would be the captain and Paul Giamatti would be the villain.
As far as I know, this is the first time that an Oscar-winning actor has led a Star Trek series. Hunter won the Academy Award for Best Actress for The Piano (1993). It’s not the first time a Best Actress winner has appeared on Star Trek, though. Louise Fletcher won the Oscar for her portrayal of the antagonist Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). However, Fletcher only had a recurring role as the Bajoran religious leader Kai Winn Adami on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999), which happens to be my all-time favorite Star Trek series.
When Star Trek villains are discussed and ranked, Kai Winn always ranks near the top because her public persona did not match her private villainy.
Anyway, Starfleet Academy has been fantastic. Sandro Rosta, who plays Cadet Caleb Mir, is a beautiful man with impossibly big shoulders that might look disproportionate on anyone else but are damn sexy on Rosta—and we get to see him several times without a shirt. George Hawkins, who plays Mir’s fellow cadet Darem Reymi, is a character you want to hate. While admittedly an asshole, he has a soft heart and is not only fucking gorgeous but also cute as a button—and he’s bisexual.
Then there is Karim Diané as Jay-Den Kraag, a Klingon medical student and Star Trek’s first gay Klingon. Diané is a very talented West African-American actor, singer, and songwriter who appeared on The X Factor USA. Though Klingons have never really done it for me, outside of the makeup Diané is also pretty damn good-looking.
There’s also the cute and goofy War College cadet Kyle Jokovic, played by Dale Whibley, who becomes romantically interested in Jay-Den.
Some Star Trek “fans” have complained loudly about the teenage drama—which any school-related series is going to have. These are the same people screaming that Klingons can’t be gay. One of the greatest warriors in human history, Alexander the Great, was gay, and by all accounts he was both a fierce warrior and a compassionate man, much like Jay-Den.
There will always be supposed Star Trek “fans” who get upset over diversity and claim that Star Trek is “woke.” It’s part of why Deep Space Nine was unpopular with some viewers when it first aired because the lead actor, Avery Brooks, was Black. But these same people are missing the entire point of Gene Roddenberry’s vision of a future without prejudice.
Seriously, in the 1960s Roddenberry had a Black woman on the bridge, a Russian as the ship’s navigator, and a Japanese man at the helm. The original Star Trek pushed the envelope on a lot of social issues at the time, and every series since has done the same.
Roddenberry never directly addressed LGBTQ+ subjects, the series of the 1990s did so in limited ways, and Paramount+’s modern Star Trek revival has been openly LGBTQ+ inclusive. Starfleet Academy, in my opinion, is the most LGBTQ+ inclusive yet—and why not? The characters are at the age when many of us first discovered or explored our sexuality.
Alright, I’ve babbled on long enough. My coffee is getting cold and the penultimate episode of the season isn’t going to watch itself. I hope everyone has a great day—now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a trip to Starfleet Academy to get back to.
P.S. I almost forgot to mention the wonderfully queer comedian Tig Notaro as Jett Reno, who is in a relationship with the part Klingon, part Jem’Hadar Lura Thok. The two of them are hilarious together, though Tig can’t help but be funny in anything she does.
I’m so glad today is a work-from-home day. Tomorrow I’ll be in early for a special event, so having this quieter morning feels like a small gift.
Since I’m working on Saturday, I had yesterday off—and because I’m working from home today, I’ll still need to head in early to get everything set up for the program I’ll be doing. It’s one of those in-between days: not exactly a day off, not quite a full workday either.
I only wish today’s weather was what we’re expecting tomorrow. Today will warm up to about 23 degrees—the mildest it’s been in weeks. Tomorrow, though, is a very different story. We’re under a severe weather advisory, with wind chills expected to drop 20 to 30 below zero. At least the museum should be warm.
I have a few things to take care of while working from home today. Tomorrow’s program should wrap up by around 10 a.m., and after that, the rest of the day will be paperwork and taking things easy until it’s time to head home.
Some days are about bracing against the cold. Others are about finding the small comforts where you can—and today feels a bit like that.
* 🚨 * 🚨 * Red Alert * 🚨 * 🚨 *
🖖 Possible spoiler ahead…
Starfleet Academy Update
Y’all know I’m a Star Trek fan, so you’ll just have to get used to at least five more weeks of me sharing my thoughts on Starfleet Academy. My favorite Star Trek series has always been Deep Space Nine. It’s one of the most complex and intriguing of all the Treks, and I’ve watched the entire series dozens of times.
I think we all have a movie or TV show we return to when we need something familiar—mindless comfort, a pick-me-up, or just a way to quiet whatever’s rattling around in our heads. For me, that show is Deep Space Nine.
So when I read that this week’s Starfleet Academy episode was being described as a “love letter to Deep Space Nine,” I was—needless to say—very excited.
There were definitely things I loved about the episode. The little bit of gay drama between Jay-Den and Kyle was fun, and Darem’s jealousy was about as subtle as a photon torpedo. Drag queen Jackie Cox appears, Tawny Newsome guest stars, and we get to see Cirroc Lofton again—who has grown into quite a handsome man.
That said… there is one thing about the episode that genuinely pissed me off.
If anyone’s curious what that was, let me know in the comments. I’m happy to answer there, or I may save it and talk more about it on Monday—once everyone who wants to watch the episode has had time to do so.
It is so cold this morning that I feel like I should have gone to bed last night wearing a sweater. When I sleep, I almost always wear a T-shirt and no pants because my legs get ridiculously hot at night. I’m generally a #5 on this chart—but from past comments, I’m guessing a fair number of you are solid #20s.
As I write this, it’s –6 degrees, with a projected high of 4. Thank goodness it’s my work-from-home day. The very first thing I did this morning—after feeding Isabella—was make a hot cup of tea and pull on sweatpants and a hoodie. I may overheat when I sleep, but the moment I get out of bed? I’m instantly frozen.
Winter really does keep us humble. 🥶🫖
* * * * * Red Alert * * * * *
Possible spoiler ahead…
On a completely different note—has anyone else watched the latest episode of StarTrek: Starfleet Academy? It feels increasingly clear to me that Jay-Den is a gay Klingon. He’s played by Karim Diané, who is unmistakably gay, and the show has already teased that Jay-Den will have a romantic storyline at some point.
I originally assumed that would be Kyle from episode three, but after this week’s episode… I’m not so sure. The scene between Jay-Den and Daren felt very sexually charged. I genuinely thought they were about to kiss.
Was it just me, or did anyone else feel that spark too?
I got a little distracted this morning watching Starfleet Academy and completely forgot to write a post. It happens.
There’s not much exciting to report today, but I am seeing my new neurologist for the first time. I’ve been waiting nearly three years for the Headache Clinic to hire a new permanent neurologist, so this appointment has been a long time coming. I’m cautiously optimistic—and really hoping this one sticks around.
She seems fresh out of medical school—very Dr. Bashir energy—though I’m realistic enough to know she won’t be nearly as distractingly attractive.
And since I haven’t posted an Isabella Pic of the Week in a while, here’s one for this week. 🐾
Today is my usual Friday work-from-home day, and thank goodness for that, because our high today is expected to be 16 degrees. 🥶
I have absolutely no plans to leave my apartment. I’m staying curled up on my couch, staying warm, getting done what work I need to do, and then monitoring emails for the rest of the day.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premiered yesterday, and as a Star Trek fan, I watched it as soon as I could—meaning right after I got home from work. It was better than I expected, though the jury is still out. I’ll definitely keep watching, and I’m hopeful it will find its footing. It seems to have real potential.
Every now and then, a book series grabs hold of me so completely that I find myself staying up far too late because I have to read just one more chapter. That’s exactly what happened when I picked up Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series—starting with the first two books, Game Changer and Heated Rivalry. I’ll be honest: hockey romances are not usually my favorite subgenre of m/m romance. But these books completely won me over. They’re steamy, full of heart, and emotionally rich in all the best ways. They’re the kind of novels that make you sigh one moment and fan yourself the next.
If you haven’t read Rachel Reid before, she’s a Canadian author widely loved for her blend of erotic heat and emotional tenderness. Her Game Changers novels focus on professional hockey players navigating fame, pressure, identity, and love—with characters so well developed that you can’t help falling for them. Reid has become one of the standout voices in contemporary LGBTQ+ romance, and it’s easy to see why.
It was actually the new television adaptation, Heated Rivalry, that convinced me to pick up the books. I checked out the series when it premiered and immediately fell for its production quality—and let’s be honest, the steaminess. The adaptation stays remarkably close to the novels, even lifting some dialogue straight from the page. Episode three, which adapts Game Changer, deviates more (condensing an entire book into 50 minutes will do that), but it still captures the heart of the story. And yes, the sex scenes absolutely live up to the hype.
After devouring the first two books, I’m now reading Tough Guy, book three. I’m enjoying it, even if it isn’t hooking me quite as deeply as the first two. I’m looking forward to continuing the series, especially books four and five (Common Goal and Role Model). But the book I’m especially eager to reach is the sixth, The Long Game, which returns to the couple from Heated Rivalry and continues their story. I’ve heard nothing but glowing praise.
One of the joys of the TV adaptation is its casting. Shane Hollander is played by Hudson William, and Ilya Rozanov is portrayed by Connor Storrie. Their chemistry is electric, and the show gives them the time and space to build a believable, aching, deeply sensual connection. François Arnaud, who plays Scott Hunter, is openly bisexual and has long been a visible voice for LGBTQ+ representation. And Robbie G.K., who plays the impossibly cute Kip Grady, steals nearly every scene he’s in. There isn’t much publicly available about his personal life aside from the fact that he appears to be single, but he brings a joyful, queer-coded energy to the role that fans immediately latch onto.
The show is also notable for its broader LGBTQ+ representation behind the scenes. Reporting from Out highlights that multiple queer actors and creators are involved in the project, helping shape a series that treats queer romance with sincerity, playfulness, respect, and heat. It’s refreshing to see a production that doesn’t shy away from the eroticism of the source material while still leaning into its emotional beats.
If you enjoy sports romances, queer love stories, or simply beautifully crafted television, I highly recommend picking up Game Changer, Heated Rivalry, and the rest of the Game Changers series—and definitely give the TV adaptation a try. Even if hockey isn’t normally your thing, this series might just charm you the way it did me.
And honestly? It’s just a whole lot of fun.
The series debuted on Crave with a two-episode premiere on November 28, 2025, followed by weekly episodes, with the finale airing on December 26. In advance of the program’s television premiere, the first episode received a preview screening at the 2025 Image+Nation festival on November 23, 2025. The series was released by HBO Max in the United States and Australia, Sky in New Zealand, and Movistar Plus+ in Spain.
November 10, 2025, marks a truly historic milestone—the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Founded in 1775 at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, the Marines have stood for courage, discipline, and an unshakable commitment to honor, duty, and brotherhood. Every year on this day, Marines around the world—past and present—celebrate their proud legacy. This year’s celebration carries even greater meaning as a quarter of a millennium of service is recognized.
In honor of that incredible legacy, I recently watched a new Netflix series that brings a very different but equally powerful perspective to the Marine Corps experience: Boots.
Based on the memoir The Pink Marine by Greg Cope White, Boots tells the story of a young gay man who joins the Marines—though, unlike the memoir which is set in the 1970s, the Netflix adaptation takes place in the 1990s, just before the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” What unfolds is a deeply moving, funny, and inspiring story about resilience, identity, and belonging.
Max Parker as Sergeant Liam Robert Sullivan
The show stars Miles Heizer and Max Parker, two incredibly gorgeous gay men who both play gay men with honesty and heart. Their chemistry, vulnerability, and courage to portray queer characters in such a traditionally masculine military setting make the series truly special. Heizer brings his signature quiet intensity to the role, while Parker adds authenticity and depth to every scene.
Boots doesn’t just retell a coming-of-age story—it redefines what it means to serve, to find pride in oneself, and to carve out a space in a world that often tries to deny you one. For LGBTQ+ viewers, it’s especially meaningful to see this representation handled with respect, humor, and tenderness.
If you haven’t seen Boots yet, I highly recommend it. It’s beautifully written, well-acted, and emotionally resonant. And what better time to watch it than now—in honor of 250 years of the United States Marine Corps—a reminder that courage comes in many forms, and sometimes the bravest thing a Marine can do is to live truthfully.
Semper Fi—and happy birthday, Marines!
P.S. I have to admit—there’s just something undeniably sexy about Marines. And fun fact: every military man I’ve ever hooked up with has, coincidentally, been a Marine. Go figure.
Friday, Paramount+ released the first of their Star Trek movies, Section 31. In the Star Trek universe, Section 31 is a nefarious group introduced in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine when they tried to recruit Dr. Julian Bashir. Since its first introduction as an autonomous shadow organization tasked with protecting the Federation at all costs, the organization has appeared in Star Trek Into Darkness, Enterprise, and Star Trek: Discovery. The organization has always been portrayed as an evil organization that would stop at nothing to fulfill what it believes its mission to be. Some Star Trek fans hate the idea of Section 31 because they say it goes against Gene Roddenberry’s utopian ideals for Star Trek, but let’s face it, while the Star Trek universe gives us hope for a better future, the Federation has never been a perfect society. Even Gene Roddenberry understood that utopia would have its cracks in its foundation.
Since Michelle Yeoh departed Discovery there had been rumors of a Section 31 series. Then, Yeoh won an Oscar for Everything Everywhere All at Once, I assumed the series development had been cancelled. I did not believe an Academy award winning actress would headline a Star Trek series. So, I was surprised when they announced that Paramount+ would be making what they called an “event movie” about Section 31 starring Michelle Yeoh.
Every new version of Star Trek since the original series has had a love/hate relationship with Trekkies. Many Trekkies hate anything that is not the original series. Even Next Generation which has become a much beloved show was hated when it began. Deep Space Nine was basically hated through its entire seven seasons, Voyager always got a mixed reception, and Enterprise seemed to put a death knell in Star Trek spinoffs when it only lasted five season. Then, Discovery was released on CBS All Access, and the hatred truly began because it introduced an African American female as the lead character, had a gay couple, transgender and non-binary characters, and a host of other perceived faults. There are many Star Trek fans who never understood the social commentary that Roddenberry established in Star Trek back in the 1960s. It was always groundbreaking, but even Star Trek fans are not immune to the racist, the homophobic, and the ignorant, no matter how much those beliefs go against all Roddenberry’s utopian ideals for Star Trek.
So, it’s no surprise to see Section 31 get terrible reviews from some of the fans. Plus, internet trolls are everywhere including among Trekkies. They are going to be critical and hate everything and never give anything new a chance. I won’t claim that I thought Section 31 was a masterpiece. I believed that it would be a good movie because I really didn’t think at this point in her career Yeoh would be part of a project that she didn’t believe would be good. There were certain surprise elements to Section 31 that I enjoyed, but I knew from the beginning that this would be a darker version of the Star Trek universe. All in all, I was entertained by the movie. I always like seeing anything Star Trek. I even gave Prodigy a try, and it’s the only entry in the series that I could not watch. When it was on Paramount+, I watched it, but I never enjoyed it. That might have had to do more with it being a show for kids than with anything else. I certainly was not going to resubscribe to Netflix to watch it.
So while Section 31 was not my favorite of the Star Trek franchise, it wasn’t too bad. I was entertained, and that’s what really matters to me. So, if you are skeptical, I suggest you give it a try. If you have already seen it, what did you think?
Joe
The Closet Professor 