Nova Squadron of Star Trek: Prodigy against Red Squad of DS9: a Deep Dive
The second Star Trek: Prodigy season brings in a fresh batch of exceptional Starfleet Academy cadets. Originally rivals to the young crew of the USS Protostar, these cadets—including Vulcan Maj'el—start off But why are there two elite cadet groups, and how differ Nova Squadron from Red Squad? Coordinating executive producer of Star Trek: Prodigy Aaron J. Waltke clarifies.
Waltke likens the groups' rivalry to that of the venerable film Top gun. Though they are finally a part of the same company, the cadets are pushing each other to be better, much as Maverick and Iceman are. Red Squad is more focused on command roles while Nova Squadron works to enable conn officers to be their best selves.
Basically on probation, Maj'el and her fellow Nova Squadron candidates are trying to prove themselves deserving of joining the group. Although they are still on probation, they have already earned their Academy pips, so indicating they are entirely part of Starfleet. They thus have resentment toward Dal R'El and his crew since they have been assigned to the USS Voyager-A without completing years of conventional training.
Although Nova Squadron and Red Squad have been mentioned in films including Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Lower Decks, the two groups have not always been shown favourably. Red Squad took part in Admiral Layton's attempt to seize control of Earth while Nova Squadron covered up the death of a classmate, so sparking a scandal. But Star Trek: Prodigy season 2 shows Nova Squadron as a force for good, promoting understanding, friendship, and loyalty, so demonstrating that it is possible.
Maj'el shows the good influence of the younger generation of Nova Squadron by joining the crew of the new USS Prodigy at the end of season 2. The road the group is on toward atonement and the new era of Starfleet Academy cadets presents a bright future for Starfleet.
