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Warning: Spoilers ahead for “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” Season 1, Episode 3 — “Vitus Reflux”
John Medland/Paramount+
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” is rich with tributes to the iconic characters and actors who have contributed to the enduring legacy of this franchise. Among these, the James T. Kirk Pavilion stands prominently at Starfleet Academy, while parts of the grounds honor a memorable guest star. These homages are fitting as “Star Trek” marks its 60th anniversary. While many of these acknowledgments celebrate the actors who brought the series to life, one poignant tribute honors a behind-the-scenes crew member whose contributions helped shape the “Star Trek” universe.
The third episode of “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” titled “Vitus Reflux,” concludes with a heartfelt message: “In loving memory of Carla Mingiardi.” Mingiardi, who worked as a costume cutter on both “Star Trek: Short Treks” and “Star Trek: Discovery,” passed away from cancer on September 9, 2024, at 59. Her obituary details her contributions, and the decision to dedicate this particular episode to her celebrates her legacy and her significant role on the series.
Carla Mingiardi played a pivotal role as a costume cutter during Season 3 of “Star Trek: Discovery,” a season known for its leap into the 32nd Century. This time jump not only brought major developments within the “Star Trek: Discovery” timeline but also laid the foundation for “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” set in the same era. This continuity is reinforced by the recurring presence of Discovery’s Commander Jett Reno, portrayed by Tig Notaro, highlighting the ongoing influence of Mingiardi’s work.
The choice to dedicate “Vitus Reflux” to Mingiardi is particularly apt, given the episode’s focus on costumes. The storyline revolves around a war simulation game, Calica, between Starfleet Academy and the War College, where participants don sleek black armor. Each team is represented by a distinctive mascot: Starfleet Academy boasts a lapling, a lizard-like creature with large, insect-like eyes, while the War College features a horned, furry mugato. These imaginative designs showcase the costume department’s creativity, embodying otherworldly yet familiar elements. Mingiardi’s obituary highlights her playful spirit, a quality beautifully reflected in this episode’s costumes.
Why it’s so important that Carla Mingiardi is mentioned in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
John Medland/Paramount+
Carla Mingiardi was a costume cutter throughout Season 3 of “Star Trek: Discovery,” which is the same season that features a time jump into the 32nd Century, and that could be part of the reason why her tribute was saved for “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.” This time jump builds big moments in the “Star Trek: Discovery” timeline, but it also sets the groundwork for the subsequent series, which is set in the same century. It also includes consistent appearances by Discovery’s Commander Jett Reno (Tig Notaro), making this a continuation of the show that Mingiardi put so much work into.
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” Season 1, Episode 3, “Vitus Reflux,” is the perfect episode to dedicate to Mingiardi because the costumes are essential to the story. Much of this episode centers around Starfleet Academy and the War College duking it out during a war simulation game called Calica. The laser-tag-style game requires players to wear black armor that manages to look sleek in its design, and each team has a mascot who protects a crucial target. Starfleet Academy’s mascot is a lapling who looks like a lizard with giant bug-like eyes, and the War College is represented by a furry horned creature known as a mugato. These species prove just how imaginative the costume department can be as they make the mascots look other-worldly and familiar all at the same time. Mingiardi’s obituary states that she was always up for having some fun, and this episode exhibits that quality through its costuming.