This is the legendary first pilot for Star Trek, which was not well received enough by the network to get a series order, but was good enough to warrant a second pilot being ordered. And really, this is better as a proof of concept than as an episode of Star Trek. There's a lot about the episode that works, and it would of been pretty progressive seeing a female first officer on 1960s television, but at the same time there are things about it that hold it back. The first thing is Jeffrey Hunter as Christopher Pike. He's a different type of captain than Kirk, and that's kind of a drawback. One of his first scenes is him complaining to the ships doctor about how he doesn't like he job, which kind of makes you wonder how anyone could follow this man into battle. Really the best thing for the show was for Hunter to decide that he didn't want to continue when Trek got picked up for a full series. Shatner's Kirk has a better character and a more engaging lead than Pike was.
I will say that the changes to the Enterprise model that were made between this and the next pilot are for the better. The points on the nacelles don't bother me, but the bridge sits up way too high from the saucer.
I will say that the changes to the Enterprise model that were made between this and the next pilot are for the better. The points on the nacelles don't bother me, but the bridge sits up way too high from the saucer.
As it stands, The Cage isn't a bad episode though, it's a bit rough around the edges, but it's obvious that they had the idea for the show locked down on day one. They just didn't have all the ingredients yet. Spock is still a work in progress, with him breaking into a smile on occasion. I'd say that it's a good episode but one for Trekkers rather than one for non fans.
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