Star Trek: Strange New Worlds succeeds where “The Cage” and Star Trek 2009 did not

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds succeeds where "The Cage" and Star Trek 2009 did not

As a seasoned gamer and Star Trek enthusiast who has spent countless hours navigating the final frontier, I must confess that my affection for Captain Christopher Pike has been on a remarkable journey. Like many of us, my first encounter with this character was in the original series pilot “The Cage,” where Jeffrey Hunter’s portrayal left me feeling rather cold and isolated.


Though Captain Christopher Pike is among the most senior characters in Star Trek lore, Anson Mount’s portrayal in Season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery didn’t truly make him a captivating character until now. It wasn’t until the arrival of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds that Pike began to shine as a likable and inspiring main character. This is in part due to the fact that his portrayal here differs from previous depictions of Pike.

Initially, Captain Pike made his debut in the initial Star Trek episode titled “The Cage.” In this role, Jeffrey Hunter portrayed a grumpy and melancholic Pike who seemed distant from his crew and even hostile towards certain individuals. Although “The Cage” is an intriguing episode, it’s fair to say that watching this Captain Pike isn’t particularly enjoyable.

Indeed, several components from “The Cage” were reused in the two-part episode of the original series titled “The Menagerie.” This allowed for a fascinating comparison between Captain Pike, portrayed by Hunter, and the main character Captain Kirk, played by William Shatner. The icy demeanor of Captain Pike is strikingly different from the friendlier, more charismatic nature of Captain Kirk.

In approximately half a century, Captain Pike, portrayed by Bruce Greenwood, makes his appearance in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 movie Star Trek (and the sequel Star Trek Into Darkness from 2013). This Captain Pike can be categorized as a typical “mentor” figure. He primarily serves to inspire other characters, but his own character development isn’t extensive. However, he does utter the phrase “punch it” to initiate warp speed in the 2009 film, which could be an early iteration of Mount’s famous catchphrase “hit it.

Prior to that stage, Christopher Pike didn’t seem particularly compelling as a character. Although his doubts about command in “The Cage” might have been relatable, they often felt more like whining than anything substantial. Furthermore, outside of “The Cage,” Pike primarily functioned as a catalyst for other characters’ narratives. However, everything changed when Pike appeared in Star Trek: Discovery.

In the second season of Star Trek: Discovery, Anson Mount’s portrayal of Captain Pike was truly exceptional. Unlike his initial appearances as a more reserved character in support of Sonequa Martin-Green’s Michael Burnham, Pike emerged as a warm and approachable figure. He proved to be wise and thoughtful, qualities that were hinted at in Discovery and are now vividly demonstrated on Strange New Worlds.

It’s perfectly fine to admit that the versions of Captain Pike in “The Cage” and Star Trek 2009, penned by Hunter, Greenwood, Gene Roddenberry, Roberto Orci, and Alex Kurtzman, are less captivating than the Pike we know today.

Anson Mount and the writers of Strange New Worlds have kept aspects of Captain Pike as portrayed in “The Cage,” such as his hesitation about command, but they’ve also given him a delightful, endearing quality. T The Next Generation, not only because Riker cooked in an episode, but also due to a resemblance in their personalities and demeanor.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve always admired how Commander Riker forges deep bonds with fellow crew members in Star Trek: The Next Generation. His approach instills trust and confidence throughout the team. This camaraderie is evident during our poker games, but also in his frequent visits to Ten Forward.

Through crafting Pike as a sympathetic, friendly, and approachable character, viewers are drawn to empathize and connect with him. Moreover, his connections to others highlight his personal struggles, making them more poignant. The version of Pike in Strange New Worlds is one that captivates me, whereas I’m hesitant about a series centered around the Pike we saw in “The Cage” or in Star Trek 2009.

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2024-09-14 04:23

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