Well this is going to be a hard one to talk about. Right in the middle of the season it was decided to re-work the original pilot into a two parter, with a framing device around it. I have commented on "The Cage" before and how boring it is. Making the two hour "Menagerie" almost intolerable. But so far two episodes I remember disliking were a bit better than I remember, so maybe this will be to. But I doubt it. Today let's talk about part one. And I know this synopsis may read strange since it is bouncing between two stories will try to make it clear.
Plot:Spock fakes a message from the Enterprise's former commander, Christopher Pike, steals the vessel, and sets it on a locked course for the forbidden planet Talos IV.
Guest Stars:Sean Kenney as the disfigured Christopher Pike (and they did a great job the makeup is so effective it's still being homaged 55 years later). Malachi Throne and of course everyone who was in the original pilot including Jeffrey Hunter.
Nitpick:I know Kirk wants to trust his friend but he should be acting as his commander, especially once its clear Spock lied about something. During Spock's attempt to take over the ship he knocks out a few officers, how come they never awaken and report what happened?
Summary:
Teaser-Kirk, Spock and McCoy beam down to a Starbase claiming a subspace message called them there. A signal from Spock's former commander, Christopher Pike. The Commodore explains that it's impossible. A while back Pike was in an accident as he saved some children from a disaster, and ended up with delta ray burns so severe he is totally immobilized and cannot speak. Only responding with his chair signaling yes or no. The three visit the now crippled Pike, but as they leave Spock asks to remain. He then tells Pike that he has it all planned and is ready to do it, even if it is insubordination, as Pike insistently signals no.
Act 1-Kirk can't understand why Spock reported he got a message. Eiter he lied or someone faked a message. However, Pike is incapable of even asking for a message to be sent. Spock begins enacting his plan, but going to the lower levels of the starbase. Spock fakes a message to the Enterprise about receiving new orders fed into the computers and top secret. The message also says to refer all questions to Spock and ask no questions. McCoy describes how Pike's mind is as active as anyone's but no one can reach out. Kirk is starting to think Spock may not be telling the truth. McCoy is then summoned back to the Enterprise, while Kirk is briefed on Talos IV. A planet which visiting it is the only death penalty on the book, and was only visited by one vessel. The Enterprise under the command of Pike. Just them, Pike vanishes and a report comes over that Enterprise is fleeing orbit.
Act 2-As Enterprise leaves orbit, under computer control, Spock announces he is in temporary command. McCoy is wondering why he was brought back aboard, and Spock shows that Pike is on board. A faked message by Kirk tells McCoy everything is on the up and up just take care of Pike. A shuttlecraft is suddenly following them, inside Kirk and the commodore are chasing the Enterprise. They keep hailing the ship but Spock is not answering. Spock realizes that the shuttle is past the point of safe return, and McCoy sarcastically who is following them. Spock then announces he had no orders to take the ship, and surrender himself to McCoy as senior officer. Kirk and the commodore are beamed aboard, and find the ship still locked on course to Talos IV.
Act 3-While still on the way, Kirk and the commodore hold a hearing to decide what to do with Spock. They decide to convene a court martial, using a Pike as a third member of the trial board. Starfleet didn't have the heart to retire him. The court martial is convened and Spock explains that the only to explain his actions is by watching the monitor screen. On the screen appears the Enterprise, 13 years earlier under the command of Christopher Pike. Kirk is astonished at the level of the quality of the playback, as Pike confirms it really is what happened back then. On the screen, we see the ship detecting something strange ahead. An old distress signal. Pike decides not to go and then we see him discussing with he ships doctor how rough the last few weeks has been, and wonders if he should retire. When the crew discovers survivors on Talos, the ship goes to check it out. In the briefing room, Spock convinces everyone they are seeing what actually happened.
Act 4-On the screen, the story continues to unfold how the crew arrived at the planet and found survivors. Including a young women who was born at the colony. Unbeknownst to the them they are all being observed by strange aliens. The woman lures Pike away from the others, and then kidnaps him. While revealing the "survivors" were never really there at all. In the briefing room, Starfleet has figured out that the images they are seeing are transmissions from Talos IV. They relieve Kirk and tells the commodore to take over the ship. Spock is ordered to return the vessel, and refuses. The Commodore calls recess, and Kirk is not happy. Nevertheless Spock insists Kirk keep watching the images from Talos to know the full story.
Final Thoughts:I'll save my final thoughts for part 2 except to say I really like part one. The mystery and action make for a good Star Trek episode, you want to know what is going on. And even the clips we see from the Cage aren't bad, we get the know our captain and the situation the crew is in. Could be a little more action at the start but still not bad. After that..again, I'll discuss tomorrow when we go through part 2- Same Bat Time,same...oh, sorry forgot which overview I was doing!
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