Review 79 - Episode 80The One that's the VERY first one
If you're reading this Blog, then I'm sure you know the backstory behind this. In a nutshell, this was the original pilot that the network rejected as being to Cerebral. The crew are totally different from the 2nd pilot bar Spock and there is a very TNG feel to it. The footage was then recut and reused in the Menagerie.
It's interesting to speculate how Star Trek would have evolved if this Pilot had taken. Would it still become the behemoth franchise we know and love today? Possible, given the success of TNG as this is similar. There is a number one (played by Majel Barrett, completely different from every other character she has ever played. Here, she almost seems sexless and emotionless and is well acted). The colouring of the bridge is much more subdued than Kirks Enterprise. Pike is extremely restrained, showing internal anger and very officious. Shades of Picard or Archer. Spock is completely different here, basically Nimoy with ears and is laughing and very un-vulcan like.
The plot is okay as they beam down to a planet and are captured by aliens who want to breed them. The effects are very impressive for their day,especially the phaser effects. Ultimately, it's an interesting curio but the cast and situation are never expanded, so as a one off it doesn't quite excel, but it's still watchable.
3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 221/400
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