Star Trek’s premiere episode, “The Cage,” failed to impress the execs at NBC when Gene Roddenberry presented the sci-fi pilot. The network considered the episode “too cerebral” and lacking the kind of action that viewers tune in for. While NBC did order a second pilot, “The Cage” never aired on its own, and viewing it outside of the framing of “The Menagerie” (season one, episodes 11 and 12,) is a lot like watching a child taking those first steps toward a prosperous future.
Pros: What works well in the pilot?
One aspect that stands out for me during the first half of the episode is the chemistry between Captain Pike and Number One. They have a natural dialog that hints at a professional relationship that existed before the events of the episode take place, as does Pike’s comment about disliking women on the bridge but then telling Number One she’s the exception.
Some of the show’s special effects hold up, despite television’s limited technology at the time. The look of the bridge and the workstations are especially enjoyable, as is the transporter effect which, at the time, must have been a marvel for younger viewers. The effects used during the scene where the Talosians torture Pike with the illusion of being trapped and burning in flames are also quite realistic (as well as prophetic, considering the captain’s future.)
Cons: What fell flat in “The Cage?”
One of the most glaring issues during my viewing was Spock shouting almost all of his dialog. Granted, at this point, the character wasn’t yet fully developed and the writers hadn’t quite figured out his personality, but it did pull me out of the story a few times. It’s a relief that they toned this down in the episodes that followed.
Speaking of toning things down, the sound effects in this pilot are extremely shrill. The red alert noise and the transporter sound did make me wince a few times, and I found myself lowering the volume on my TV.
My favorite moment
There are elements I love about “The Cage,” and my favorite moment is when the Talosians put Yeoman Colt (Laurel Goodman) on blast about being extremely attracted to Captain Pike and the fact that he may now be “attainable.” The expression on her face is priceless! It’s a shame she didn’t return for future episodes.
Best character moment
Watching Number One command the planetside rescue operation with such confidence and assurance in her abilities is groundbreaking for its time, and Majel Barrett handles that scene beautifully. It holds up 60 years later, and I can’t imagine the impact it must have had on young women when it aired as part of “The Menagerie” later on in season one!
“The Cage” gives us a blend of what will be and what was, especially when it comes to cast changes, the tone of some of the characters, and the overall direction of the show itself. I believe that the network was too hard on this pilot, as much of it was truly ahead of its time and stands up as extremely watchable and enjoyable, even today.