"A lot of people have a lot of reverence for this show and for this character."
A sold-out crowd showed up in the Highland Park neighborhood of California, as the Writers Guild Foundation put on their RetroReads presentation of the Star Trek: The Original Series episode, “The Man Trap,” to celebrate the franchise’s 60th anniversary. And members of The Pitt’s cast were those selected to play the roles of the legendary characters, who first appeared on television screens back in 1966.
Noah Wyle portrayed the role of Captain James T. Kirk, made famous by the indelible William Shatner, during the staged reading, and The Pitt actor was admittedly “nervous” about not offending anyone at the staged reading. Wyle said (per Deadline), “I am nervous to be here because this is such an unbelievably large set of black boots to fill and a lot of people have a lot of reverence for this show and for this character. So, I’m just looking not to offend and hopefully enhance if possible.”
Star Trek fans who were not able to attend the WGF RetroReads’ version of “The Man Trap” can check out a video except from the performance below, courtesy of the WGF's official Instagram account. The scene from the first TOS episode finds Dr. McCoy, who has been gender-bent for The Pitt’s Katherine LaNasa to portray, reminiscing about his lost love, Nancy Crater, with Kirk (Wyle). And from the beginning, it's obvious this was not a serious tribute to the franchise but a comical one.
The Highland Park crowd seemed delighted, as they laughed throughout the production, by what can only be termed as a parody, in my opinion, of a beloved Star Trek episode. “The Man Trap” is anything but a comedy, though. In fact, Trek debuted in 1966 by putting its best science fiction-horror foot forward to embark on what would be three memorable seasons of unforgettable adventures before the show was canceled.
Later in the staged reading of "The Man Trap," the crowd erupted with laughter during the scene in which Mr. Spock repeatedly hits the Salt Vampire, in an attempt to prove to Dr. McCoy that the creature is not his old flame, Nancy.
This is one of the most serious and dramatic scenes from the episode. However, The Pitt actor (Fiona Dourif) portraying the creature/Nancy absolutely played the moment for laughs, flailing her head about wildly on stage to simulate Spock's attack.
I understand the WGF wanted to put on an entertaining reading, and the foundation chose “The Man Trap” because it’s the very first episode of Star Trek, which is what this 60th anniversary celebration was put together for: to commemorate six decades of unbelievable Treks. At least, that's what I thought.
Personally, I believe the RetroReads team would have been better served selecting a more comical episode like “Mudd’s Women,” which also debuted in 1966, since the staged reading was meant to be funny. Unfortunately, as a Star Trek fan, I didn't find it so after the first viewing. Disgraceful was the word dancing around in my head.
I've never seen one of the WGF's staged readings, though, so maybe they're all comical. Listen, I love to laugh, but there's nothing on the foundation's official website saying their version of "The Man Trap" was a parody. Whereas the hilarious must-see Khan!!! The Musical! comes right out and tells fans this is a "Parody TREK-tacular."
I only wish those in attendance appreciated the stakes and the life-and-death dramatics writer George Clayton Johnson originally penned for “The Man Trap.” Regrettably, having The Pitt’s cast on hand to play the material — and their respective roles — for laughs was ultimately not the way to celebrate 60 years of Star Trek, as far as I'm concerned.
Did you witness the staged reading or spend the $20 to stream it on Third Best TV? Share your thoughts and comments with us on the WGF’s RetroReads production of Star Trek’s “The Man Trap” via the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
Fans can also check out a video posted by Rod Roddenberry, who was also in attendance at the event, courtesy of his Instagram account.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!
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