Star Trek's Original Pilot: The Cage Recap & Review 

What did you think of this episode? Let me know below! ⬇⬇⬇

Pike had *so* much potential as a leading character. We've never had such a dark, tortured and introspective Series Lead for Trek before. Even Nimoy said he had to play Spock as jovial, to counter Jeff Hunter's more 'closed off' Pike. 👌 Shatner played it the compete opposite.

Every time I see this episode, I think of Family Guy's Stewie's quote "I am playing the role of Jesus, A man once portrayed on the big screen by Jeffrey Hunter. You may remember him as the actor who was replaced by William Shatner on Star Trek. Apparently Mr. Hunter was good enough to die for our sins, but not quite up to the task of seducing green women".

great dialogue between Capitan Pike and Dr. Boyce! words to live by!

With the Talosians giving Pike those illusions of one world after another in a completely plausible way, this pilot film cleverly, even brilliantly, gave the viewers (i.e., prospective purchasers) the promise of the Trek universe. Look! See all the places that we can take the Enterprise and have stories unfold! One of the advantages of the format that GR originally described in his pitch was "all the advantages of an anthology show" like The Twilight Zone. Each week, the Enterprise might visit a completely different world, with new guest stars, yet maintain the continuity of the Enterprise herself and this crew that was so well introduced. This pilot demonstrates the fertility of the format for an episodic series - far better than the second pilot did.

Probably the most original and imaginative storyline in sci fi history. For its time in the mid 1960's it was so far ahead of its time.

I loved the Pilot. this was amazing. Impressive for its time and I loved it

I was amazed at this episodes' prescience. WE are becoming Talosians by circumventing reality, to indulge in fantasy, via virtual reality. The only difference being technological assistance, instead of pure mental capability. We will destroy ourselves by creating an environment of non-productivity, with an absence of creativity, and innovation. The creativity will occur within a fantasy, and nothing will get done.

"Too cerebral" is exactly what i like most about certain episodes throughout the franchise. What loses me quickly are Kirk's fist fights and romances, but back then that was just more successfull. Oh, and as many have said before, i really liked seeing the old cast. It would have been nice to have a few extra episodes like the cage just for a contrast to the regular crew.

They called it cerebral back in the day and it's doubly true today in the midst of much of our modern pop-culture. Too much of our entertainment is dumbed down and would never even attempt such topics. For me an easy 4 out of 5.

I can remember (vaguely) seeing Star Trek for the first time around '73 or '74 when I was around 5 years old. What I remember most about it's intrique to me at the time was it's somewhat haunting intro music, I'd never heard anything like it especially for a TV show, I believe it was the original intro music used for the pilot episode, later on it changed a bit in the instrumentation. Then it was all of the different colors that they used for props, their clothing and lighting. Back then colorful artwork, posters, T-shirts etc etc was a big thing, especially for the younger crowd, I guess you could call it psychedelic. When my parents would take us to the Dayton mall, among other shopping places, they used a lot of colorful lighting to show off different items, especially clothing, in their display windows and so I felt an odd connection between the two for this reason. Spock was a bit disturbing to me at first because of his appearance, he did look a lot like the devil that I'd seen in a big family or children's Bible that we had and was popular for a lot of people in those days but I soon warmed up to him. I didn't watch every episode at first, just caught it from time to time, and I remember seeing screenshots during the ending credits of "The Cage" or "The Menagerie" but I never saw them in any episodes that I can remember early on, maybe I just didn't catch them on TV at the time, but I was very intrigued by the screenshots and wondered why I hadn't seen them in any episodes. I think these screenshots and the early intro music is what drew me in in the first place to Star Trek, it was just so interesting to me. A little later on, I don't remember exactly, I saw "The Menagerie" and I thought and still think it's one of my favorite episodes. I can't put my finger on exactly why but I think it was Jeffrey Hunters performance and demeanor along with the Talosians big bald throbbing heads and just the whole effects that I found so interesting, maybe because it just seemed more dramatic. Don't get me wrong, I think Captain Kirk and his crew did an awesome job taking Star Trek to where no man has gone before and it will always be a special series to me but I also think Captain Pike did a great job and would have equally been terrific in the series but it never came to be.

I have a particular love for The Cage and I honestly wish this was the Star Trek we got. I think this is by far the best episode of this era and it's one of my favorite pieces of Star Trek ever made. It's a more mysterious show, it's a more experimental show, and it's a smarter show. It's more somber and introspective. It's sexier and it's bold and assured in its dramatic choices. This would have been the most groundbreaking science fiction show ever made by a mile and some of the most daring and thought provoking science fiction at the time, period. I really would love to see the parallel universe where The Cage was picked up I do take some solace in the fact that Roddenberry did get a chance to explore much of the type of storytelling he intended here in the first couple of seasons of NextGen. I like those seasons a lot more than most and I think a more mysterious and intellectual approach suits Star Trek quite well. It's bad TV but I like the concepts it embraces. The Thought Maker, Lwaxana Troi's speech about all life being somehow connected, the sexy death penalty planet, and the Traveler are all things that would have fit with this version of Star Trek. I still want to see that but well made and well written

I love the cage,well written pilot.I thought the Cage was GREAT,especially for the times the pilot was produced.The illussion where Pike was in the lava pit scared the begees out of me.Well done by the actor.This episode had a lot in common with slavery.I would've loved to see a Captain Pike series,but Jeffery Hunter's wife took Gene he was a movie star,not a tv star.Never get tired of watching this pilot,Star Trek predates Star Wars by a decade.The optical effects and models look dated by todays standards,but were cutting edge effects in the 60s.

I would give it a higher rating than 3 1/2 I would give it at least four stars

Something I never see mentioned. The lead Talosian was was an older woman (47) who like most others of that time played on Perry Mason and Twilight Zone and what I never realized until today was obviously the pioneer of Hop-Hop fashion.

Think of spreading Killer Bees. Eventually they come to a hive that has enough power and the right technique to defend themselves. Did the Borg find this place in Starfleet records and wonder what possible weapon could be found that it was so powerful that Starfleet didn't want anyone to go there?

This was my favorite Star Trek story.

Very perceptive critique...thanks for the overview. As a novice teenager at the time...this sort of advanced imagery for this era. This was not text book TV...true it was too sophisticated for a audience of westerns and bullwinkle cartoons. Yet, I ate it up and desired more. Roddenbury was way ahead of the curve and luckily ST got a second chance. The mid 60's was so sterile and formulaic..this was a blast of fresh air. I mean....WOMEN in space...and especially tall women..with some degree of competencey!!? I agree the special effects do hold up fairly well....hell, I recall seeig this in b/w on my RCA set, back in the day. Nice bit of nostalgia...thanks!

Very clever episode. Thanks for your review, it's interesting to see the perspective from the viewpoint of other fans.

The best Star Trek episode of all time!

I was and still am a Trekkie. If you were and are a fan of the original Star Trek series then you are a Trekkie. In the 1960’s Star Trek was a show like none that came before. The Cage provided the introduction to the future and the characters of the show. As a pilot for a series it went where no one had gone before and this is what made the powers that be to reject it. Gene Roddenberry didn’t give up and prevailed but a new crew and story was created to get the series started. Rather than waste the Cage he turned it into one of the best episodes of the series, The Menagerie. Both were great episodes. I watched the entire series and Star Trek the Next Generation. The original became more popular in syndication than it was in the original showing. No other show had this happen to it. May Star Trek continue to find fans and mat the original series not be forgotten.

Have never thought to watch TOS bc always considered it too out of my era - growing up on Janeway and Picard. But wow! Just watched it last night and was completely blown away. Of course there's dated effects and set pieces, and the acting resembles the era I'm sure, but it's easy to overlook with how amazing the story is. Great dialogue and acting in parts, great concept, cool otherworldly set and fun practical effects - an excellent overall package.

I Remember when this first aired ? I was 10 years old and loved it.

I've always enjoyed the 'The Cage". It's only a template. As many viewers have noted "The Cage" was a product of its time. It drew heavy inspiration from "Forbidden Planet" that's ok. Captain Pike was always an interesting character to me, and Jeffery Hunter portrayed him like other battle fatigued commanders of that era. I'm glad now that Anson Mount is giving the character more layers. Mr. Spock has obviously NOT been developed into what he was later on. As Nimoy himself noted that Number One's unemotional qualities was given to him and he now had more to work with, especially being 1/3 of Kirk/McCoy. The transporter room sound effects was also very interesting. When we first see it, the landing party is suiting up and we get that 'buzzing noise' of the room? I've always interpreted that to feel like the energy moving around. Just to make my point: The engine room and bridge sounds that came later on. The sound effects of the transporter device activating (warming up) dematerialization was unique. IMHO.

Jeff Hunter was in the 1960 war film Hell to Eternity. A guy on the streets is adopted by a Japanese-American family. His family is sent to an internment camp while he's sent to Japan during World War II. He uses "backstreet Japanese" to communicate with people there.

This is the only episode of original TOS that I was young enough to see its network debut (in 1988). It was a whole event, with Patrick Stewart hosting. Very memorable. I've always loved this ep, but I'm really glad we got Shatner instead of Hunter, and not just because Hunter didn't make it past 1969.

He forgot to tell us there's a fight w a huge giant dude including a spear. He says" no fists," but leaves this out. Imo: it wasn't the story Desi lu hated: it was the budget

Laurel Goodwin yeoman colt was the last surviving member of the cage she recently died in February age 79

This is the star trek at its best....... Simply the best episode in the cannon.

I really enjoyed the cage. Ever since finding the VHS in the video Store was hooked having this as one of my favourite episodes of all the Trek at the time which was literally TOS, TAS ,& the first 2 or 3 seasons of TNG. As a child I found the concept a little creepy & slightly scary! The way realty was being messed about with! 4 out of 5 for me! Also Jeffrey Hunters Captain Pike was my first attempt at Cosplay in high school for Red nose Day.

@0:00 My comment---I was born in 1970 after TOS was taken off the air and in syndicated replays later. I was so glad to see CBS replay the original pilot with Chris Pike and (Majel Barret...Gene future wife)Number 1 and Spock still there as science officer(Edit:The Cage is the only episode to show Spock showing emotions openly) . So glad JJ Abrams really stayed away from this

I loved it it was at the time in the 60’S was phenomenal it was what brought Star Trek to the classics and more 5/5 in my opinion

The fans: Get out all of you. Except you you can stay Spock: Happy

Cerebral until the late 1980s was a term used to describe: lacking in emotion. And it's true- the original pilot is filled with people who repress their emotions, except Spock- how ironic. It is very hard for an audience to connect with characters like that. The second pilot had Kirk who almost as soon as you see him, he smiles and shows warmth towards his officers/friends. That's a huge difference.

Where the hell were the Q? Actually I liked this vid, as you had some valid points. Some of them were addressed when Spock went mental and kidnapped Pike later on in the series in order to save him. Logical, but it pissed off Kirk. They got over it... sort of.

I would give it 4 stars out of 5. Way ahead of its time. Hunter's portrayal of Pike was a bit stiff, as Mount's is too relaxed. I long for something between the two.

I feel this episode is warning us of a future if we continue to spend most of our time in the virtual world. It was mentioned the Brain people stopped building things because they were addicted to illusions

To me The cage is way better than the any other episode

I watched this episode at my cousins’ house after Forbidden Planet because one of them, after watching Forbidden Planet, said they were similar.

how can i watch this full episode? id love to watch all of it, i dont have a CBS or Paramount Account so idk if its on there or not but, id love to find a way to watch this in full...

I enjoyed "The Cage". I wish that Jeffrey Hunter had not passed; I would like to have seen where he, the Talosians, et al., years on would have fared.

The one photo is an original makeup for number one that was rejected. She had green skin, and Vulcan eyebrows. The brows of course went to Spock.

They should have kept the hand motion controls Spock did I liked that.

It ranks up there with The City on the Edge of Forever, 5 star

Mr. Hunter also portrayed my ('nonblood') Uncle Bob. Nope, not telling the movie title. Quite proud though. 🙃

Earth could have found volunteers to go to Talos, the deal would be "if you go to Talos you can't come back to Earth" to protect Earth learning their powers of illusion. If the entire deal is explained to all volunteers, they'd still be sure to get some volunteers from a planet with the population of Earth.

It easy to criticize, I would like to see TREKLAD , the host of this video, in the 60's and create the first Star Trek episode and see his result.

Plot hole. If cooperating with the Talosians was out of the question because "you too would learn our power of illusion and destroy yourselves." Then wouldn't humans living on the surface learn their power of illusion also? The only difference is that one is cooperative and the other involves being subservance.

Question _ why do you keep showing your picture??. Other than that you are doing a good job one these videos.

The network may have called the pilot cerebral because it lacked action. But what it really lacked was a sense of fun. Jeffrey Hunter does a great job with the material. He’s convincing as a captain and holds your attention the whole time. But the character is just too serious to want to watch on a weekly basis. Strange New Worlds reimagined Pike as a much more easygoing and relaxed Captain, owing largely to Anson Mount’s performance. If you watch The Cage and SNW back to back, it’s hard to believe these two are even the same character. Oh and the stuff about test audiences not liking a woman being second in command is supposedly a myth started by Roddenberry who didn’t want it known that viewers simply didn’t like the actress playing her.

She-Hulk smash!

I think the Cage was fantastic especially for 1964 but it still is very good today and after seeing all of the Star Trek that has came out it is still one of the most imaginative episodes. To think that TV executives thought it to cerebral at that time shows that maybe they weren't cerebral enough. A second thought is that the second pilot was also very good Where No Man has Gone Before and I'm pretty certain that George Lucas had seen it with it's plot of people with ESP becoming powerful like the Jedi and Sith in Star Wars.

Susan Oliver was stunning as Vina and very effective. Jeffrey Hunter as Chris Pike was a much more “serious” character than Bill Shatner’s James T. Kirk, and I found him quite refreshing. In fact, The Cage is my favorite episode of Star Trek TOS because it focuses on science over personalities, and I found this quite refreshing. (I did not care that much for The Menagerie and I found its entire plot preposterous.)

I understand why Strange New Worlds didn't use Dr. Boyce, Lt. Tyler, Yeoman Colt, etc. but I just wish they had leaned in rather than relying on connections to the canon version of the show. I just think it was a missed opportunity to give SNW its own identity separate from the original Trek. We don't need Khan's niece or whatever she is AND Uhura AND Chapel AND M'Benga AND Kirk AND Sybok... I just wish they could have done a modern version of this show. I think there's so much potential here

I watched this as my first episode. kind of sad we didn't get the Star Trek that was.

Much still to figure out, but also much already figured out. It's not something else, it's Star Trek.

So which episode is considered canon - "The Cage" or "The Menagerie"?

Its fun to debate who would win between 2 powerful beings (like Superman and Hulk) in a PHYSICAL combat. It might be interesting to see a Talosian take on another very brain powerful being from fiction in a MENTAL or PSYCHIC combat. I wonder how a Talosian would do against YODA in a psychic combat. Or against the Superman villain BRAINIAC in mental combat? I wonder how a Talosian would do in psychic combat against Professor X from X men or Lobo (has incredible will power) from DC comics. Against Freddy Kruger in the dream realm (Nightmare on Elm Street series) its basically a psychic combat but of course if you lose the combat it kills your physical body. I wonder how Freddy would do against a Talosian.

Is it just me, or does everybody think the aliens should be called the butt-heads because THAT is what they look like?

I actually preferred this pilot, to the later one with Kirk, Where no Man has gone before. Part of me wonders though, what if Pike had told the Talosians, Give me all three of the women as mates:)!

The first pilot would have made a better film than an episode of a series.

This is an excellent review, but since you mention minor issues, I'll add one. A laser shouldn't blow a hole in a transparent window. No biggie, because it could've been through a wall, and allowed them to escape. Not a major plot hole. ETA: You missed an opportunity to comment on the best line of the story: "When dreams become more important that reality, you give up travel, building, creating." Ironic (on purpose, I am sure) since that what television is.

Seemed odd to me that they would limit Pike to one female mate. Each female brought different attributes. Would it not have been better to have both sets of attributes?

So pretty much The Matrix except a cage instead of a pod🤔🤔🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

I wish Brave New Worlds would have followed immediately from The Cage. Missed opportunity.

I give the cage a 5 out of 5 due to it being beyond its time. Great break down and Christopher Pike is a super captain. My favorite captain of all the Treks.

I couldn’t get past Vina’s acting. Her facial expressions make me laugh so hard.. on the planet when she’s interacting with Pike, she hears a roar, makes a face and runs away 😂😂

Sadly Hunter died in 1969 at age 42.

I always thought it stereo typical, of the 99% American crew, that their solution to opening the Talosians' elevator door, was to first blast it with one laser pistol and then, when that failed, blast it with three laser pistols. After a conference, back on the ship, where the typically American consensus is, "We need a bigger gun!!", they return with an artillery piece laser cannon.

Pike does have introspection. His sexist comment about women serving on the bridge shows his rigid & outdated views, likely reinforced from his reported religious beliefs. And yet, he goes on to show remarkable self-awareness later in the episode, recognizing that it is his very perspective on women needing strong male protection that his captors are trying to exploit. This forces the character to grow beyond his outdated sexist views. (Even if the show didn't intend this when writing the episode...) I can't believe that Dr. Boyce isn't going to be on Strange New Worlds. His character was absolutely the standout in The Cage. What a missed opportunity.

Majel Barrett’s character of number one wasn’t dropped from the second pilot because she didn’t “test well” with audiences. She was dropped because she was Gene Roddenberry’s girlfriend and it was known she was having an affair with him. The execs told him point blank that “you cat pit your girlfriend in the show. That’s why she showed up later in the first season with blond hair as Nurse Chapel instead of as the same character. The reason the uniforms were so short on the women was Roddenberry. He insisted they be that way. Gene had affairs with other cast members too. Star Trek was a great show and it was Genes vision but he was a very misogynistic person. Goes with the times I guess.

To me, it seemed to be an exploration of the ethics of science, the struggles of religion, the mental warfare of the Cold War, the dynamic between our conceptions of civilisation and barbarity, and the pleasures of sexuality. All overlapping like waves upon themselves in a psychedelic sci-fi adventure. It was, indeed, very cerebral... then again, I'm a neo-hippie... whatever that means lol

Amazing how a guy who talks like Austin Powers, would complain about “campy eroticism” in the 1960s.

Pike was a smarter, more dramatic Kirk.

U need a ton more content sir

I think the "reviewer, critic" of this story, must be a younger person with brain rot from watching too many "modern" TV shows and movies. Today one could go into a seizer from the fast paced cgi scenes flickering into their brains that take up 70 to 90% of a show that has only 10 minutes of actual story. Imagination and story telling has all been replaced by "The Message" The only real Star Trek had a hint of messages in it's stories too sometimes, but they were cleverly written.

It's Jeff bezos starring as the alien

She couldn’t go with her own kind because she’s disfigured? I would think plastic surgery would be far more advanced in the future. Instead she chooses the illusion of beauty over being with her own kind? What kind of message was that for women watching the show? Deny everything for an illusion of beauty?

Everything is a product of its time, just look at the Star Wars sequels.

Hated The Cage episode. Pike and crew (apart from the shitty slap head doctor) were great, particularly having a woman as first officer. Totally ahead of the curve.

ironically Majel Barrett tested poorly with female audiences.

A huge potential wasted by the studio 👎🏽