Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – How One Big Change Saved Captain Pike!
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Why the Original Captain Pike Wouldn't Have Worked!
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a huge hit; and this is really surprising considering the show's very interesting premise and reliance on its overall storyline and cast; showcasing a retro-styled show using various characters with different levels of experience! It's all thanks to Anson Mount's take on Captain Christopher Pike. This character, who originally debuted in Star Trek: Discovery season 2, has become so beloved that it caused widespread anticipation regarding an eventual sequel which only grew over time until Strange New Worlds' creation. But let's rewind, this wasn't the first Pike! He first showed up in that original Star Trek two-parter (“The Menagerie”), but he wouldn’t work nearly as well in this new setting, a surprisingly controversial viewpoint considering that some aspects in Mount’s character are very similar. Let’s be clear – what exactly makes them so different? There was more than just a subtle alteration!
The original Pike (played by Jeffrey Hunter) was originally intended to BE the main character in the initial Star Trek pilot (“The Cage”). Yet that pilot got rejected, leaving Pike as a sort of important historical footnote – he commanded the Enterprise before Kirk. And though this character remains important, we see many significant differences in the original Pike’s portrayal versus Mount’s; this changed several critical aspects and the resulting portrayal became the defining factor which generated immense fan-love; despite that previous negative response.
The Original Pike vs. Strange New Worlds' Pike: A Temperamental Difference!
Jeffrey Hunter's Pike? Very different from Mount's. Hunter's Pike was intensely austere; never really letting his guard down in front of his crew, an extremely tense portrayal. You wouldn’t really expect Hunter's Pike to have dinners with his crew. Mount's Pike however is much more relatable and much more personable, that friendly, totally open demeanour becomes very evident.
Strange New Worlds’ Pike is completely approachable and welcoming and easily makes those close connections with others; showcasing that this new take has these inherent qualities necessary to become easily popular; making Pike much more open and honest, thus instantly endearing; completely changing those previously perceived traits of Hunter’s Pike’s behavior, as some critical character flaws became strengths instead; further showcasing that these characters would've been inherently different due to these initial differences in the writers' character design!
Pike and Kirk: More Alike Than Different!
While vastly different; Pike and Kirk share important traits! Those two captains both share the joy found in commanding the Enterprise and believe its best strength resides in those who work together in the ship – its crew, showing a deep understanding and appreciation for its personnel! Pike is far more collaborative, and Kirk is willing to go into greater amounts of risk; those very crucial aspects differentiate how both behave under difficult and surprising moments; further showing just why both deserve those spots they had initially earned.
“The Cage” got described as "too cerebral", so Gene Roddenberry revamped things; adding Kirk's dynamic leadership– that proved amazing! Strange New Worlds copied that formula; taking that already successful template to ensure an instantly popular show which also allows for flexibility! Those serious storylines are balanced well; and Mount’s Pike can easily transition to a serious and even somewhat somber state when danger looms but readily shifts his style when more lighthearted interactions appear.
How Much Did Strange New Worlds Change the Original Pike?
Hunter was amazing, no doubt! However, his Pike lacked Mount's hopeful, optimistic style; an incredibly vital factor which greatly affects the public's viewership. The show cleverly did not totally change Pike's story— he still has that terrible future with paralysis and disfigurement following an accident— the only major and really impacting factor.
This show smartly integrates those events already stated. His foreknowledge of that tragic fate fundamentally transforms his character: He becomes this profoundly amazing heroic figure fighting through these deeply set difficulties while holding tight to his hopefulness and keeping those who matter to him completely safe, and providing his very supportive, optimistic outlook to the crew around him. Knowing the potential results gives that added tragedy and heroic depth and a significant change to this existing established portrayal, a very nuanced decision regarding the overall changes compared to the original character's description.
Conclusion: A Perfect Pike for a New Era of Star Trek
Hunter's Pike was fine, but only showed a single aspect that could've been greatly improved. Mount’s Pike has much-needed modern sensibilities which are largely improved through those specific alterations: this modernized Pike is perfect for this new show; his more approachable demeanour completely changes those potentially initially unlikeable aspects and made for that highly enjoyable show! His modernized portrayal becomes that key factor.
The show cleverly maintains Pike’s original narrative arc; using previously mentioned information surrounding prior character details; cleverly showing that Strange New Worlds’ Pike isn’t exactly rewriting, but smartly adapting for this contemporary take of the Star Trek universe. And he showcases what is important— the significance and importance behind a modernized protagonist using all the essential traits needed for immediate relatability and impact on an existing and deeply well-established fanbase which ultimately helped ensure this show’s ongoing success and critical acceptance from multiple sources.
