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 - Again the first episode of Star trek and more.That's a special and more (review) of the beginning of Star Trek. I like this. Rating: - As good as a Star Trek movie!In addition to being a great double episode, this one thus becomes an early "Star Trek Movie," and a darned good one too! I gleaned some of the following information (edited and mixed with my own comments) from Wikipedia for the benefit of consumers here. Here we get to see the ORIGINAL Captain of the Starship Enterprise, Jeffrey Hunter, who played the role of Captain Pike. Hunter wasn't nearly as theatrical and overdramatic as William Shatner, who ended up in the role of Captain James T. Kirk, but would have, in my opinion, been equally great for the entire series had he stayed on board. Part one of the two-part episode was broadcast on November 17, 1966 with the second part broadcast a week later on November 24, 1966. Here, Spock has to trick Captain Kirk and essentially commit treason in taking the Enterprise to the forbidden Planet, Talos IV. At his trial for that infraction, Captain Pike, a man unable to move or speak except through an electronic device, ultimately reveals the story behind Spock's bizarre deception. New filming took place for the framing story for "The Cage," the Star Trek pilot film which Gene Roddenberry shrewdly utilized in the production of this episode. Since actor Jeffrey Hunter was unavailable to reprise his role as Captain Pike, a look-alike actor, Sean Kenney, played the injured captain in the new scenes of "The Menagerie". Sadly, in 1969, while flying back to the U.S. from Spain after filming "Viva America!," Jeffrey Hunter suffered the signs of a stroke. After recovering at a hospital in Los Angeles, he suffered another stroke while at home, causing a fall and a skull fracture. He died the following day from his injuries and was ultimately interred in the Glen Haven Memorial Park cemetery in Sylmar, California. In summary, while this double episode is NOT representative of the typical Star Trek program, it's still a superb entry and any fan of science fiction television would much enjoy this intriguing and coherent story. You don't have to be a Trekkie to "get it". Rating: - As good as I rememberLike many middle aged Americans, I grew up on a steady diet of STAR TREK, Laugh In, Johnny Quest and others too numerous to mention. Not everything is as good to me now as I remember. But this episode is pure gold. I believe the older episode within the newer episode was the pilot. I hope that my kids will have a show or two that when they reach my age, will be as good as they remember. Like this is for me. Rating:  - Recycled pilot still entertainsGene Roddenberry conceived these episodes to utilize footage from the costly first Star Trek pilot, which had been considered too cerebral by the network. Now that it is possible to view "The Cage" in its intended version, there is really no reason for these episodes anymore. Of course, no one could know that then, and for many years this was the only way that fine pilot could be seen in any form. The framing story, in which Spock (Leonard Nimoy) risks court martial to return his disfigured former captain (Jeffrey Hunter) to Talos IV, is frequently awkward. However, it does provide a plausible pretext for strong conflict between the main characters and a touching send-off for the former captain of the Enterprise, Christopher Pike. Rating: - The Best Episodes of Season One!These are by far the best 2 episodes of the first season and as such are must haves if you are picking and choosing which volumes to collect. Incorporating footage from "The Cage", the very first Star Trek pilot featuring Cpt Christopher Pike as captain of the Enterprise, the quality of the acting is very good and Jeffrey Hunter shows just what a great actor he was in this role. Not only do these episodes rank among the best Trek episodes ever, they also rank among the best science fiction episodes ever. This is a must have for any sci-fi fan's video library. Very highly recommended.
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