Sci-Fi History: Star Trek (1966)

The network panned the original Star Trek pilot, but commissioned a second. By this point, Jeffrey Hunter bowed out and was replaced by William Shatner. In fact, only Leonard Nimoy returned from the original pilot. The new pilot was more action packed and was picked up. The Original Series lasted three seasons and recounted the adventures of the Starship Enterprise. The show tackled many topics other shows avoided. The episodes made it past the censors because they took place in outer space. Star Trek dealt with not only science fiction topics such as eugenics, but the Vietnam War, Cold War, racism, and other hot button issues. The show was cancelled after three years, but revived in reruns leading to a successful film franchise and several spin off TV shows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdjL8WXjlGI

Sci-Fi History: Star Trek The Cage (1965)

Gene Roddenberry promised NBC a “Wagon Train to the stars” and delivered a pilot for Star Trek. The initial episode starred Jeffrey Hunter as Captain Christopher Pike. In the episode, Pike is captured by Talosians who have mastered the art of illusion. Their powers worked as a narcotic and the addicts lived vicariously through other species as their world died. The Talosians hoped to enslave Pike and another human to save their society and species. NBC brass thought the pilot too cerebral and ordered another pilot. Hunter would not return, so Roddenberry turned to William Shatner and Pike became James T. Kirk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4crko7wIbpw

Christopher Pike timeline

Christopher Pike (2219-2320)

Born: 2219

2228: Moved to Elysium

2231: Mother and stepfather died in a wildfire on Elysium

2236: SS Columbia crashes on Talos IV with one survivor

2237: Enters academy

2241: Graduated top of his class at Starfleet Academy & served on Olympus

2246: First officer aboard USS Aldrin. He relieved the captain of duty when his commanding officer threatened to start a war.  He was promoted to commander and reassigned to the USS York.

2246-51: Served aboard the York, Enterprise as first officer, and on the Yorktown as its commander.

2251: Assumes command of USS Enterprise

2254: First meets his Klingon nemesis Kaaj.

2254: Incident at Rigel VII

2254: Caged by Talosians on Talos IV

2257: Enterprise begins another 5 year mission

2260: Pike reports on Orion slave trade shocking the quadrant

2262: Held captive by the Kan’ess.

2264: Promoted to Fleet Captain

2265: Surrenders command to James T Kirk

2266-7: Severely injured in training exercise. Spock takes Pike to live on Talos IV free of physical restraints.

2320: Pike dies on Talos IV

By 24^th century, a city on Cestus III and a medal of valor had been named for him.