CBS All Access' serialized "Star Trek: Discovery" might be as polarizing as the current strand of "Star Wars", "Doctor Who" and CW's "Supergirl", if not for folks having to pay for it. (Too many already shell out for far too little. Why add another pay station in an endless line of the unwatched?) On the other hand, it appears that some might be deterring the series due to its reputed ambiguity of which universe it should occupy, not to mention where it falls in any given timeline.
With that said, any such controversy stemming from "Discovery'"s design and purpose must wait for another post. This one will focus on Captain Christopher Pike's return to the franchise.
For the sake of "Discovery", Pike is now portrayed by Anson "Hell On Wheels" Mount. (Mount had a cut-way-too-short run as Black Bolt on ABC/Marvel's "Inhumans". Damn shame...) Anyway, Mount has the right look and demeanor for Pike. It comes through in "Discovery'"s sequel season teaser.
Pike was established by actor, Jeffrey "King of Kings" Hunter, who'd have continued as classic "Star Trek'"s lead, if not for his wife objecting to the show's science-fiction content, inspiring Gene Roddenberry's switch to Bill Shatner's James T. Kirk.
Hunter's portrayal, which resonates with identifiable depth in "The Cage" and its modified, Kirk/Spock wraparound edition, "The Menagerie", set the standard for Pike, and since such time, Sean "the Corpse Grinders" Kenney (in mute form) and Bruce "Nowhere Man" Greenwood (in J.J. Abrams' alternate-reality, theatrical track) have portrayed the Enterprise NCC-1701's first captain.
It's odd that a long-term series hasn't been done on Pike. (Some would argue that it's as baffling that a Captain Sulu series hasn't surfaced, since it seemed a given after George Takei's flashback appearance on "Voyager".) Who knows? This "Discovery" deal could spawn an extended Pike trek, perhaps.
I only hope for Pike's sake (just as I hope for the proposed Patrick Stewart/Captain Picard spin-off) that CBS doesn't muck it up. Mount can pull this off, but if his exposure goes skimpy or against the grain (and knowing CBS, these are grim possibilities), a historic opportunity will be lost. That would be as bad as if Pike's re-entry hadn't come at all--no, make that worse.
Oh, well, fingers crossed...
("Star Trek: Discovery, Season 2" premieres Thurs, Jan 17.)
Captain Pike's return in "Star Trek: Discovery" is a nostalgic treat for fans, breathing new life into the beloved character with Anson Mount's charismatic portrayal. His presence adds depth and resonance to the series, honoring the spirit of the original Star Trek universe.
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