In the world of “Trek”, Pike is one of the first captains of the Enterprise, successor to the ship’s first captain, Robert April, and immediate predecessor to James T. Kirk. Gene Roddenberry, creator of “Star Trek” pike considered as a captain who, though skilled and capable, struggled with “self-doubt and the loneliness of command.”
This and more was portrayed by Jeffrey Hunter in the original series’ initial pilot episode, “The Cage.” When we first meet the Captain, he has become very disappointed with his responsibilities on the Enterprise. “I’m tired of deciding which mission is too risky and which isn’t,” growls Hunter-Pike in an early scene, “and who lives… and who dies.” He even has his mind to quit – that is, until he, his science officer Spock (Leonard Nimoy, of course) and the number one first officer (Majel Barrett) encounter a race of telepathic beings. on the planet Talos IV.
Hunter-Pike is naturally prickly when abducted (and later experimented on) by the Talosians. The actor’s performance is entirely on par with that of his set-chewing contemporaries: there’s no shortage of bluster or bravado in his portrayal of Pike. It’s not perfect – in fact, it may have been a little too “stiff” for NBC’s liking – but it’s almost endearing that Hunter took the material so seriously. Its gruff, no-nonsense captain was an unlikely fit for alien hijinks in “Star Trek.” Hunter seemed just as taken aback by the Talosians as audiences might be watching the series for the first time, and that made him a great entry point for casual viewers.
