With this solid two-part episode, series creator / writer Gene Roddenberry was able to re-visit the original un-aired pilot, 'The Cage', and make the story part of the official canon. The set-up has Spock following his own personal agenda, behaving in a way that runs counter to his very pragmatic, logical Vulcan half. He kidnaps the former Enterprise captain, Christopher Pike (Sean Kenney, "Terminal Island"), now a scarred invalid, and assumes control of the ship, forcing it to travel to Talos IV, a planet that is usually forbidden to *everybody*. Then Spock allows himself to be arrested, fully ready to accept punishment for what he's done.
This is a good set-up, delivering a healthy back story utilizing ample archive footage from 'The Cage', in which Jeffrey Hunter ("The Searchers") played Pike. Due to some mysterious transmissions which the ship is able to access, we see the tale of the previous expedition to Talos IV, and the beginnings of what fatefully happened to the landing party. It's a wonderful set-up that knows how to leave the viewer hanging, and eager to see the second part of this episode. It's also great to see Spock taking centre stage, as he follows his plan step by step, and presenting his case in a matter of fact way (not that we expect any less from him). He is definitely aware of the consequences - not only to him, but to Kirk - but clearly has the strength of his convictions.
If one is like this viewer and not has yet seen 'The Cage', 'The Menagerie: Part I' does whet their curiosity. It's a well-written, well-acted episode that presents to the audience a potentially dire outcome: the typical punishment for daring to venture to Talos IV is *death*. So the stakes are high, and the level of anticipation is palpable. 'The Menagerie: Part I' also allows the viewer to see some fine supporting performances from 'The Cage': Hunter, Majel Barrett as First Officer "Number One", and top character actor John Hoyt ("When Worlds Collide") as ships' doctor Phil Boyce.
Eight out of 10.
This is a good set-up, delivering a healthy back story utilizing ample archive footage from 'The Cage', in which Jeffrey Hunter ("The Searchers") played Pike. Due to some mysterious transmissions which the ship is able to access, we see the tale of the previous expedition to Talos IV, and the beginnings of what fatefully happened to the landing party. It's a wonderful set-up that knows how to leave the viewer hanging, and eager to see the second part of this episode. It's also great to see Spock taking centre stage, as he follows his plan step by step, and presenting his case in a matter of fact way (not that we expect any less from him). He is definitely aware of the consequences - not only to him, but to Kirk - but clearly has the strength of his convictions.
If one is like this viewer and not has yet seen 'The Cage', 'The Menagerie: Part I' does whet their curiosity. It's a well-written, well-acted episode that presents to the audience a potentially dire outcome: the typical punishment for daring to venture to Talos IV is *death*. So the stakes are high, and the level of anticipation is palpable. 'The Menagerie: Part I' also allows the viewer to see some fine supporting performances from 'The Cage': Hunter, Majel Barrett as First Officer "Number One", and top character actor John Hoyt ("When Worlds Collide") as ships' doctor Phil Boyce.
Eight out of 10.