Where No Man Has Gone Before (S01E01)
Airdate: September 22nd 1966
Written by: Samuel L. Peeples
Directed by: James Goldstone
Running Time: 43 minutes
The enduring legacy of Star Trek is often attributed to its groundbreaking themes and innovative storytelling, but it is equally rooted in the show's legendary and tumultuous beginnings. The original pilot episode, titled The Cage, was produced in 1964 but ultimately rejected by NBC executives. This initial failure could have spelled doom for the series, yet the footage was later repurposed into the two-part episode The Menagerie and finally made available in its full form in 1988.
Fortunately, NBC executives were sufficiently impressed with The Cage to not abandon the project entirely. Instead, they ordered a second pilot, which became Where No Man Has Gone Before. This episode was accepted by the network and allowed for the production and airing of the series. However, despite its status as a de facto pilot, it was not presented as the premiere episode; instead, it aired as the third episode of the series. This decision may stem from the nature of its predecessors—The Man Trap and Charlie X—which leaned more towards horror elements and aligned with the expectations of 1960s audiences who were accustomed to B-production science fiction films. In contrast, Where No Man Has Gone Before was laden with exposition and what network executives deemed "cerebral" content, potentially alienating casual viewers.
The plot of Where No Man Has Gone Before, set in 2265 AD according to later trekkies, begins with the USS Enterprise recovering a disaster recorder from the SS Valiant, an Earth ship that mysteriously vanished two centuries prior. Captain Kirk orders an investigation and leads his crew to the edge of the Milky Way galaxy. It is revealed that the SS Valiant self-destructed after its crew was affected by strange phenomena related to extra-sensory perception (ESP). The USS Enterprise encounters a bizarre energy field that severely damages the ship, resulting in fatalities among the crew. Two other officers affected but survive: Lieutenant Commander Garry Mitchell (played by Gary Lockwood) and psychiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Dehner (played by Sally Kellerman). While Dehner emerges relatively unscathed, Mitchell suffers injuries that awaken latent ESP abilities within him. As he rapidly develops god-like powers, he becomes increasingly intoxicated by his newfound abilities, viewing his fellow crew members as mere nuisances. This leads to a conflict where Spock argues for Mitchell's elimination, while Kirk devises a plan to maroon him on Delta Vega.
As is common with many television pilots from the 1960s, Where No Man Has Gone Before exhibits a disregard for continuity. Numerous details would later require changes or retcons in subsequent episodes. For instance, characters are depicted wearing slightly different uniforms; Kirk's middle initial is inconsistently presented as "R." rather than "T." Additionally, Doctor Piper (played by Paul Fix) serves as Chief Medical Officer instead of "Bones" McCoy, while Yeoman Smith (played by Andrea Dromm) replaces Yeoman Rand—who would later become a regular character in Season 1.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this episode is that Samuel L. Peeples' script feels remarkably fresh and original despite certain similarities to Charlie X. The narrative structure is more effective; it begins with a classic scientific mystery as protagonists grapple with unknown phenomena before transitioning into an action-oriented second half that showcases Kirk's confrontation with his former friend turned god-like adversary. However, this latter section is somewhat weaker due to an unconvincing alien planet set and subpar stunt double work.
Despite these shortcomings, the episode succeeds largely due to stellar performances from William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Shatner's portrayal of Kirk balances leadership qualities with emotional depth, while Nimoy's Spock receives further character development that elucidates Vulcan logic and emotional suppression. Notably, this episode also formally introduces Montgomery "Scotty" Scott (played by James Doohan) and Sulu (played by George Takei) as integral members of the crew.
The guest cast enhances the episode's impact; Gary Lockwood delivers a compelling performance as Mitchell, showcasing a range that contrasts sharply with his later and more famous role as Dr. Frank Poole in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Sally Kellerman's portrayal of Dr. Dehner transcends typical depictions of female characters in science fiction at the time, presenting her as an intellectual force rather than mere eye candy.
Despite its technical limitations and somewhat dated appearance when viewed through a contemporary lens, Where No Man Has Gone Before remains a successful episode worthy of recommendation—even for those who may not be particularly enamoured with early Star Trek history. The episode deftly explores complex themes through engaging character interactions and moral quandaries while introducing audiences to iconic characters who would become staples of popular culture. Its blend of action and philosophical inquiry ensures that it remains relevant even decades after its initial airing, solidifying its place within the pantheon of science fiction classics.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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