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	1966: Second Chances "The Cage" was rejected by NBC, but the story is not over. NBC execs liked the show a lot. The pilot ran 65 minutes, and during the lights-out show, many commented that they actually believed they are in outer space... The first reaction was that this was the most fantastic piece of television work they have even seen. In fact, they said it was too good for television. EVERYONE who saw it loved it, but nonetheless, it was rejected. The main reason given was the episode is too cerebral, and in hindsight, Gene agreed. He had promised action-adventure, but the episode ended up with though control, dream fantasy sequence, and various other things. NBC also find many of the crew castings objectionable, especially Mr.Spock. He was told "Remember, we have a big religious group in this country, and those pointed ears look too much like the devil." However, NBC also found fault with their original decision to pick "The Cage" as the story to film. In a totally unprecedented move (and so far never repeated), NBC asked for a SECOND pilot. They know that they have a good thing, and they want more. This time, they want three complete scripts to approve. A few changes were made in the cast. Number One, ship's executive officer, will be removed, for the TV audience is not yet ready for a female in command position. Gene transferred her cold emotionless personality to Mr.Spock instead, and the actress, Majel Barrett, was retained as Nurse Christine Chapel. Three scripts were submitted. Omega Glory by Gene Roddenberry, Mudd's Women by Stephen Kandel, and Where No Man Has Gone Before by Samuel A. Peeples. The last one was chosen by NBC. Jeffrey Hunter, who played Captain Pike, was not available this time, and William Shatner is hired to take his place as Captain James Kirk. Production of Star Trek has always been costly, since it is special effects heavy. Most films at the time use one optical effects every other episode. Star Trek uses about 20 every episode. The production crew invented new ways to create optical effects so they can stay within budget, as well as many other cost-cutting measures. The second pilot took ten months and $330,000 (overbudget) to finish, and it was finally delivered to NBC in January 1966. Finally the decision from New York came in the middle of February, 1966. Star Trek will be a part of the 1966 Fall NBC lineup in September. Production on other episodes began immediately. During the 1966 Labor Day weekend, Star Trek was shown at the Cleveland, Ohio Tricon, that year's World Science Fiction Convention. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. The audience was almost ready to carry Gene out of the room on their shoulders. It was a good start. To learn more See Classic Trek section, such as Judy Fabian's TOS. Back to Top of Page Start of an era First Pilot Episode

1966: Second Chances

"The Cage" was rejected by NBC, but the story is not over. NBC execs liked the show a lot. The pilot ran 65 minutes, and during the lights-out show, many commented that they actually believed they are in outer space... The first reaction was that this was the most fantastic piece of television work they have even seen. In fact, they said it was too good for television. EVERYONE who saw it loved it, but nonetheless, it was rejected.

The main reason given was the episode is too cerebral, and in hindsight, Gene agreed. He had promised action-adventure, but the episode ended up with though control, dream fantasy sequence, and various other things.

NBC also find many of the crew castings objectionable, especially Mr.Spock. He was told "Remember, we have a big religious group in this country, and those pointed ears look too much like the devil." However, NBC also found fault with their original decision to pick "The Cage" as the story to film.

In a totally unprecedented move (and so far never repeated), NBC asked for a SECOND pilot. They know that they have a good thing, and they want more. This time, they want three complete scripts to approve.

A few changes were made in the cast. Number One, ship's executive officer, will be removed, for the TV audience is not yet ready for a female in command position. Gene transferred her cold emotionless personality to Mr.Spock instead, and the actress, Majel Barrett, was retained as Nurse Christine Chapel.

Three scripts were submitted. Omega Glory by Gene Roddenberry, Mudd's Women by Stephen Kandel, and Where No Man Has Gone Before by Samuel A. Peeples. The last one was chosen by NBC. Jeffrey Hunter, who played Captain Pike, was not available this time, and William Shatner is hired to take his place as Captain James Kirk.

Production of Star Trek has always been costly, since it is special effects heavy. Most films at the time use one optical effects every other episode. Star Trek uses about 20 every episode. The production crew invented new ways to create optical effects so they can stay within budget, as well as many other cost-cutting measures.

The second pilot took ten months and $330,000 (overbudget) to finish, and it was finally delivered to NBC in January 1966.

Finally the decision from New York came in the middle of February, 1966. Star Trek will be a part of the 1966 Fall NBC lineup in September. Production on other episodes began immediately.

During the 1966 Labor Day weekend, Star Trek was shown at the Cleveland, Ohio Tricon, that year's World Science Fiction Convention. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. The audience was almost ready to carry Gene out of the room on their shoulders. It was a good start.

To learn more

See Classic Trek section, such as Judy Fabian's TOS.

Back to Top of Page

Start of an era First Pilot Episode