Exploring Gary Mitchell: The First Star Trek Villain Faced by Kirk
Unveiling the enigmatic character of Gary Mitchell: Was he a friend turned foe in Star Trek's narrative?
Gary Lockwood played the role of Lieutenant Gary Mitchell in the second pilot episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, titled "Where No Man Has Gone Before." He served as the helmsman on the USS Enterprise alongside Captain James T. Kirk (played by William Shatner). Mitchell's approachable demeanor allowed him to build strong relationships with his fellow crew members, reflecting Kirk's preference for a more relaxed command style. Lockwood's previous collaboration with Star Trek's creator and producer Gene Roddenberry on the TV series The Lieutenant directly led to his casting as Gary Mitchell in Star Trek.
In the successful second pilot episode, "Where No Man Has Gone Before," Lieutenant Commander Gary Mitchell gradually acquired incredible powers after the Enterprise passed through an energy barrier at the edge of the galaxy. This event triggered Mitchell's heightened ESP readings, transforming him from a well-liked crew member into a dangerous threat. As Kirk struggled to balance his loyalty to Mitchell with the safety of his crew, Gary's expanding psionic abilities resulted in violence, growing animosity, and ultimately his downfall at the hands of Kirk and Dr. Elizabeth Dehner (played by Sally Kellerman). Lockwood's portrayal of the unfortunate and amiable Starfleet helmsman provides viewers with a deeper understanding of Kirk's first adversary in Star Trek.
The episode title, "Where No Man Has Gone Before," is also the final phrase in Star Trek' s opening voice-over sequence.
Who Was Gary Mitchell In Star Trek: TOS?
Star Trek: The Original Series first aired between 1966-1969.
Star Trek The Original Series, Where No Man Has Gone Before. Gary Lockwood as Gary Mitchell. USS Enterprise. - Star Trek: The Original Series first aired between 1966-1969. - Who Was Gary Mitchell In Star Trek: TOS?
Lt. Commander Gary Mitchell had a personal connection to the early USS Enterprise, being Captain Kirk's best friend. Their friendship began in the 2250s after Mitchell joined Starfleet Academy. In "Where No Man Has Gone Before," Mitchell recalls the warnings about Kirk's class. The episode is enhanced by the natural chemistry between Lockwood and Shatner, evoking a strong sense of loss at the end.
Gary Lockwood, originally born as John Gary Yurosek, started his career as a stunt cowboy in Hollywood before transitioning to acting. He is most famous for his roles as Gary Mitchell in Star Trek and Frank Poole in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Throughout his successful career in film and television, Lockwood had the opportunity to work with renowned Hollywood icons such as Stanley Kubrick, Jane Fonda, Anthony Perkins, and Elvis Presley, among others. His television credits include popular shows like Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, and Mission: Impossible.
In addition to Gary Lockwood, other regular cast members of Star Trek: The Original Series, such as Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, Leonard Nimoy, and Majel Barrett, also appeared in Gene Roddenberry's The Lieutenant.
Gary Mitchell Can Appear In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds began filming for season 3 in December 2023.
Star Trek Strange New Worlds James T. Kirk and Star Trek TOS' Gary Mitchell - Star Trek: Strange New Worlds began filming for season 3 in December 2023. - Gary Mitchell Can Appear In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a series that directly stems from Star Trek: Discovery, showcasing the voyages of the USS Enterprise led by Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount). This prequel delves into the time period before Captain Kirk's tenure in Star Trek: The Original Series. Currently, the production of Strange New Worlds season 3 is underway, with the show gradually introducing familiar (yet younger) characters from The Original Series such as Lt. Spock (Ethan Peck), Ensign Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding), Lt. Montgomery "Scotty" Scott (Martin Quinn), and Lieutenant James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley).
Gary Mitchell's story came to an abrupt end in Star Trek's second pilot when he was buried under a giant rock on Delta Vega. However, in Strange New Worlds season 3, there is potential to introduce a younger Gary Mitchell and explore his friendship with Kirk further.
With Paul Wesley's Lieutenant Kirk as the First Officer of the USS Farragut, the show could dive into the backstory of their relationship. For example, away missions on planets like Dimorus could showcase moments where Gary Mitchell risked his life to save Kirk, such as taking a poisonous dart intended for him.
Bringing back Gary Mitchell could add depth to his character, making him more well-rounded and his fate in Star Trek even more tragic. The possibilities for exploring this dynamic in Strange New Worlds season 3 are exciting for fans of the franchise.
Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds are available for streaming on Paramount+.
Editor's P/S:
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the character Gary Mitchell in Star Trek: The Original Series, showcasing his role in the iconic second pilot episode, "Where No Man Has Gone Before." The author effectively highlights the character's transformation from a beloved crew member to a dangerous threat, emphasizing the complexities of Kirk's loyalty and the tragic downfall of Mitchell. The article also explores the potential for Mitchell's reappearance in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, offering intriguing possibilities for further character development and exploration of his relationship with Kirk.
Overall, the article serves as an informative and engaging piece for both long-time fans of Star Trek and those new to the franchise. It effectively captures the essence of Mitchell's character, his impact on the series, and the potential for his legacy to continue in future installments.
