Warning: This article contains spoilers for Strange New World's "Subspace Rhapsody"
Summary
In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Kirk and Pike exhibit a deeper level of familiarity and mutual respect than what was implied in the original series. The captivating episode "Subspace Rhapsody" portrays Kirk's sincere desire to learn from Pike and the exceptional crew, showcasing his relentless ambition to become an esteemed captain.
Despite Pike not grooming Kirk as the future Enterprise captain, Kirk highly appreciates the knowledge he acquires through observing and collaborating with the entire crew of the Enterprise. In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the dynamics between Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) and Lt. James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley) have undergone a transformation. In "The Menagerie," a two-part episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, Captain Kirk (William Shatner) mentions that he encountered Captain Pike when Pike received the promotion to Fleet Captain. This consistent narrative continues in Strange New Worlds, where Pike meets the Prime Universe version of Kirk for the first time in "Lost in Translation," coinciding with Pike's temporary promotion to Fleet Captain.
The way Kirk discusses Pike in "The Menagerie" implies unfamiliarity, but Strange New Worlds challenges this notion. In the extraordinary musical episode "Subspace Rhapsody," Kirk doesn't spend much time with Pike, but rather collaborates with other crew members. Nevertheless, Kirk, through song, expresses that he is acquiring captaincy skills from Pike and the Enterprise crew. Despite only meeting twice, Pike and Kirk have developed a level of familiarity surpassing what TOS initially insinuated.
Strange New Worlds’ Musical Retcons Kirk & Pike’s Star Trek Canon
Although Star Trek: Strange New Worlds generally remains faithful to established Star Trek canon, there are a few instances in which it deviates from the original. Characters may encounter each other or acquire certain knowledge earlier than they did in the original timeline. Nevertheless, the show provides ample opportunities to offer plausible explanations for these apparent discrepancies. In the episode titled "Subspace Rhapsody," Lieutenant Kirk boards the Enterprise to assist Number One (Rebecca Romijn) prior to his official promotion as the First Officer of the USS Farragut. In an unconventional approach, Una imparts her most significant advice to Kirk through a melodic performance, emphasizing the importance of forging strong connections within his crew and cultivating an authentic leadership style.
Over the course of the episode, Kirk collaborates with Una, Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong), and his brother, Sam Kirk (Dan Jeannotte). In Strange New Worlds, Kirk's presence on the Enterprise is more extensive than suggested in TOS. He has developed a certain familiarity and respect for Captain Pike, with whom he maintains a cordial relationship, if not outright friendship. Kirk's address of Pike by his first name in TOS' "The Menagerie" implies a level of familiarity, making it strange that Kirk would imply they had only met once.
Strange New Worlds’ Musical Partly Confirms Star Trek’s Biggest Kirk & Pike Theory
Although Captain Pike may not be directly grooming Kirk to take over the Enterprise, Kirk eagerly seeks wisdom from both Pike and his crew. In the grand finale of "Subspace Rhapsody," Kirk vocalizes his appreciation, singing, "I must acknowledge where credit's due. If I ascend to captaincy, it's all thanks to each and every one of you." Kirk diligently observes and absorbs knowledge from various members of the Enterprise team, not exclusively limiting his learning to Captain Pike. While Kirk certainly aims to command, it remains uncertain if he aspires specifically for the Enterprise, or if Pike envisions him as a potential successor.
"Subspace Rhapsody" serves as a pivotal episode for character growth, where various characters are given the opportunity to shine. James Kirk, eager to become a captain, recognizes that his experience aboard the Enterprise will greatly contribute to his development as an officer. Despite not being directly mentored by Captain Pike, Kirk undeniably learns valuable lessons from him throughout the episode, which he will carry with him into his future role as captain. Although Star Trek: Strange New Worlds may be reimagining the history between Captain Christopher Pike and James T. Kirk, Kirk now has the privilege of learning from some of Starfleet's finest officers.
