Unveiling the Untold Secrets: Everything You Need to Know About Star Trek’s Captain Pike Before 'Strange New Worlds'

Summary

Captain Pike's history and future have been explored in Star Trek, revealing his time at Starfleet Academy, his home in Montana, and his relationship with Captain Marie Batel.

Pike's role as a test pilot and security officer preceded his appointment as the Captain of the USS Enterprise, highlighting the range of his abilities and background.

His connection with Number One and Lieutenant Spock was strong, considering both individuals as reliable companions. Additionally, Pike's voyage to Talos IV resulted in an encounter with the Talosians alongside Vina.

Captain Christopher Pike, portrayed by Anson Mount, is widely recognized as the esteemed leader of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. However, his notable career in Starfleet predates this iconic role. Throughout Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: Discovery, and Strange New Worlds, viewers have gained insight into Captain Pike's intriguing past and future. In the initial encounter with Captain Pike, played by Jeffrey Hunter and Sean Kenney, during the TOS two-part episode "The Menagerie," Spock embarks on a mission to support his former commander. Following this brief appearance, Captain Pike remained a peripheral figure in the Star Trek saga until his reintroduction in Discovery's second season.

The overwhelming popularity of Anson Mount's portrayal of Captain Pike swiftly resulted in his selection to spearhead a new series centered around his captivating adventures aboard the USS Enterprise. Thus, Strange New Worlds was conceived, widely praised for its successful integration into the expansive Star Trek universe. Prior to Pike's appearance in Discovery, little was known regarding his pre-Captain days aboard the Enterprise. However, the narrative progression in Discovery and the creation of Strange New Worlds have effectively unveiled significant elements of Pike's backstory, effectively bridging the gaps in his history. Presented here are ten enlightening details surrounding Captain Pike's ventures prior to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

10 Captain Pike Got An F In Astrophysics At Starfleet Academy

9 Captain Pike Lives In Montana And Rides Horses

Upon his arrival on the USS Discovery in season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery, Captain Pike undergoes a DNA scan before assuming command. However, Ensign Silvia Tilly unintentionally projects Pike's Starfleet file on the main viewscreen. In a frantic attempt to disable it, Pike engages in conversation about his time at Starfleet Academy and his accomplishments. Surprisingly, he discloses that he received a failing grade in Astrophysics during his Academy days, despite excelling in all other subjects. Furthermore, Pike reveals that he experienced asthma during his childhood, providing an explanation to the Discovery crew regarding his appointment as their new commanding officer.

Although Christopher Pike was born in Mojave, California, he now resides in Bear Creek, Montana, where he enjoys his leisure time after the events of Star Trek: Discovery season 2. Known for his passion for horseback riding, Pike continues to indulge in this activity at his serene abode in Bear Creek. While the duration of his stay there remains uncertain, it is evident that a considerable amount of time has elapsed since the events of Discovery season 2, as depicted by Pike's striking and impressive beard. However, his self-imposed seclusion is interrupted when Admiral Robert April (portrayed by Adrian Holmes), his former captain, pays him a visit to reveal the unsettling news of the disappearance of his dear friend and trusted first officer, Number One (played by Rebecca Romijn).

8 Captain Pike Was Already Dating Captain Marie Batel

As revealed in the premiere episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Captain Pike had a romantic relationship with Captain Marie Batel (portrayed by Melanie Scrofano) prior to the start of the series. Following the events of Star Trek: Discovery season 2, Pike takes a break from Starfleet and retreats to his residence in Bear Creek, Montana. During this period, Captain Batel joins him for a while, but is eventually called back to her duties as the Captain of the USS Cayuga. Throughout the two seasons of Strange New Worlds, Pike and Batel manage to reunite on multiple occasions despite the challenges they face as both partners and starship captains. Despite Pike's occasional difficulties in expressing his emotions, their relationship withstands the tests they encounter. Sadly, Captain Batel's fate hangs in the balance as she falls victim to Gorn eggs by the conclusion of the second season of Strange New Worlds.

7 Captain Pike Was A Test Pilot & A Security Officer Before He Was A Starship Captain

Christopher Pike began his career in Starfleet as a test pilot right after completing his studies at the prestigious Starfleet Academy. His exceptional flying skills have proven to be invaluable during various missions aboard the Enterprise. One such mission, featured in season 2 of Strange New Worlds, titled "Among the Lotus Eaters," takes Pike and his crew back to Rigel VII. During this particular mission, Pike finds himself piloting the shuttle to the planet when Lt. Erica Ortegas, the pilot of the Enterprise, is occupied with maneuvering the starship through a hazardous debris field.

In addition to his role as a test pilot, Pike also served as a security officer during his earlier days as an ensign. However, it is fair to say that his performance in this role was less than stellar. In an amusing anecdote shared in season 1 of SNW, titled "Children of the Comet," Pike recounts a comical incident involving him chasing a Nausicaan without his pants on. This unfortunate pursuit ended with Pike tripping and falling, much to the amusement of his fellow crew members. As a result of this incident, Pike's commanding officer humorously suggested that a career change may be in order.

6 Captain Pike Served As First Officer Under Captain Robert April

5 Captain Pike And The Enterprise Sat Out The Klingon War

Prior to assuming the role of Captain on the USS Enterprise, Pike held the position of First Officer under the command of Captain Robert April. Throughout their time serving together, Pike and April forged a deep friendship, leading Pike to affectionately refer to April as "Bob" even after his promotion to Admiral. When Number One mysteriously disappears during a mission shortly before the pilot episode of Strange New Worlds, Admiral April personally approaches Pike, urging him to take charge of the rescue operation. Furthermore, Admiral April consistently supports Pike, safeguarding him from any potential consequences resulting from his actions, and continues to offer guidance and directives to his former First Officer.

The war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire in Star Trek: Discovery commenced in 2256, coinciding with the USS Enterprise's renowned five-year mission. In view of the Enterprise's crucial role and its pursuit of exploration, Captain Pike and his crew were instructed to refrain from involvement in the war unless absolutely necessary. Pike and many crew members grappled with feelings of remorse for their inability to contribute to the war efforts. Upon Pike's return to the Enterprise post-Discovery season 2, several newly enlisted crew members, such as Dr. Joseph M'Benga (Babs Olusanmokun), Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush), and Lt. Erica Ortegas, had already served in the Klingon War.

4 Captain Pike Met Number One At Starfleet Academy

Captain Pike places a great deal of trust in his First Officer, Una Chin-Riley, more so than anyone else. Professionally known as Number One, Una has proven to be an invaluable member of the Enterprise crew. The relationship between Una and Christopher Pike started after the captain delivered an exceptionally inspiring speech at Starfleet Academy. Since then, they have become close friends and confidants. Una is one of the select few who are aware of Pike's tragic future, and he frequently seeks her counsel on both personal and professional matters. Learning that Una is a genetically enhanced Ilyrian has not changed Pike's perception of her, and he readily defends her when she faced a court-martial for deceiving Starfleet.

3 Captain Pike Was Already Close With Spock And T’Pring

In addition to considering Number One as his closest ally, Pike also regards Lieutenant Spock (Ethan Peck) in the same light. Their friendship, as established in the pilot episode of Strange New Worlds, is remarkably familiar, and Pike maintains a close relationship with T'Pring (Gia Sandhu), Spock's former Vulcan fiancée. It is evident from T'Pring referring to Pike as "Chris" during his contact with Spock in the pilot that they have a significant level of acquaintance. Pike and Spock share a profound bond of respect and admiration, ultimately leading Spock to jeopardize his own reputation and face potential court-martial in order to secure a better future for Pike.

2 Captain Pike Has Been to Talos IV

1 Captain Pike Learned Of His Future In Star Trek: Discovery Season 2

: In the unaired TOS pilot episode titled "The Cage" and the subsequent two-part episode called "The Menagerie," Captain Pike became the first Starfleet Captain to visit the planet Talos IV. During this extraordinary encounter, Pike and his crew were confronted by the Talosians, an advanced extraterrestrial species with the ability to create incredibly realistic illusions in the minds of others. The Talosians ensnared Pike within their menagerie and introduced him to Vina, the sole human inhabitant of the planet, portrayed by Melissa George. Eventually, Pike managed to escape from Talos IV, but Starfleet subsequently imposed a strict ban on visitation to the planet under the penalty of death. However, in an act of remarkable loyalty, Spock defied Starfleet regulations and returned Pike to Talos IV, allowing him to spend the remainder of his life with Vina.

Since Star Trek: The Original Series' episode "The Menagerie," fans have been aware of Christopher Pike's tragic destiny. However, in Star Trek: Discovery's "Through the Valley of Shadows," Chris himself discovers what lies ahead for him. Pike finds out that he will suffer horrific injuries while rescuing several Starfleet cadets from an explosion. This revelation prompts Pike to take a hiatus from Starfleet, and even upon his return to the Enterprise, the knowledge continues to weigh heavily on him. In the season 1 finale of Strange New Worlds, Pike tries to alter his inevitable fate by reaching out to the families of the cadets involved in the accident.

In an alternate future, Pike is visited by a future version of himself who warns him that he cannot escape his fate without causing disastrous consequences for someone else, specifically Spock. Therefore, Pike accepts his destiny but remains dedicated to being the best Captain of the Enterprise every single day. It remains uncertain whether Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will present a solution for Captain Pike to avoid his tragic future. Nevertheless, he has unquestionably demonstrated his compassion and capability as a starship captain.