Please no spoilers! So that I can provide my best and most honest reaction, please do not mention the names of any future characters, events, or episode titles (this goes for future series as well). Please do not say which upcoming episodes are good or bad, otherwise I will have trouble forming my own opinion! Thank you, and enjoy!
I just discovered you recently but I like what you are doing. You are very attentive to what you see. Also, my condolences to losing your dad, coming from someone who has lost my own dad as well as two little brothers.
I've never had a reactor make me cry from their intro before. I am sorry you lost your dad and I understand that this is how you want to connect with him and I think that's incredible. I wish he was here to watch it with you/us.
@@bunnytailsREACTSI lost my mom before Christmas and I was looking though the numbers in her phone to tell her friends and one number was the HALLMARK store where she got me a STAR TREK ornament for Christmas.
@@bunnytailsREACTS I guess I didn't catch on when you mentioned your dad, that he was no longer with us. I'm sorry for your loss. Just to tie it in respectively, Star Trek has this magical ability to bring people together from all walks of life. You will relate to the characters. But I did catch on to one specific thing you said, and this is the hallmark of Star Trek: When you have a moral dilemma, like the one in The Cage, there are usually 2 sides to the plot, and it isn't as simple as "He is right" etc. You saw that you can sort of see where the Talosians are coming from, and can relate to Pike and crew. Star Trek (unlike most shows) doesn't tell you what to think. It gives you something to think ABOUT. That's when Star Trek is at its best. When the situation isn't a simple answer or solution. If you like Star Trek, you are, shall I say, on a different intellectual and philosophical level ("smarter" than the average Human). Trek is a niche show with a loyal following. We all welcome you to this journey! Welcome to the family.
Susan Oliver, who played Vina was in an airplane accident. This led her to eventually take flying lessons and according to wikipedia “ she became the fourth woman to fly a single-engined aircraft solo across the Atlantic Ocean and the second to do it from New York City.”
@@Bfdidc I didn't know that about her damm so young. I only knew about hunter because he was in a spaghetti western called find a place to die and it was mentioned on a commantry track I listened to.
Keep up the TOS content. It's one of the best shows ever, with great themes and ideas. It's fun seeing new viewers experiencing this iconic series. This episode is very relevant today, with everybody staring at their phones all day - aren't we all living in our own private reality bubbles?
Judged by NBC as "too cerebal" but the Studio head, one Lucille Ball, helped fund a second pilot. Capt. Pike, the character, is back in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds with Number One.
The full story: Desilu (the studio) was known for sitcoms (like "I love Lucy"), and NBC wasn't convinced the studio could pull off a science-fiction show. So from three scripts they chose the most elaborate one for a pilot, and surprisingly Desilu managed to do it. NBC did judge the pilot to be too cerebral, but they admitted that they chose the script and didn't hold it against the studio and agreed to give the show another chance with a second pilot for which they paid, although not the full amount. (Lucille Ball didn't fund it herself, there's no indication she put her personal money into Star Trek or was even very involved in the show. The only thing we know is that she agreed to put the show in production after NBC decided to pick it up despite some reservations from some of the other studio executives. Oh, and she originally thought that Star Trek was going to be about movie or music stars on a USO tour to entertain troops during deployment. She never read the scripts.) Jeffrey Hunter's contract only said that he should do the pilot and the show afterwards if it was picked up, but a second pilot wasn't part of the contract. There's a bit of controversy if he wanted out or if the producers just couldn't deal with his wife who was acting as his manager at the time. Whatever the reason was, he was replaced. Gene Roddenberry later claimed that NBC hated the role of Number One and didn't believe in a female first officer, but that's a lie. NBC was happy to have a female first officer, they just didn't like Majel Barrett in the role, she was very inexperienced (and NBC wanted someone with more star power in such a prominent role in a very expensive show) and - even worse - she was Gene Roddenberry's mistress (while he was still married to another woman). So instead of recasting the role, he wrote Number One out of the show and blamed it on the network afterwards. (That's sadly a recurring theme with Roddenberry, the guy lied a lot to make himself look better.)
I am so excited for you taking your first steps into the Star Trek universe. I am so sorry about your dad. As a father myself, I’m sure he would be very excited to see you getting into Star Trek.
You might want to check out the movie Forbidden Planet from 1956. Some refer to it as an unofficial Star Trek pilot. There are many simularities to what became Star Trek. Some of the same elements include a starship checking up on a space colony, a cerebral story that isn't just Sci Fi shoot'em up, and a core group that included the captain, ship's doctor, and first officer. The movie could easily be adapted as a Star Trek episode. When Roddenberry was developing Star Trek, he actually screened Forbidden Planet for his production staff as an example of what he was trying to do. Forbidden Planet was a lavish big budget production from MGM and its production values still stand up today.
The tern "swat" used in this episode, means "to strike or hit (an object in the air)," usually as a part of the term "swat a fly." So the use of swat here is to show that the Enterprise is as insignificant to the aliens as a fly is to us.
@@Coridimus "Swatting" is now a slang term for making a prank call to get a SWAT unit of the police to swarm someone's house. Obviously, this is a crime and it's _extremely_ dangerous. Innocent people can easily get killed by a SWAT officer during an incursion.
25:16 You made me laugh so hard my wife, who was on the other side of the house, wanted to know what I was laughing about. (She also laughed about your comment afterwards.) An interesting story about the Orion slave girl part: They put the green makeup on Susan Oliver and filmed the scene, but when it came back her skin color was normal. So, they used a deeper green and filmed again... and it came back normal again. Eventually they discovered the person processing the film was correcting her skin tone during processing thinking the green skin was an error. Great video!
At the beginning of your reaction, you mentioned that "Star Trek" was like submarine warfare. This is in one episode called "Balance of Terror" I think this is episode 3 of season 1. The movie this is based on is "Enemy Below". "The Cage" was re-edited and shown as a two part episode called "The Menagerie".
So glad you can see the charm of the 1960s budgets and special effects of TOS Trek. So many people watching shows and movies from the past with a bias really miss out and can't see past the superficial or the reality of how quickly these were shot, how many episodes were made a season, and how small the budgets were. Life-long Trek fan here so I'm in for your entire journey. Great introduction that wasn't too long at all. LLAP🖖
I also got a kick out of her reaction to Pike's Yomen. "She's adorable, she looks like Cindy Loo Hoo!" I was like Huh she does. Reminds me of how daughter child reacted to Sarah Jane Smiths outfit in Hand of Fear, just made me look at a show I'd been watching for years through new eyes and I loved it. Child even went on for two hours afterward about the practical nature of Eldrad's costume and made her own outfit for the following years comic con. Love to see new fans appreciate the classics.
@MichaelJShaffer “charm” is indeed the word to describe the visual appeal of the sets in this original pilot - unrealistic but so very colourful +visually appealing. Maybe that was the word bunnytails was looking for to describe why she enjoyed this pilot?
That’s exactly how my love of Star Trek started. My father would watch TNG regularly, never understood it as a kid. Then as an adult I decided to check them out since they were on Netflix. Love Star Trek!
As a published Science fiction writer I am totally enjoying seeing how your generation reacts to this older stuff. It confirms to me quality in the story still matters and modern Science fiction does not always need million-dollar special effects. I am surprised by your surprise of the sets, I did not see that coming.
The sad thing is that the quality storytelling seems to fail to keep up with breakthrough technologies. Not always, but in many cases. Just imagine what would Star Trek look like if they'd have the modern means of making TV series and made all these stories with CGI or sets we have now. Instead, what we got is Star Trek: Discovery that is hard to even call a Star Trek
I appreciated that opening explanation. My Grandfather introduced me to Star Trek and died of Cancer when I was 11. I watched several Sci-Fi TV Shows and movies with my Mother who also died of Cancer last year. I feel the same way about seeing things now and wishing my Mother was here to see it. Gene Roddenberry pitched this to NBC as a "Wagon Train to the Stars" and came up with some unique technology and fun stories. The music for the series may seem over the top at times but it's very well done. Can't wait to see more!
If you're up for it I'm up for it...I love the original series I'll watch them all if you do it. Star Trek is such a well written show I'm glad you're trying this. I just retired so I'm not sure I can afford Patreon yet but you certainly give me reason to think about it. Since I'm 63 I can't help but relate to your father. I can't speak for him but I know I'd be very proud of the journey you're going on. The connection you seek with your father is very touching.
Hey Buns! You know how big of a Star Trek fan I am. I'm so excited to take part in this adventure with you. I hope you love it as much as I do. I know your dad is very proud! Live long and prosper!
Your opening was incredibly well said! Also, courageous in sharing some of your personal side. Your father sounds like he was one cool guy. While he may be gone, he lives on through you and what you are doing. There is a little of him in all of these videos and it's evidenced by your passion and heart that goes into them. With regards to the original series, sadly it's 5 year mission was cut short, being cancelled after 3 seasons. It would have been cancelled even sooner however fan based campaigns helped keep the show going as long as it did. On the brighter side, a modern fan-based webseries named Star Trek Continues was created by those who love Star Trek. Their mission was to complete the final two years. The production quality is amazing. They had really surprising guest appearances including some from the original series. Speaking of dads, even Chris Doohan, son of James Doohan (Scottie) reprised his father's role as Scottie. I look forward your videos and trust that the format you choose will be the right one because your spirit is in the right place. Take care.
@@bunnytailsREACTS Also look at Star Trek: Phase II, originally titled Star Trek: The New Voyages, another fan production whose set in Ticonderoga, N.Y. is now officially licensed by Paramount; William Shatner goes there to speak, meet fans, take pics with them, and sign autographs each summer. I prefer it to Star Trek Continues, but like both, and really love how volunteers were able to create such high-quality, Hollywood-grade episodes! Star Trek: The Animated Series, which won the franchise's first Emmy Award, explicitly sets itself in the fifth year of the original mission.
One of the great things about watching reactions is to re-experience the show we remember through someone’s eyes. Doing the whole TOS experience will give you a HUGE audience once word gets around.
There were three groundbreaking science fiction television shows in the '60s. Star Trek in the US, Doctor Who in the UK, and Space Patrol the Fantastic Adventures of Space Ship Orion in Germany, or Raumpatrouille - Die phantastischen Abenteuer des Raumschiffes Orion in the original German.
Yeah some 60s stuff is great. I love the ambitious and trippy British paranoia drama series The Prisoner. Going forward to 1973, the sort of 'Matrix before The Matrix' German series World On A Wire was awesome and impressionistic: th-cam.com/video/URq7m3-SOtA/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=JanusFilms
@@winterbas8927 Hm, sort of special (in it's own right) is also the German theme for "Captain Future" (which also has a tiny part of the German voice actor for Cpt. Kirk)
Wow, I started watching reactions a year or so ago. Came across your Wrath of Khan reaction and just watched this. You are the most honest compelling and thoughtful person doing this stuff. I definitely would have been friends with your Dad. Although it sounds like we maybe would have debated Next Gen, he sounds like my kind of guy! Thanks for doing these!
Bless you and your dear Father. You honoring him and his memory is very admirable and I'm here for the journey as you learn about Trek, and Ill re-learn along with you. Thank you!
This was the age of 24+ episodes in a season, and sets built on a shoe-string budget (compared to today) with nothing but paint, styrofoam, plastic sheeting, and tape... Those gorgeous matte paintings in the background were probable done overnight on day two of shooting "OK, guys, you have 9 hours before we start the next scene shooting.. build the set,, and here's the concept sketch for the background... get to it!". Those folks were gods... set building gods...
Keep in mind that the pilot never aired and wasn’t seen till about 1986, however parts of this are used in the TOS two part episode ‘The Menagerie’. It would also be crucial to watch the series through to better understand the first movie which trekkies had to wait 10 years to see. And a nice tribute to your Dad. I’m sure he’s getting a kick out of this up there. I work as a therapist in behavioral health so this has been amusing with your reactions. Yes they have assess on the backs of their heads.
It was interesting that this episode mentions that the events of the first illusion Pike had that took place on another planet happened two weeks prior. It is also interesting that Pike does not want to be their on the starship because he had so many losses of crew members over time. Someone was saying a lot of the writers of Star Trek fought in WWII or the Koran War of the 1950’s and had those sorts of personal experiences in their minds while writing for the Original Series. They also were dealing with current events of the Cold War and Vietnam War.
As a 57 year old Star Trek/Doctor Who/Star Wars/Comic, etc fan with grown kids, your intro almost got me emotional. Then your closing comment caught me off guard and did get me emotional. LLAP
Completely enjoyable video. I loved it. Thanks for sharing your reactions. And thank you for being so upfront and real, particularly about your Dad. He was obviously a great man who loved you very much. I'm sorry you lost him at such a young and sensitive age. A sixteen year old needs her Dad for sure!
A good follow-up is "The Menagerie", which is a two part episode in the original series (S1: EP 11+12) that uses most of this pilot, and injects it into a storyline involving Kirk, Spock, etc. Spock does some unexpected stuff at the beginning of this two-parter that ultimately gets resolved. These together set the stage for the Trek series "Strange New Worlds" (along with season 2 of discovery, but you could probably skip that stuff). Strange New Worlds has been a very entertaining series that returns to classic trek form (Optimism, self-contained episodes). Strange New Worlds is a fantastic show. They're taking risks and having a lot of fun along the way.
@@bunnytailsREACTS None of us had seen the original pilot when this aired so Spock's actions in "The Menagerie" were a mystery. Unfortunately, you'll figure it out right away but it stands on its own as a great episode. Won a Hugo Award.
@@KerbalSpaceCommand 1. Don't bring the negativity here. 2. Continuity has never been a huge ST thing regardless of what "fans" want to think. It wasn't until Gene Coon stepped in, that lots of Star Trek got fleshed out.
You make me want to revisit the classic Trek again for myself :) And your dad sounds like he was a great guy too, instilling a love for culture like this. I'm so, so glad to find a reactor looking at old/classic media like this, and accepting it for what it is. It's amazing how some of these oldies can surprise you. Not all of Star Trek is like this, but when it's good it's great. (If you want a look at the original inspiration for Star Trek, take a look at the 1956 film 'Forbidden Planet' some time - it's great fun too!) You keep reacting, we'll keep watching! :)
A fun side fact about the transporter use, it was an idea borrowed from another sci fi series, but the reason for using it was in fact for a practical reason as well as showing off the special effects. The reason why they used it was to save money, basically so they didn’t have to film the ship landing on a new planet every week.
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Your story reminds me of my own. Without getting into details, my dad was an evil person, and no one mourned him when he died. He (thankfully) wasn't in my life much, but he did two things right: He taught me how to play chess, and he introduced me to Star Trek. It's because of him that I got to see all of TOS and the 80s movies on VHS. Later on my own, I was lucky enough to watch TNG, and the subsequent series and movies when they were originally released. It's ironic that someone so terrible was responsible for showing me what became one of the most positive impacts in my life. That's not an exaggeration; Star Trek's stories, themes, ideals, and questions truly can help viewers gain new perspectives. You've got a long, wonderful road ahead, and I'm sure your father would've be so proud to see you go down it. See you out there.
This is a great way to connect with your late father and his memory. I was born in 1964, right before for the first series premiered in '66. I was a bit young to remember it on its first run. Once it hit syndication in the early 70's I watch ed religiously. I've been a Trekkie since then. This first pilot is special. It was never seen in full for many years. What was seen was in B & W and some scenes were used for a season one episode, "The Menagerie". Us Trekkies were beside ourselves when they released this entire episode with a color print. I hope you enjoy your journey. .. FYI, the series Stange New Worlds focuses on Pike and the previous crew of the Enterprise before Kirk.
Thank you for exploring this with us. Some key points to help your journey in the next episode and beyond: 1. This pilot was not broadcast in this original form until 1988. During a budget crunch in the first season, the show’s creator wrote a compelling two part episode called The Menegarie to use the footage. In the original version, the Talosian leader’s voice was male voiced over the female actress’ body. They had to raise the pitch when creating The Menegarie. 2. The network had qualms about this pilot. A second pilot was filmed called Where No Man Has Gone Before. That had more action added to a compelling sci-fi premise. That sold the show. They proceeded to film the episode The Corbomite Maneuver and the remainder of the series. 3. The production order of the episodes is different than the airdate order, partially due to the time for special effects. Here is the production order: (2) Where No Man Has Gone Before, (3) The Corbomite Maneuver, (4) Mudd’s Women, (5) The Enemy Within, (6) Man Trap, (7) The Naked Time, (8) Charlie X, (9) Balance of Terror, (10) Dagger of the Mind, (11) What Are Little Girls Made Of?, (12) Miri, (13) The Conscience of the King, (14) The Galileo Seven, (15) Court-Martial, (16) The Menegarie, (17) Shore Leave,…
That is WAY different to how they are listed on paramount +. I wanted to watch the first two pilots before anything else, but I got confused and watched "The Man Trap" after this. I guess in the grand scheme of things it's not a big deal but I do feel pretty frustrated about that.
@@bunnytailsREACTS That Paramount order is airdate order. Man Trap was the first one aired. Glad you caught it sort of in time. I think if you see it in production order, you can notice the evolution of the series better. Especially early on, the two orders were very jumbled.
This pilot was rejected for the series. But after some changes ( including the captain) they adapted most of this into a more compelling two part episode “The Menagerie “ which expands on the illusion aspect. Good reaction 👏👏
I’m not a new subscriber, but I’ve been distracted and your Star Trek reactions have brought me back to you. You GET IT! It was so refreshing when you exclaimed, "this is definitely not Star Wars!". I’m with you for the rest of the ride.
I love this episode, but I think the first time I ever saw it was in 1988. I never saw the full episode until then. Thank you sharing your reactions with us. Also we are so sorry that your dad passed away when you were 16. Thank you for sharing that with us. I feel this journey can be a tribute to him. My dad introduced me to Star Trek when I was age 7
I was one of the commenters on your Wrath of Khan video who suggested watching at least II, III, and IV due to their "trilogy" arrangement. I think it's a great idea to pause that and go back and watch some of the Original Series, since that will really flesh out the relationship between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, which is the emotional centerpiece of those three films. Of course, only Spock is present in "The Cage," and his personality is not clearly fleshed out into what it would become, but "The Cage" itself is a great stand-alone episode. I'm 45. My dad also got me into Trek, and sci-fi in general, so your story is very relatable. Looking forward to enjoying your journey!
Thank you for sharing your intro with us. I am sorry for your loss. It was all very touching. I think your father would be very pleased you are able to share your bond with him through your Star Trek journey. As for your courage in sharing this on your reaction channel, I think he would also be proud. He sounds like a he was a great father. As for your reactions, I am here for every Star Trek episode you are able to find time to edit and share. I hope to see every episode from you. You are a natural for reactions. Bottom line is this is your channel and only you know what is best for yourself. Please feel free to share all speculations as you react. Have no worries about speculating right or wrong, as either way enhances the reaction journey. For this episode - I enjoyed hearing your ongoing analysis on the alien 'butt-heads' and their possible motives. I am here for all of your Star Trek journey and I'm certain I'm not alone in this thought.
Yes! The color in late '60s/early '70s shows was gorgeous. Star Trek, Batman, Bewitched, The Brady Bunch, etc. In the early/mid-'70s, they found a cheaper way to film movies and TV shows, and the vibrant colors were gone. The color was so washed out that there are movies and shows from the mid/late '70s that, in my memory, are virtually in black and white. But, technology advanced, and color came back in the '80s. The modern day drabness, unfortunately, is by design.
Great reaction! Always look forward to these Star Trek reactions. There's a new Star Trek show centered around Pike and his original crew (with a few changes) called "Star Trek Strange New Worlds" probably one of the best Star Trek shows in the last 10 years. Great production value, incredible visuals, solid episode stories, good action, good humour, there's heart. Check out the trailer one of these days, and no you won't be spoiled for anything, it's like a brand shiny new take on Pike's character. You will no doubt get to it eventually on your Star Trek journey, a show that good, it's guaranteed I know I mentioned this before, but Im here for whatever you do regarding Star Trek, but if you chose to react to only the best TOS episodes, I wouldnt begrudge you that either. Well, really, REALLY looking forward to the next one!
One slight correction, SNW is not just the best of the last 10 years, but near the top EVER. I watched TOS as they came out as a teen, and haven't been this excited over new episodes since. They brought the fun back into Trek.
That was the sweetest intro I’ve ever heard! Sounds like you had a great dad and a wonderful relationship. As a dad, I got a little choked up. Then you hit me with the “butt head” head aliens. You said what we all were thinking.😂. It’s fun watching you figure out what is happening or what might happen. Love all your comments. It’s like watching these with an old friend. (Well, not old literally) Thanks for sharing. Your dad would be proud.
When Spock says, " ..we have been swatted," he is referencing his earlier comment in the briefing room that the Talosians might be so powerful mentally that they, "could swat this ship as though it were a fly." And for the record, I would choose reality over illusion.
Its funny. During COVID when we could not get out to see people in person, I did quite a lot of watching these TV and Movie reactors. It actually got a little weird, where I was not actually living much of a life of my own but observing as other people had emotional reactions and described them.
And as for me, during COVID I started my first YT channel which led to the eventual creation of this one, so you can have more reactions to watch! hehehehe
Captain Pike, Number One and Spock can currently be seen on the Star Trek prequel show Strange New Worlds (SNW). The show takes place a few years after this episode and roughly ten years before Captain Kirk takes command of the Enterprise. Captain Pike as played by Anson Mount on SNW is a different type of man than he is in The Cage. He is an older less angry and tormented man. Though he is a charismatic man of action, he is also very thoughtful and introspective. The show and Season two of Star Trek Discovery where he is introduced have awesome character moments that get the viewer into his psyche. You begin to see why people are so willing to make sacrifices and go that extra mile for him. At the time of SNW, Pike like Kirk will later become is well on his way to becoming is a living legend. His crew and superiors deeply respect him on a level he isn't even aware of at times. Won't say more for spoilers. 😉
My introduction to Star Trek was also from my dad and was before The Next Generation came out. When I was a school boy, he'd let me get out of bed late on weekend nights when I could hear he was watching Star Trek the original series reruns on network tv (he was in his late 20s when they first ran). Original Star Trek will always be my favorite because it's full of wonderful, even beautiful stories, but mainly because it started as something I shared with my dad.
Very psyched you're going on this journey and discovering this classic ground-breaking show. I hope you end up doing all three seasons. Always glad to re-watch these episodes with someone with genuine interest. Subscribed!
This is fun. I'm glad you are making a connection with your dad by watching and ultimately learning about a different time and how things have changed. Take a look at the machines and tools they use and realize that this show introduced ideas in concepts...flip phones and such.
I really appreciated your preamble. It helps to contextualize your experience for us. My dad got me into Star Trek as well. I lost him to cancer in 2019, but Trek always gives me good feelings about him. In naval tradition, "U.S.S." refers to "United States Ship". This was unique for each nation. For example British ships have the prefix "H.M.S." for "His Majesty's ship" before the proper name. In Star Trek "U.S.S." refers to "United Star Ship" or non fleet vessels may just have the prefix "S.S." for "Star Ship".
It's been a blessing getting to know you over the last year, seeing this channel start and grow. I'm thankful for your dad sharing his passions with you, and I'm thankful that the ST community is so thrilled about this. I myself have only a little experience with the original series, seeing maybe 10-15 episodes, so I'm excited to learn about these with you. My parents were somewhat familiar with the original series but never really talked about it, and I started watching in the early 90s when they had a 2 hr combo every week of TNG/DS9 and then DS9/Voyager. 20:06 The concept of societal stagnation comes up again in most of the series, but it's the perfect foil for ST's focus on exploration, improvement and advancement. 30:00 Choosing the illusion vs. reality, a classic sci-fi concept and even more prevalent nowadays. Personally I feel a strong aversion to illusions or pretenses, preferring that everyone be honest with who they are and what's really happening, but since I rarely have peace in my life and chronically worry, I often rely on imagining fictional stories to fall asleep at night.
One of my favorite anime really delves deep into the whole societal stagnation thing. I found it immensely intriguing. It's called Texhnolyze and it moved me deeply while also giving me so much to think about.
damnit that really got me BT :( That was really touching and the best reason Ive ever heard to get into a show like this, I hope you enjoy and it brings you some small confort :) Take care!
You'll enjoy this journey! You may recognize many of the guest stars throughout the series run. Mark Lenard is in the films and TNG as well. The special effects for the space scenes were updated within the last 15 years, which you spotted during your viewing of Space Seed. I look forward to seeing the upcoming reactions.
I really love watching younger folks experience, felt and spoken about, older shows, but this one especially. This was so far ahead of it's time in many, many ways and for kids in the 60's and the 70's(re-runs) that were sensitive to the inequities and unjustness of some aspects of life, this seemed to address that gap even before we could articulate a wrongness that we we felt about being alive. It was like a band-aid. ST seemed to give a lot of optimism about what was possible and at the same time depict some of the unchangeable aspects of being human. Very much appreciate your reactions.
Thank you for sharing a bit of your life, your dad seems like a great guy. I was 12 when ST first aired and have been a fan ever since. Hopefully you gain more viewers because of this very popular series. Peace. ps, my brother and I called the aliens Buttheads because of the back of their heads.😂
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You have a lot of old timers here like myself to support you and share in your journey. I have a daughter about your age but we never met, so it’s fun for me to watch you share in our old GenXer shows.
I've seen many people watch two to four episodes of TV series and make that one video. I guess it depends on the length of the video you are aiming to upload and how much entertaining reactions were actually there. 😆
I wouldn’t be surprised if later on some of the episodes get bundled or even omitted. I’ve heard the characters don’t get any development due to the episodic nature of the series, so there may be some episodes later on where I don’t really have much new to add. But we’ll see how it goes!
This is pretty cool. I’m 56. I have a 26 yr old daughter and a 12 yr old daughter. I’m also a Star Trek fan but not exactly a “Trekkie” per se. I’m sure your father would be so excited that you’re doing this. It’s not only the characters I enjoy and you can’t say too much about the special effects of the original because of course this was in the 60s on a low budget (they were later remastered and look great now) but it’s the stories and the concepts of the stories that help carry it to its relevance to this day. I know why your dad loved it. And sometimes I have sat my daughters down to watch an episode or two with me. It’s the sharing of the experience that matters and you are sharing it again with your dad….through me and through other dads and daughters and sons and so on on this app. This is going to be fun
Trek IS popular, it’s just a shame that reactors sleep on the original series simply because of the special effects or the look of the sets, etc. Edit: I’d love it if you watched/reacted to the entire series, but ultimately it’s your decision and your channel.
It’s a shame if people turn away due to the outdated effects. Personally, I love to see how things progressed to give myself a better understanding of how we got to where we are now. Plus, practical effects are awesome! I wish the original non-remastered version of this show was readily available.
@@bunnytailsREACTSRemastering doesn’t always mean new effects, but in the TOS episodes case you’re right. I’ve seen reactors assume the movies effects are redone and as far as I know the effects in the films have only been cleaned up and not redone with computers.
@@bunnytailsREACTS When I retired one of the things I bought was all 3 seasons of the Original Star Trek series on Blu Ray. It includes both the original and remastered versions of each episode. I've been saving this as well as all lthe seasons of Buffy for when I need to kill some time.
Trust me, your videos ARE keeping that connection with your father. Anyone sharing what he shared with you will always be proud when that sharing is continued...
I have not run across too many react channels that watch Star Trek. I don't know why. (Maybe most of them watched it before they started their channels, so can't be first time watching?) Unless it is the 2009 and later movies but rarely the original stuff.
Paramount used to zealously protect star trek, regularly blocking reactors from using any trek content in their videos. It seems to have changed recently because I noticed quite a few new TOS and SNW reactors popping up this year.
@@intrinsical maybe they finally realized that if people don't see Star Trek people forget about it. I think the music industry hurts themselves the same way. There's been a few times I've watched a TH-cam video with music, that would probably be DMCA-ed today, just to go find that album to buy. And in my opinion the current crop of Trek is garbage and isn't bringing in the audience they want, so Paramount probably hopes if people see good Trek on TH-cam reactions, maybe they'll go watch the new garbage Trek. 😆
Lucille Ball and Desilu studios are responsible for two of my favorite shows growing up, Star Trek and Mission Impossible. Both obviously went on to become popular film franchises.
Wow, your story is so touching. Thank you for sharing that. Also, wow, your reactions are so fresh and honest. I'm sure I saw this when it was first broadcast in the 1980s and have watched it more times than I can remember since then. The freshness you bring it is exhilarating!
You're remarking upon the use of paintings and the special effects of the time. By today's standards, it's so rudimentary that it gives a surreal, dream- like quality. The 1950's sci-fi movie "Forbidden Planet" looks really cool in the same way. I actually saw it here in a movie theater in Portland a few years back, and when the sky of an alien world ( again using paintings and colored lights), there was a collective " gasp" from the audience.. .. because it did look so trippy and surreal to see this green and purple sky that looks so unreal it's something most people have never seen.
As a father myself, and a new grandfather this year, I can appreciate your desire to honor and connect with your father through Star Trek. I really enjoyed your reaction!
Just recently came across your channel and I'm playing catch-up. Your intro where you tell us about your dad really hit home with me because as I'm watching this, tomorrow would have been my dad's birthday. I lost him last year.
Interestingly enough, there were 2 actors who continued to play roles on the original series of Star Trek: Of course, there was Leonard Nimoy, who plated Mr. Spock, but the actress who played "Number One," Majel Barrett, later on played nurse Christine Chapel, as well as playing the voice of the computer in the original series. She would continue as the voice of the computer in "Star Trek Next Generation," but also played a new character, "Lwaxana Troi." She also played Nurse Chapel in several of the movies as well. She was married to Gene Roddenberry as well.
I am so happy you got to watch the first Star Trek Pilot episode The Cage. I enjoy this episode a lot. I remember when I was little my dad had this on VHS and I would play with my action figures and sit down and watch this Star Trek Show. I'm a big fan of Star Trek and the reason why is because my Dad was a big fan of Star Trek and that's how I got into Star Trek because of him. I'm so sorry to hear about you're dad and I'm happy that you are watching this to bond with him. You are really awesome and im so glad I discovered your TH-cam page. Live long and prosper!!! I can't wait to see more.
Glad you had a chance to glance at Classic Trek... I grew up in those times.. And that show still has a place in my heart !!!! Thank you, for sharing your reaction with us 😊
Ok I'm hooked. And i was lucky to catch Wrath of Kahn before this because you're post commentary put you in the "don't miss a word" box in my head. Lol. I watched every second and I'm glad i did. Anxious to watch you consider this journey!
The backgrounds in these episodes are often Matte Paintings. This is a classic technique used in older TV and Film, making an indoor set reasonably believable as an outdoor location. It's nice to see someone appreciate it. The Talosians pull some nasty stunts, but honestly, if humanity was facing extinction and tricking some aliens into servant status to save us... yeah, sadly, we probably would try it.
Jeffrey Hunter, who played Captain Pike, was a very successful film actor in the 50s and early 60s. He was in some landmark classic films, including The Searchers. He was an excellent actor.
There's just something special about "The Cage". I remember it being one of the first VHS tapes I bought for myself in the "All-Color Collector's Edition". Prior editions were partially in black & white, since the full color footage was believed to be lost (until a private collector stepped forward). BTW: There are 2 different episode orders for the original series: broadcast order (as decided by NBC execs) and production order. The original home videos were released in production order, which I personally feel flows better than the broadcast order.
My dad was a HUGE Star Trek fan as well. I grew up watching it because of him which has, in turn, made me a huge Trek fan. I lost my dad in May of 2017, so I get where you're coming from. I was very close to my dad. He was the best dad I could ever have asked for, and he was also my best friend. Perhaps my only true friend. I miss him everyday. Watching ALL of this series (and possibly all the others) is going to take you a minute or two, but it will be worth it. And even though you can't watch it (and share it) with him, he's still with you. I'm sure learning about this franchise might even teach you some things about your dad that you didn't know or perhaps help you understand some things about him (the way he did things, the way he thought about things, his decision-making, etc) that maybe you didn't before. Anyway, I'm glad to see you moving forward with it! 🙂
"Where No Bunny has Gone Before! "What a great Lead in line. Suggest getting a notebook and take notes during your watching of these episodes. You will have those notes to refer back to and compliment additional Bunny intros on the future episodes; as well have notes when future episodes reflect back on previous ones. {So glad you decided to take this journey!} Look forward to the future reactions.
My dad met Susan Oliver (Vina) back in the early 70s, when she was filming an episode of a TV show called "The American Sportsman". For the episode, she was training to solo pilot a glider (she was already a prolific pilot before that), and he was one of her instructors. He was also interviewed for the 2014 documentary film "The Green Girl", about her career in Hollywood as an actor/director and as a pilot. Amazing life she led, and tragic.
I had the privilege to participate in the initiation of an adult friend's Star Trek journey. It was great fun to discuss the episodes with him and our other Trek friends, and he quickly picked up on the optimistic view of the future that the franchise portrays. He became seriously hooked! Unfortunately, he met his end before we could get him to a convention. Hopefully, you'll have the good fortune to attend one (or many)! (The annual one in Las Vegas is the best, but there are a lot of them out there.) Growing up, Scotty was an idol of mine. It was thrilling to me to be able to speak with James Doohan briefly and shake his hand when I attended my first convention. They're great fun. The cast and producers are very gracious and interesting; hearing their stories is well worth the effort to go. And the cosplay is terrific! Maybe one day, you'll place a communicator next to your police box. That would be shiny! 🙂 Enjoy "The Man Trap"!
beautiful words honoring your dad, he must've been an amazing man to inspire them. I personally woukd love to see all episodes. But whatever you decide and wherever life takes you I hope it brings you happiness.
I started watching ST during its original run; in 1967 I was 4 yrs old and my dad liked the show. Even before he died last year, I realized most everything I have in my life is thanks to him. To my point: The past couple of decades, I've found oddly unexpected depth in The Wrath of Khan. My philosophy about Life Everlasting, immortality, what happens when we die, can be summed up with... "He's really not dead, as long as we remember him."
The backdrops are called matte paintings. Often used in both television and movies they were made to look good at a distance for cameras of the day (either celluloid film or video tape). They got replaced by blue-screen effects, then green-screen.
Please no spoilers! So that I can provide my best and most honest reaction, please do not mention the names of any future characters, events, or episode titles (this goes for future series as well). Please do not say which upcoming episodes are good or bad, otherwise I will have trouble forming my own opinion!
Thank you, and enjoy!
I am going to give a spoiler. Cptn. Kirk is replacing Cptn. Pike. 😁😁
I just discovered you recently but I like what you are doing. You are very attentive to what you see. Also, my condolences to losing your dad, coming from someone who has lost my own dad as well as two little brothers.
@@johnnygood4831 Thank you
@@bunnytailsREACTS You're welcome. I love your hair.
you really should watch the menagerie, that episode is a much more inventive version of this one
I've never had a reactor make me cry from their intro before. I am sorry you lost your dad and I understand that this is how you want to connect with him and I think that's incredible. I wish he was here to watch it with you/us.
I really appreciate that you sat through the intro, even if it was ridiculously long. Thank you ❤️
Do not apologize about almost crying… you have a good reason to cry watching Star Trek… I’m sorry for your loss
I absolutely feel and understand you. So very sorry about your loss.
@@bunnytailsREACTSI lost my mom before Christmas and I was looking though the numbers in her phone to tell her friends and one number was the HALLMARK store where she got me a STAR TREK ornament for Christmas.
@@bunnytailsREACTS I guess I didn't catch on when you mentioned your dad, that he was no longer with us. I'm sorry for your loss. Just to tie it in respectively, Star Trek has this magical ability to bring people together from all walks of life. You will relate to the characters. But I did catch on to one specific thing you said, and this is the hallmark of Star Trek: When you have a moral dilemma, like the one in The Cage, there are usually 2 sides to the plot, and it isn't as simple as "He is right" etc. You saw that you can sort of see where the Talosians are coming from, and can relate to Pike and crew. Star Trek (unlike most shows) doesn't tell you what to think. It gives you something to think ABOUT. That's when Star Trek is at its best. When the situation isn't a simple answer or solution. If you like Star Trek, you are, shall I say, on a different intellectual and philosophical level ("smarter" than the average Human). Trek is a niche show with a loyal following. We all welcome you to this journey! Welcome to the family.
Susan Oliver, who played Vina was in an airplane accident. This led her to eventually take flying lessons and according to wikipedia “ she became the fourth woman to fly a single-engined aircraft solo across the Atlantic Ocean and the second to do it from New York City.”
She chooses reality.
Good to see people reacting to the original series. Jeffrey Hunter had such an unfortunate death.😔
So did Susan Oliver, who played Vina. She died of cancer at 58. She was an impressive lady, besides her acting, she was an avid aviator.
@@Bfdidc I didn't know that about her damm so young. I only knew about hunter because he was in a spaghetti western called find a place to die and it was mentioned on a commantry track I listened to.
Sad the story of Pike ended the way it did. Almost mirroring the actor
Jeffery Hunter was a fantastic actor I still say The Searchers was his best role
Keep up the TOS content. It's one of the best shows ever, with great themes and ideas. It's fun seeing new viewers experiencing this iconic series. This episode is very relevant today, with everybody staring at their phones all day - aren't we all living in our own private reality bubbles?
Judged by NBC as "too cerebal" but the Studio head, one Lucille Ball, helped fund a second pilot. Capt. Pike, the character, is back in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds with Number One.
I guess I like cerebral stuff 😁
The full story: Desilu (the studio) was known for sitcoms (like "I love Lucy"), and NBC wasn't convinced the studio could pull off a science-fiction show. So from three scripts they chose the most elaborate one for a pilot, and surprisingly Desilu managed to do it. NBC did judge the pilot to be too cerebral, but they admitted that they chose the script and didn't hold it against the studio and agreed to give the show another chance with a second pilot for which they paid, although not the full amount. (Lucille Ball didn't fund it herself, there's no indication she put her personal money into Star Trek or was even very involved in the show. The only thing we know is that she agreed to put the show in production after NBC decided to pick it up despite some reservations from some of the other studio executives. Oh, and she originally thought that Star Trek was going to be about movie or music stars on a USO tour to entertain troops during deployment. She never read the scripts.)
Jeffrey Hunter's contract only said that he should do the pilot and the show afterwards if it was picked up, but a second pilot wasn't part of the contract. There's a bit of controversy if he wanted out or if the producers just couldn't deal with his wife who was acting as his manager at the time. Whatever the reason was, he was replaced. Gene Roddenberry later claimed that NBC hated the role of Number One and didn't believe in a female first officer, but that's a lie. NBC was happy to have a female first officer, they just didn't like Majel Barrett in the role, she was very inexperienced (and NBC wanted someone with more star power in such a prominent role in a very expensive show) and - even worse - she was Gene Roddenberry's mistress (while he was still married to another woman). So instead of recasting the role, he wrote Number One out of the show and blamed it on the network afterwards. (That's sadly a recurring theme with Roddenberry, the guy lied a lot to make himself look better.)
I am so excited for you taking your first steps into the Star Trek universe.
I am so sorry about your dad. As a father myself, I’m sure he would be very excited to see you getting into Star Trek.
Thank you
Did you just say (10:09), “Now, to boldly go where no-bunny has gone before?” 😂
This is the TV show that by far had the most influence on my life
You might want to check out the movie Forbidden Planet from 1956. Some refer to it as an unofficial Star Trek pilot. There are many simularities to what became Star Trek. Some of the same elements include a starship checking up on a space colony, a cerebral story that isn't just Sci Fi shoot'em up, and a core group that included the captain, ship's doctor, and first officer. The movie could easily be adapted as a Star Trek episode. When Roddenberry was developing Star Trek, he actually screened Forbidden Planet for his production staff as an example of what he was trying to do. Forbidden Planet was a lavish big budget production from MGM and its production values still stand up today.
Thank you, I have made a note of that movie :)
Forbidden Planet is fantastic. Disney had a little hand in it.
I'll agree with that too if you like Star Trek you'll like forbidden planet consider that that's even older than Star Trek.
The lead character carried a naked gun. 😉
Forbidden Planet soooo needs an update if done well it could be awesome.
The tern "swat" used in this episode, means "to strike or hit (an object in the air)," usually as a part of the term "swat a fly." So the use of swat here is to show that the Enterprise is as insignificant to the aliens as a fly is to us.
It’s a follow up to the line in the briefing room scene where someone says they could swat us like a fly.
@@visionaryventures12 Yup, fly swatter.
I must be old because I have no idea what other definition there is.
@@Coridimus to send in a swat team of police ???
@@Coridimus "Swatting" is now a slang term for making a prank call to get a SWAT unit of the police to swarm someone's house. Obviously, this is a crime and it's _extremely_ dangerous. Innocent people can easily get killed by a SWAT officer during an incursion.
25:16 You made me laugh so hard my wife, who was on the other side of the house, wanted to know what I was laughing about. (She also laughed about your comment afterwards.) An interesting story about the Orion slave girl part: They put the green makeup on Susan Oliver and filmed the scene, but when it came back her skin color was normal. So, they used a deeper green and filmed again... and it came back normal again. Eventually they discovered the person processing the film was correcting her skin tone during processing thinking the green skin was an error. Great video!
I'm still busting a gut over that one.
Glad I could get a chuckle 😂
At the beginning of your reaction, you mentioned that "Star Trek" was like submarine warfare. This is in one episode called "Balance of Terror" I think this is episode 3 of season 1. The movie this is based on is "Enemy Below". "The Cage" was re-edited and shown as a two part episode called "The Menagerie".
So glad you can see the charm of the 1960s budgets and special effects of TOS Trek. So many people watching shows and movies from the past with a bias really miss out and can't see past the superficial or the reality of how quickly these were shot, how many episodes were made a season, and how small the budgets were.
Life-long Trek fan here so I'm in for your entire journey. Great introduction that wasn't too long at all. LLAP🖖
I also got a kick out of her reaction to Pike's Yomen. "She's adorable, she looks like Cindy Loo Hoo!" I was like Huh she does. Reminds me of how daughter child reacted to Sarah Jane Smiths outfit in Hand of Fear, just made me look at a show I'd been watching for years through new eyes and I loved it. Child even went on for two hours afterward about the practical nature of Eldrad's costume and made her own outfit for the following years comic con. Love to see new fans appreciate the classics.
@MichaelJShaffer
“charm” is indeed the word to describe the visual appeal of the sets in this original pilot - unrealistic but so very colourful +visually appealing. Maybe that was the word bunnytails was looking for to describe why she enjoyed this pilot?
You might be one of the only youtube channels that reacts to these old school episodes. I'm impressed. Subscribed.
That’s exactly how my love of Star Trek started. My father would watch TNG regularly, never understood it as a kid. Then as an adult I decided to check them out since they were on Netflix. Love Star Trek!
Awesome!
As a published Science fiction writer I am totally enjoying seeing how your generation reacts to this older stuff. It confirms to me quality in the story still matters and modern Science fiction does not always need million-dollar special effects. I am surprised by your surprise of the sets, I did not see that coming.
The sad thing is that the quality storytelling seems to fail to keep up with breakthrough technologies. Not always, but in many cases. Just imagine what would Star Trek look like if they'd have the modern means of making TV series and made all these stories with CGI or sets we have now. Instead, what we got is Star Trek: Discovery that is hard to even call a Star Trek
I appreciated that opening explanation. My Grandfather introduced me to Star Trek and died of Cancer when I was 11. I watched several Sci-Fi TV Shows and movies with my Mother who also died of Cancer last year. I feel the same way about seeing things now and wishing my Mother was here to see it.
Gene Roddenberry pitched this to NBC as a "Wagon Train to the Stars" and came up with some unique technology and fun stories. The music for the series may seem over the top at times but it's very well done. Can't wait to see more!
If you're up for it I'm up for it...I love the original series I'll watch them all if you do it. Star Trek is such a well written show I'm glad you're trying this. I just retired so I'm not sure I can afford Patreon yet but you certainly give me reason to think about it. Since I'm 63 I can't help but relate to your father. I can't speak for him but I know I'd be very proud of the journey you're going on. The connection you seek with your father is very touching.
I think I am!
Hey Buns! You know how big of a Star Trek fan I am. I'm so excited to take part in this adventure with you. I hope you love it as much as I do. I know your dad is very proud! Live long and prosper!
Thank you so much Dan!!! Much love to you
Your opening was incredibly well said! Also, courageous in sharing some of your personal side. Your father sounds like he was one cool guy. While he may be gone, he lives on through you and what you are doing. There is a little of him in all of these videos and it's evidenced by your passion and heart that goes into them.
With regards to the original series, sadly it's 5 year mission was cut short, being cancelled after 3 seasons. It would have been cancelled even sooner however fan based campaigns helped keep the show going as long as it did. On the brighter side, a modern fan-based webseries named Star Trek Continues was created by those who love Star Trek. Their mission was to complete the final two years. The production quality is amazing. They had really surprising guest appearances including some from the original series.
Speaking of dads, even Chris Doohan, son of James Doohan (Scottie) reprised his father's role as Scottie.
I look forward your videos and trust that the format you choose will be the right one because your spirit is in the right place. Take care.
Thank you very much! And I’ve not heard of this web series, but I’ll try to keep it in mind for when I finish these 3 seasons!
@@bunnytailsREACTS Also look at Star Trek: Phase II, originally titled Star Trek: The New Voyages, another fan production whose set in Ticonderoga, N.Y. is now officially licensed by Paramount; William Shatner goes there to speak, meet fans, take pics with them, and sign autographs each summer. I prefer it to Star Trek Continues, but like both, and really love how volunteers were able to create such high-quality, Hollywood-grade episodes!
Star Trek: The Animated Series, which won the franchise's first Emmy Award, explicitly sets itself in the fifth year of the original mission.
Well said Robert, here, here.
One of the great things about watching reactions is to re-experience the show we remember through someone’s eyes. Doing the whole TOS experience will give you a HUGE audience once word gets around.
There were three groundbreaking science fiction television shows in the '60s. Star Trek in the US, Doctor Who in the UK, and Space Patrol the Fantastic Adventures of Space Ship Orion in Germany, or Raumpatrouille - Die phantastischen Abenteuer des Raumschiffes Orion in the original German.
Fun part about the Orion is it was quite ahead of it's time too with the main hero having a female Admiral as superior officer.
Just went and checked out the first episode of the German series you mentioned. Loved it! But oh lord, the music man!
Yeah some 60s stuff is great. I love the ambitious and trippy British paranoia drama series The Prisoner. Going forward to 1973, the sort of 'Matrix before The Matrix' German series World On A Wire was awesome and impressionistic: th-cam.com/video/URq7m3-SOtA/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=JanusFilms
@@winterbas8927 Hm, sort of special (in it's own right) is also the German theme for "Captain Future" (which also has a tiny part of the German voice actor for Cpt. Kirk)
Wow, I started watching reactions a year or so ago. Came across your Wrath of Khan reaction and just watched this. You are the most honest compelling and thoughtful person doing this stuff. I definitely would have been friends with your Dad. Although it sounds like we maybe would have debated Next Gen, he sounds like my kind of guy! Thanks for doing these!
You’re very welcome!
Bless you and your dear Father. You honoring him and his memory is very admirable and I'm here for the journey as you learn about Trek, and Ill re-learn along with you. Thank you!
This was the age of 24+ episodes in a season, and sets built on a shoe-string budget (compared to today) with nothing but paint, styrofoam, plastic sheeting, and tape... Those gorgeous matte paintings in the background were probable done overnight on day two of shooting "OK, guys, you have 9 hours before we start the next scene shooting.. build the set,, and here's the concept sketch for the background... get to it!".
Those folks were gods... set building gods...
Keep in mind that the pilot never aired and wasn’t seen till about 1986, however parts of this are used in the TOS two part episode ‘The Menagerie’. It would also be crucial to watch the series through to better understand the first movie which trekkies had to wait 10 years to see. And a nice tribute to your Dad. I’m sure he’s getting a kick out of this up there. I work as a therapist in behavioral health so this has been amusing with your reactions. Yes they have assess on the backs of their heads.
It was interesting that this episode mentions that the events of the first illusion Pike had that took place on another planet happened two weeks prior. It is also interesting that Pike does not want to be their on the starship because he had so many losses of crew members over time. Someone was saying a lot of the writers of Star Trek fought in WWII or the Koran War of the 1950’s and had those sorts of personal experiences in their minds while writing for the Original Series. They also were dealing with current events of the Cold War and Vietnam War.
As a 57 year old Star Trek/Doctor Who/Star Wars/Comic, etc fan with grown kids, your intro almost got me emotional. Then your closing comment caught me off guard and did get me emotional. LLAP
❤️
Came here from the "Where No Man Has Gone Before" reaction. Loving this series. Thanks!
Thank you!
May Your channel "live long and prosper" 🖖😌
Thank you!
Completely enjoyable video. I loved it. Thanks for sharing your reactions. And thank you for being so upfront and real, particularly about your Dad. He was obviously a great man who loved you very much. I'm sorry you lost him at such a young and sensitive age. A sixteen year old needs her Dad for sure!
A good follow-up is "The Menagerie", which is a two part episode in the original series (S1: EP 11+12) that uses most of this pilot, and injects it into a storyline involving Kirk, Spock, etc. Spock does some unexpected stuff at the beginning of this two-parter that ultimately gets resolved. These together set the stage for the Trek series "Strange New Worlds" (along with season 2 of discovery, but you could probably skip that stuff). Strange New Worlds has been a very entertaining series that returns to classic trek form (Optimism, self-contained episodes). Strange New Worlds is a fantastic show. They're taking risks and having a lot of fun along the way.
I’ll watch the whole series most likely, so I’ll get around to those episodes soon enough!
nuTrek is incompatible with the original continuity.
@@bunnytailsREACTS None of us had seen the original pilot when this aired so Spock's actions in "The Menagerie" were a mystery. Unfortunately, you'll figure it out right away but it stands on its own as a great episode. Won a Hugo Award.
@@KerbalSpaceCommandincorrect
@@KerbalSpaceCommand 1. Don't bring the negativity here. 2. Continuity has never been a huge ST thing regardless of what "fans" want to think. It wasn't until Gene Coon stepped in, that lots of Star Trek got fleshed out.
Since 77 I've been such a Star wars fan but I've always liked Star Trek as well and I'm ready to watch your reactions to Star Trek when I can
You make me want to revisit the classic Trek again for myself :)
And your dad sounds like he was a great guy too, instilling a love for culture like this.
I'm so, so glad to find a reactor looking at old/classic media like this, and accepting it for what it is. It's amazing how some of these oldies can surprise you. Not all of Star Trek is like this, but when it's good it's great. (If you want a look at the original inspiration for Star Trek, take a look at the 1956 film 'Forbidden Planet' some time - it's great fun too!)
You keep reacting, we'll keep watching! :)
Thank you!
A fun side fact about the transporter use, it was an idea borrowed from another sci fi series, but the reason for using it was in fact for a practical reason as well as showing off the special effects. The reason why they used it was to save money, basically so they didn’t have to film the ship landing on a new planet every week.
Good reaction. Personally, I'd go for the entire series as different episodes appeal to different people, but go with what works best for you.
Thanks 😊
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Your story reminds me of my own. Without getting into details, my dad was an evil person, and no one mourned him when he died. He (thankfully) wasn't in my life much, but he did two things right: He taught me how to play chess, and he introduced me to Star Trek. It's because of him that I got to see all of TOS and the 80s movies on VHS. Later on my own, I was lucky enough to watch TNG, and the subsequent series and movies when they were originally released. It's ironic that someone so terrible was responsible for showing me what became one of the most positive impacts in my life. That's not an exaggeration; Star Trek's stories, themes, ideals, and questions truly can help viewers gain new perspectives. You've got a long, wonderful road ahead, and I'm sure your father would've be so proud to see you go down it. See you out there.
This is a great way to connect with your late father and his memory. I was born in 1964, right before for the first series premiered in '66. I was a bit young to remember it on its first run. Once it hit syndication in the early 70's I watch ed religiously. I've been a Trekkie since then. This first pilot is special. It was never seen in full for many years. What was seen was in B & W and some scenes were used for a season one episode, "The Menagerie". Us Trekkies were beside ourselves when they released this entire episode with a color print. I hope you enjoy your journey. .. FYI, the series Stange New Worlds focuses on Pike and the previous crew of the Enterprise before Kirk.
Thank you for exploring this with us. Some key points to help your journey in the next episode and beyond:
1. This pilot was not broadcast in this original form until 1988. During a budget crunch in the first season, the show’s creator wrote a compelling two part episode called The Menegarie to use the footage. In the original version, the Talosian leader’s voice was male voiced over the female actress’ body. They had to raise the pitch when creating The Menegarie.
2. The network had qualms about this pilot. A second pilot was filmed called Where No Man Has Gone Before. That had more action added to a compelling sci-fi premise. That sold the show. They proceeded to film the episode The Corbomite Maneuver and the remainder of the series.
3. The production order of the episodes is different than the airdate order, partially due to the time for special effects. Here is the production order:
(2) Where No Man Has Gone Before, (3) The Corbomite Maneuver, (4) Mudd’s Women, (5) The Enemy Within, (6) Man Trap, (7) The Naked Time, (8) Charlie X, (9) Balance of Terror, (10) Dagger of the Mind, (11) What Are Little Girls Made Of?, (12) Miri, (13) The Conscience of the King, (14) The Galileo Seven, (15) Court-Martial, (16) The Menegarie, (17) Shore Leave,…
That is WAY different to how they are listed on paramount +. I wanted to watch the first two pilots before anything else, but I got confused and watched "The Man Trap" after this. I guess in the grand scheme of things it's not a big deal but I do feel pretty frustrated about that.
@@bunnytailsREACTS That Paramount order is airdate order. Man Trap was the first one aired. Glad you caught it sort of in time. I think if you see it in production order, you can notice the evolution of the series better. Especially early on, the two orders were very jumbled.
This pilot was rejected for the series. But after some changes ( including the captain) they adapted most of this into a more compelling two part episode “The Menagerie “ which expands on the illusion aspect. Good reaction 👏👏
I’m not a new subscriber, but I’ve been distracted and your Star Trek reactions have brought me back to you. You GET IT! It was so refreshing when you exclaimed, "this is definitely not Star Wars!". I’m with you for the rest of the ride.
What a great reaction to classic Trek.
I hope you continue to voyage through the Trek Universe.
I certainly plan to!
I love this episode, but I think the first time I ever saw it was in 1988. I never saw the full episode until then. Thank you sharing your reactions with us. Also we are so sorry that your dad passed away when you were 16. Thank you for sharing that with us. I feel this journey can be a tribute to him. My dad introduced me to Star Trek when I was age 7
I was one of the commenters on your Wrath of Khan video who suggested watching at least II, III, and IV due to their "trilogy" arrangement. I think it's a great idea to pause that and go back and watch some of the Original Series, since that will really flesh out the relationship between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, which is the emotional centerpiece of those three films. Of course, only Spock is present in "The Cage," and his personality is not clearly fleshed out into what it would become, but "The Cage" itself is a great stand-alone episode.
I'm 45. My dad also got me into Trek, and sci-fi in general, so your story is very relatable. Looking forward to enjoying your journey!
Thank you!
Star Trek was a show I shared with my dad as a child and I'm very grateful for that.
Thank you for sharing your intro with us. I am sorry for your loss. It was all very touching. I think your father would be very pleased you are able to share your bond with him through your Star Trek journey. As for your courage in sharing this on your reaction channel, I think he would also be proud. He sounds like a he was a great father.
As for your reactions, I am here for every Star Trek episode you are able to find time to edit and share. I hope to see every episode from you. You are a natural for reactions. Bottom line is this is your channel and only you know what is best for yourself.
Please feel free to share all speculations as you react. Have no worries about speculating right or wrong, as either way enhances the reaction journey. For this episode - I enjoyed hearing your ongoing analysis on the alien 'butt-heads' and their possible motives. I am here for all of your Star Trek journey and I'm certain I'm not alone in this thought.
Thanks very much! I am excited to explore this franchise further!
i'm in a time warp watching this after really watching many of your TOS reaction videos! YOU ARE AWESOME!
I love the vivid colours of the original series of Star Trek!
Films and shows made nowadays often seem really drab - almost monochrome.
Yes! The color in late '60s/early '70s shows was gorgeous. Star Trek, Batman, Bewitched, The Brady Bunch, etc.
In the early/mid-'70s, they found a cheaper way to film movies and TV shows, and the vibrant colors were gone. The color was so washed out that there are movies and shows from the mid/late '70s that, in my memory, are virtually in black and white.
But, technology advanced, and color came back in the '80s. The modern day drabness, unfortunately, is by design.
Or they drain the color so much that everything looks like a cloudy day (I'm looking at you Zack Snyder).
Oh, thought you were going to say Denis Villeneuve... My theory is that if one flattens out all the visuals, it's easier to hide the CGI.
@@paintedjaguar I did notice that Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow looks a lot better in black and white.
I am pleased to see Star Trek is regaining its popularity.
Great reaction! Always look forward to these Star Trek reactions. There's a new Star Trek show centered around Pike and his original crew (with a few changes) called "Star Trek Strange New Worlds" probably one of the best Star Trek shows in the last 10 years. Great production value, incredible visuals, solid episode stories, good action, good humour, there's heart. Check out the trailer one of these days, and no you won't be spoiled for anything, it's like a brand shiny new take on Pike's character. You will no doubt get to it eventually on your Star Trek journey, a show that good, it's guaranteed
I know I mentioned this before, but Im here for whatever you do regarding Star Trek, but if you chose to react to only the best TOS episodes, I wouldnt begrudge you that either. Well, really, REALLY looking forward to the next one!
One slight correction, SNW is not just the best of the last 10 years, but near the top EVER. I watched TOS as they came out as a teen, and haven't been this excited over new episodes since. They brought the fun back into Trek.
Thank you!
I prefer Deep Space 9. More episodes better pacing than SNW.
That was the sweetest intro I’ve ever heard! Sounds like you had a great dad and a wonderful relationship. As a dad, I got a little choked up. Then you hit me with the “butt head” head aliens. You said what we all were thinking.😂. It’s fun watching you figure out what is happening or what might happen. Love all your comments. It’s like watching these with an old friend. (Well, not old literally)
Thanks for sharing. Your dad would be proud.
When Spock says, " ..we have been swatted," he is referencing his earlier comment in the briefing room that the Talosians might be so powerful mentally that they, "could swat this ship as though it were a fly." And for the record, I would choose reality over illusion.
It's fun to watch this through your eyes-- I saw this when I was a kid and took all the detail for granted ever since.
Its funny. During COVID when we could not get out to see people in person, I did quite a lot of watching these TV and Movie reactors. It actually got a little weird, where I was not actually living much of a life of my own but observing as other people had emotional reactions and described them.
And as for me, during COVID I started my first YT channel which led to the eventual creation of this one, so you can have more reactions to watch! hehehehe
It's a very sophisticated and intelligent realization to compare Star Trek II and the Cage - especially when just starting as a fan.
Captain Pike, Number One and Spock can currently be seen on the Star Trek prequel show Strange New Worlds (SNW). The show takes place a few years after this episode and roughly ten years before Captain Kirk takes command of the Enterprise.
Captain Pike as played by Anson Mount on SNW is a different type of man than he is in The Cage. He is an older less angry and tormented man. Though he is a charismatic man of action, he is also very thoughtful and introspective. The show and Season two of Star Trek Discovery where he is introduced have awesome character moments that get the viewer into his psyche. You begin to see why people are so willing to make sacrifices and go that extra mile for him.
At the time of SNW, Pike like Kirk will later become is well on his way to becoming is a living legend. His crew and superiors deeply respect him on a level he isn't even aware of at times. Won't say more for spoilers. 😉
My introduction to Star Trek was also from my dad and was before The Next Generation came out. When I was a school boy, he'd let me get out of bed late on weekend nights when I could hear he was watching Star Trek the original series reruns on network tv (he was in his late 20s when they first ran). Original Star Trek will always be my favorite because it's full of wonderful, even beautiful stories, but mainly because it started as something I shared with my dad.
Very psyched you're going on this journey and discovering this classic ground-breaking show. I hope you end up doing all three seasons. Always glad to re-watch these episodes with someone with genuine interest. Subscribed!
As of right now, I am so down to react to all 3 seasons! I doubt that will change :)
This is fun. I'm glad you are making a connection with your dad by watching and ultimately learning about a different time and how things have changed. Take a look at the machines and tools they use and realize that this show introduced ideas in concepts...flip phones and such.
I really appreciated your preamble. It helps to contextualize your experience for us. My dad got me into Star Trek as well. I lost him to cancer in 2019, but Trek always gives me good feelings about him.
In naval tradition, "U.S.S." refers to "United States Ship". This was unique for each nation. For example British ships have the prefix "H.M.S." for "His Majesty's ship" before the proper name. In Star Trek "U.S.S." refers to "United Star Ship" or non fleet vessels may just have the prefix "S.S." for "Star Ship".
And did you know that N C C stands for the order number of the ships construction. I. E. Naval Construction Contract 1701.
@@noneya3635 I didn't, but I often wondered and never thought to Google it. Thanks!
Time is just a window. Thanks for opening it. For a breath of fresh air.
Thank you very much 💗
It's been a blessing getting to know you over the last year, seeing this channel start and grow. I'm thankful for your dad sharing his passions with you, and I'm thankful that the ST community is so thrilled about this. I myself have only a little experience with the original series, seeing maybe 10-15 episodes, so I'm excited to learn about these with you. My parents were somewhat familiar with the original series but never really talked about it, and I started watching in the early 90s when they had a 2 hr combo every week of TNG/DS9 and then DS9/Voyager.
20:06 The concept of societal stagnation comes up again in most of the series, but it's the perfect foil for ST's focus on exploration, improvement and advancement.
30:00 Choosing the illusion vs. reality, a classic sci-fi concept and even more prevalent nowadays. Personally I feel a strong aversion to illusions or pretenses, preferring that everyone be honest with who they are and what's really happening, but since I rarely have peace in my life and chronically worry, I often rely on imagining fictional stories to fall asleep at night.
One of my favorite anime really delves deep into the whole societal stagnation thing. I found it immensely intriguing. It's called Texhnolyze and it moved me deeply while also giving me so much to think about.
damnit that really got me BT :( That was really touching and the best reason Ive ever heard to get into a show like this, I hope you enjoy and it brings you some small confort :) Take care!
You'll enjoy this journey! You may recognize many of the guest stars throughout the series run. Mark Lenard is in the films and TNG as well. The special effects for the space scenes were updated within the last 15 years, which you spotted during your viewing of Space Seed. I look forward to seeing the upcoming reactions.
I really love watching younger folks experience, felt and spoken about, older shows, but this one especially. This was so far ahead of it's time in many, many ways and for kids in the 60's and the 70's(re-runs) that were sensitive to the inequities and unjustness of some aspects of life, this seemed to address that gap even before we could articulate a wrongness that we we felt about being alive. It was like a band-aid. ST seemed to give a lot of optimism about what was possible and at the same time depict some of the unchangeable aspects of being human. Very much appreciate your reactions.
Thank you for sharing a bit of your life, your dad seems like a great guy. I was 12 when ST first aired and have been a fan ever since. Hopefully you gain more viewers because of this very popular series. Peace. ps, my brother and I called the aliens Buttheads because of the back of their heads.😂
Ditto on “Buttheads.”
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You have a lot of old timers here like myself to support you and share in your journey. I have a daughter about your age but we never met, so it’s fun for me to watch you share in our old GenXer shows.
I've seen many people watch two to four episodes of TV series and make that one video. I guess it depends on the length of the video you are aiming to upload and how much entertaining reactions were actually there. 😆
I wouldn’t be surprised if later on some of the episodes get bundled or even omitted. I’ve heard the characters don’t get any development due to the episodic nature of the series, so there may be some episodes later on where I don’t really have much new to add. But we’ll see how it goes!
This is pretty cool. I’m 56. I have a 26 yr old daughter and a 12 yr old daughter. I’m also a Star Trek fan but not exactly a “Trekkie” per se. I’m sure your father would be so excited that you’re doing this. It’s not only the characters I enjoy and you can’t say too much about the special effects of the original because of course this was in the 60s on a low budget (they were later remastered and look great now) but it’s the stories and the concepts of the stories that help carry it to its relevance to this day. I know why your dad loved it. And sometimes I have sat my daughters down to watch an episode or two with me. It’s the sharing of the experience that matters and you are sharing it again with your dad….through me and through other dads and daughters and sons and so on on this app. This is going to be fun
Watching this again makes me realize what an increible job Anson Mount does as Capt Pike in the new series "Strange New Worlds"!
Trek IS popular, it’s just a shame that reactors sleep on the original series simply because of the special effects or the look of the sets, etc.
Edit: I’d love it if you watched/reacted to the entire series, but ultimately it’s your decision and your channel.
It’s a shame if people turn away due to the outdated effects. Personally, I love to see how things progressed to give myself a better understanding of how we got to where we are now. Plus, practical effects are awesome! I wish the original non-remastered version of this show was readily available.
@@bunnytailsREACTSRemastering doesn’t always mean new effects, but in the TOS episodes case you’re right. I’ve seen reactors assume the movies effects are redone and as far as I know the effects in the films have only been cleaned up and not redone with computers.
@@bunnytailsREACTS When I retired one of the things I bought was all 3 seasons of the Original Star Trek series on Blu Ray. It includes both the original and remastered versions of each episode. I've been saving this as well as all lthe seasons of Buffy for when I need to kill some time.
@@jimdetry9420 The Doctor Who DVDs have done this also. They usually default to the original effects and have the enhanced effects as the option.
Trust me, your videos ARE keeping that connection with your father. Anyone sharing what he shared with you will always be proud when that sharing is continued...
I have not run across too many react channels that watch Star Trek. I don't know why. (Maybe most of them watched it before they started their channels, so can't be first time watching?) Unless it is the 2009 and later movies but rarely the original stuff.
The only other I've seen doing this is The Target Audience. Glad to have another.
Paramount used to zealously protect star trek, regularly blocking reactors from using any trek content in their videos. It seems to have changed recently because I noticed quite a few new TOS and SNW reactors popping up this year.
@@intrinsical maybe they finally realized that if people don't see Star Trek people forget about it. I think the music industry hurts themselves the same way. There's been a few times I've watched a TH-cam video with music, that would probably be DMCA-ed today, just to go find that album to buy.
And in my opinion the current crop of Trek is garbage and isn't bringing in the audience they want, so Paramount probably hopes if people see good Trek on TH-cam reactions, maybe they'll go watch the new garbage Trek. 😆
My Dad shared this with me too. Cosmos, Doctor Who and the love of science and curiosity!
This episode is about vicarious experience, ironically!
Lucille Ball and Desilu studios are responsible for two of my favorite shows growing up, Star Trek and Mission Impossible. Both obviously went on to become popular film franchises.
They filmed on adjacent sets which made it handy when Leonard Nimoy started on Mission Impossible after Star Trek was cancelled.
Wow, your story is so touching. Thank you for sharing that. Also, wow, your reactions are so fresh and honest. I'm sure I saw this when it was first broadcast in the 1980s and have watched it more times than I can remember since then. The freshness you bring it is exhilarating!
Thank you!
USS = united star ship
In this episode, he said United Space Ship
@@nimblehealer199 oo
You're remarking upon the use of paintings and the special effects of the time. By today's standards, it's so rudimentary that it gives a surreal, dream- like quality. The 1950's sci-fi movie "Forbidden Planet" looks really cool in the same way. I actually saw it here in a movie theater in Portland a few years back, and when the sky of an alien world ( again using paintings and colored lights), there was a collective " gasp" from the audience.. .. because it did look so trippy and surreal to see this green and purple sky that looks so unreal it's something most people have never seen.
As a father myself, and a new grandfather this year, I can appreciate your desire to honor and connect with your father through Star Trek. I really enjoyed your reaction!
Thank you!
Just recently came across your channel and I'm playing catch-up. Your intro where you tell us about your dad really hit home with me because as I'm watching this, tomorrow would have been my dad's birthday. I lost him last year.
My condolences for the loss of your father. May his memory be a blessing for you and your family.
The connection to Maruki is an excellent one, I love that.
Interestingly enough, there were 2 actors who continued to play roles on the original series of Star Trek: Of course, there was Leonard Nimoy, who plated Mr. Spock, but the actress who played "Number One," Majel Barrett, later on played nurse Christine Chapel, as well as playing the voice of the computer in the original series. She would continue as the voice of the computer in "Star Trek Next Generation," but also played a new character, "Lwaxana Troi." She also played Nurse Chapel in several of the movies as well. She was married to Gene Roddenberry as well.
I am so happy you got to watch the first Star Trek Pilot episode The Cage. I enjoy this episode a lot. I remember when I was little my dad had this on VHS and I would play with my action figures and sit down and watch this Star Trek Show. I'm a big fan of Star Trek and the reason why is because my Dad was a big fan of Star Trek and that's how I got into Star Trek because of him. I'm so sorry to hear about you're dad and I'm happy that you are watching this to bond with him. You are really awesome and im so glad I discovered your TH-cam page. Live long and prosper!!! I can't wait to see more.
Glad you had a chance to glance at Classic Trek... I grew up in those times.. And that show still has a place in my heart !!!! Thank you, for sharing your reaction with us 😊
You're welcome!
Ok I'm hooked. And i was lucky to catch Wrath of Kahn before this because you're post commentary put you in the "don't miss a word" box in my head. Lol. I watched every second and I'm glad i did. Anxious to watch you consider this journey!
The backgrounds in these episodes are often Matte Paintings. This is a classic technique used in older TV and Film, making an indoor set reasonably believable as an outdoor location. It's nice to see someone appreciate it.
The Talosians pull some nasty stunts, but honestly, if humanity was facing extinction and tricking some aliens into servant status to save us... yeah, sadly, we probably would try it.
Seeing this reaction shows how this episode of Star Trek still holds up in the world building and science fiction concepts.
Jeffrey Hunter, who played Captain Pike, was a very successful film actor in the 50s and early 60s. He was in some landmark classic films, including The Searchers. He was an excellent actor.
There's just something special about "The Cage". I remember it being one of the first VHS tapes I bought for myself in the "All-Color Collector's Edition". Prior editions were partially in black & white, since the full color footage was believed to be lost (until a private collector stepped forward).
BTW: There are 2 different episode orders for the original series: broadcast order (as decided by NBC execs) and production order. The original home videos were released in production order, which I personally feel flows better than the broadcast order.
My dad was a HUGE Star Trek fan as well. I grew up watching it because of him which has, in turn, made me a huge Trek fan. I lost my dad in May of 2017, so I get where you're coming from. I was very close to my dad. He was the best dad I could ever have asked for, and he was also my best friend. Perhaps my only true friend. I miss him everyday. Watching ALL of this series (and possibly all the others) is going to take you a minute or two, but it will be worth it. And even though you can't watch it (and share it) with him, he's still with you. I'm sure learning about this franchise might even teach you some things about your dad that you didn't know or perhaps help you understand some things about him (the way he did things, the way he thought about things, his decision-making, etc) that maybe you didn't before. Anyway, I'm glad to see you moving forward with it! 🙂
On the newest Star Trek series Anson Mount plays Capt Pike. His hair requires its own show credit
"Where No Bunny has Gone Before! "What a great Lead in line. Suggest getting a notebook and take notes during your watching of these episodes. You will have those notes to refer back to and compliment additional Bunny intros on the future episodes; as well have notes when future episodes reflect back on previous ones. {So glad you decided to take this journey!} Look forward to the future reactions.
Thank you!
This was never broadcast on TV in the 60s
My dad met Susan Oliver (Vina) back in the early 70s, when she was filming an episode of a TV show called "The American Sportsman". For the episode, she was training to solo pilot a glider (she was already a prolific pilot before that), and he was one of her instructors. He was also interviewed for the 2014 documentary film "The Green Girl", about her career in Hollywood as an actor/director and as a pilot. Amazing life she led, and tragic.
I had the privilege to participate in the initiation of an adult friend's Star Trek journey. It was great fun to discuss the episodes with him and our other Trek friends, and he quickly picked up on the optimistic view of the future that the franchise portrays. He became seriously hooked!
Unfortunately, he met his end before we could get him to a convention. Hopefully, you'll have the good fortune to attend one (or many)! (The annual one in Las Vegas is the best, but there are a lot of them out there.)
Growing up, Scotty was an idol of mine. It was thrilling to me to be able to speak with James Doohan briefly and shake his hand when I attended my first convention. They're great fun. The cast and producers are very gracious and interesting; hearing their stories is well worth the effort to go. And the cosplay is terrific!
Maybe one day, you'll place a communicator next to your police box. That would be shiny! 🙂
Enjoy "The Man Trap"!
beautiful words honoring your dad, he must've been an amazing man to inspire them. I personally woukd love to see all episodes. But whatever you decide and wherever life takes you I hope it brings you happiness.
Watching people's reactions on TH-cam is the first step toward this society of theirs.
I started watching ST during its original run; in 1967 I was 4 yrs old and my dad liked the show. Even before he died last year, I realized most everything I have in my life is thanks to him. To my point: The past couple of decades, I've found oddly unexpected depth in The Wrath of Khan. My philosophy about Life Everlasting, immortality, what happens when we die, can be summed up with... "He's really not dead, as long as we remember him."
"Wrath of Khan" has aged well as I have gotten older. Frankly, it's just a good movie period, genre and sci-fi aside.
The backdrops are called matte paintings. Often used in both television and movies they were made to look good at a distance for cameras of the day (either celluloid film or video tape). They got replaced by blue-screen effects, then green-screen.