Spoilers Strange New Worlds General Discussion Thread

[Tim Thomason]

Pike probably has a form of aphasia, lacking the ability to effectively communicate his thoughts and wants beyond simple affirmations (or lack thereof), in addition to advanced quadriplegia and apparent facial paralysis. I also presume, perhaps related to his spiritual upbringing, that he didn't want cybernetic or experimental treatments to fix his motor problems, and it could be that he was little more than a shell below the brainstem, the chair doing all the work in maintaining his heart and lungs (if he even has his original anymore).

Since we see a Pike Chair well into the 24th century now (on Lower Decks), perhaps this is a sign of the regular treatment given to what would otherwise be vegetative states. The brain is restored as best can be, and the rest of the stuff controlled via the chair, and they are either taught (or in Pike's case, never lose the ability) to live on their own, albeit in this contraption.

 

[Skywalker]

I'm hoping they'll have Pike be somewhat arrogant at the start of SNW. He knows his destiny and so he knows no matter what he does until then, he'll come out of it safe and sound. Until eventually his arrogance ends up getting someone else killed.

 

[cooleddie74]

"I've spent the past few years knowing my own destiny and assuming everyone in my crew is also tied to it. That THEY'D be safe even if I wasn't.

I've been lying to myself."

 

[Nerys Myk]

It's even more bizarre how selective the delta radiation is in its damage. Pike is mentally fine except for being unable to say anything but yes or no. He can see and hear (maybe there were implants involved but keep in mind Geordi still needed a visor a century later).

It does come off like a contrived plot device.

You think?
The whole wrap around plot in the Menagerie is a contrived plot device.

 

[Mudd]

You think?
The whole wrap around plot in the Menagerie is a contrived plot device.

A completely arbitrary and illogical one in so many respects.

 

[DigificWriter]

I think that anyone expecting Pike's fate to be changed is going to be disappointed.

 

[Nerys Myk]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[cooleddie74]

Pike knew that. He knew that.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[F. King Daniel]

I'm hoping they'll have Pike be somewhat arrogant at the start of SNW. He knows his destiny and so he knows no matter what he does until then, he'll come out of it safe and sound. Until eventually his arrogance ends up getting someone else killed.

I want a reverse Final Destination, where knowledge of his future leads Pike into more and more reckless and insane situations, which ends in him getting grounded and made an academy instructor... leading to the fate he saw.

 

[Timo]

I guess it will come down to two possible writer choices: either Pike will be all obsessed about fate and stuff, with at least one scene in every episode where he broods or has flashbacks to his flashforward or makes a random comment that can cutely be read in the context of the all-important prophecy (but the writers will have zero idea on how to capitalize on any of that, since they can't really conclude the story) - or then the show will simply proceed, with Pike as witty and charming and noncommittal as Anson made him in DIS, and there will be at most a Special Episode touching upon this theme if ratings threaten to plummet.

Although since they do multiple seasons on one stroke nowadays, even the latter probably won't happen.

Timo Saloniemui

 

[GNDN18]

there are probably good reasons why Pike's communication skills in the chair are so limited.

Jeffrey Hunter’s wife, for one.

I've been lying to myself.

 

[cooleddie74]

Pike and Kirk did share some traits of self-reflection.

 

[Jayson1]

All Trek characters tend to be self reflective. Usually while staring out a window into space.

 

[DEWLine]

Pike also saw what Control was able to do to Airiam. In addition to any other considerations we've discussed here.

 

[BillJ]

Sure. Just also need to ignore Discovey too.

Not hearing a downside...

I think that anyone expecting Pike's fate to be changed is going to be disappointed.

Well shit, you’ve just guaranteed they are going to change it.

 

[fireproof78]

Not hearing a downside...

Ignoring TOS and Discovery? Well, this is definitely Strange and New!

 

[WarpFactorZ]

Ignoring TOS and Discovery? Well, this is definitely Strange and New!

I didn't actually say "ignore TOS". I said let's pretend Pike's wheelchair had the capability of processing real speech, not just BEEP and BEEP-BEEP. He just knew to let Spock do all the talking.

 

[fireproof78]

I didn't actually say "ignore TOS". I said let's pretend Pike's wheelchair had the capability of processing real speech, not just BEEP and BEEP-BEEP. He just knew to let Spock do all the talking.

Ok. So, let's assume what was presented on screen is not 100% accurate depiction and subject to reinterpretation?

I have no issues with this.

 

[Nerys Myk]

If I was inclined to fill in the blanks and since I am a Trek fan I most certainly am.
Delta Radiation interferes with the telepathic receptors in the brain and wreaks havoc with the areas that control communication. So victims of severe Delta radiation poisoning can not be reached through telepathy and physical forms of communication are limited.

 

[cooleddie74]

Basically his autonomic nervous system functioned with help, I imagine, from the life support systems and battery power of his chair, he could look at people, blink, make his light blink and think like a normal human being but that was about all he could do.