From the First Day to the Last, Part 1

[feek61]

John D.F. Black who was the original Star Trek story editor for the first part of the first season (also wrote "The Naked Time") wrote an envelope script for "The Cage" which was the precursor to "The Menagerie." It was never used but is a part of Trek history. I have part 2 which is really interesting but I do not have part 1 and was wondering if anyone has a copy of part 1 of the script they could share. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ZapBrannigan]

I wouldn't mind hearing an alternate framing story in which Pike doesn't suffer his devastating injury. Can you suss out the gist of it for us?

 

[mb22]

I wouldn't mind hearing an alternate framing story in which Pike doesn't suffer his devastating injury. Can you suss out the gist of it for us?

Pike was injured in this version as well. You can read the 'gist' of it here:

https://whatculture.com/tv/10-star-trek-the-original-series-episodes-that-were-almost-made?page=2

 

[feek61]

I can post part 2 if anyone is interested.

 

[F. King Daniel]

I can post part 2 if anyone is interested.

I'd definitely be interested and I'm sure others would too!

 

[Methuselah Flint]

Yes please!

 

[feek61]

Here is the link to Part 2, enjoy!

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/v61q...lack.pdf?rlkey=kkpea3g7nk3yx9ft1svvdgbkb&dl=0

 

[F. King Daniel]

Here is the link to Part 2, enjoy!

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/v61q...lack.pdf?rlkey=kkpea3g7nk3yx9ft1svvdgbkb&dl=0

Fantastic, thank you!

 

[Warped9]

Pike was injured in this version as well. You can read the 'gist' of it here:

https://whatculture.com/tv/10-star-trek-the-original-series-episodes-that-were-almost-made?page=2

I see why Roddenberry rewrote it. There is no real drama to that idea. There is no compelling reason to learn why Pike should return to Talos 4. Black’s version might be more realistic, but it’s not dramatic.

 

[mb22]

I see why Roddenberry rewrote it. There is no real drama to that idea. There is no compelling reason to learn why Pike should return to Talos 4. Black’s version might be more realistic, but it’s not dramatic.

To be fair, we haven't read the first part of the episode which may have made the case why Pike should return there. Too bad it seems to be lost for good (did Greg Jein have a copy?).

 

[Methuselah Flint]

On the auction site it lists From the First Day as an alternate title, but I suspect it's Rodenberry's Menagerie.

https://www.julienslive.com/lot-det...UCTION-SCRIPT-ARCHIVE-FROM-DESILU-PRODUCTIONS

 

[mb22]

According to Memory Alpha, Rodenberry's 10/7/66 script itself was revised on 10/10/66 by Gene Coon (along some further revisions on 10/13, 14 and 17) prior to filming. In the link below are differences between the 10/7 script and the aired version. It's interesting that scene of the illusory Pike departing with Vina at the end of the pilot was repurposed as the older Pike leaving with Vina in both Black's unused script and in the final aired episode, but not in Rodenberry's 10/7 script -- was it Coon's idea to re-insert it to the script or Rodenberry's in a later revision?
http://www.orionpressfanzines.com/articles/menagerie.htm

 

[mb22]

On the auction site it lists From the First Day as an alternate title, but I suspect it's Rodenberry's Menagerie.

https://www.julienslive.com/lot-det...UCTION-SCRIPT-ARCHIVE-FROM-DESILU-PRODUCTIONS

Probably, since it is dated 9/21 and Black's script was 8/12.