Six Starfleet spaceships have borne the name Enterprise. Each has been more advanced than the last but what happened to the first iconic starship? Did you know that the USS Enterprise NCC 1701 was originally known by another name? The USS Yorktown was that name given to Star Trek's first spaceship before the ship was re-christened, USS Enterprise 1701. Thank Galactic Space! In 1964, Star Treks first ever, test pilot was presented to NBC TV Network bosses who wanted an exciting action packed "space western."
Its fun watching Star Trek's classic episode of "the Cage" today with the camera sweeping across the "Enterprise" bridge officers on duty. Unfortunately their commander, Captain Christopher Pike looks a little lost with the robotic reactions of the bridge crew so not helping. The crew fall short on action and excitement led by their self doubting commander who's a rather humble soul for the big wheel on the Federation's Flagship USS Enterprise. Tellingly, the vulcan Spock smiles on Talos IV however NBC executives were not "Fascinated" at all.
Question: Who was the first captain of the starship USS Enterprise NCC 1701 and the USS Yorktown?
In the original "script" before filming began, Gene Roddenberry named the USS Yorktown after a World War II aircraft carrier. The commander in charge was starship Captain Robert April who never made it onto TV. Next up for the big chair was Christopher Pike before Roddenberry makes James T. Kirk Star Treks big gun.
I reckon Pike made space history in 2261 in what becomes known as the "Talos Incident." The seductive charms of Vina as the bewitching green orion girl, fail to brainwash Captain Pike who had bigger fish to fry. He resists Talosians mind control and bungles his chances to mate with Vina played by Susan Oliver. Oh well, the burdens of command.
Live Long and Prosper, Trekkies and Trekkers!
8 comments:
Enterprise just sound more 'outer space.'
Great history lesson on the Enterprise, for us Earth-bound Terrans. Naming it the Enterprise was the best move G.R. made.
Robert April, who was featured in the animated series episode "The Counter-Clock Incident" (the last episode, incidentally), and is at least in the prequel comic to Star Trek Into Darkness.
USS York sounds more like Pearl Harbor than Space. First captain? I can see the face, but not the name.
I just can't picture the intro going..."These are the voyages of the starship...Yorktown. It's five year mission..."
Just doesn't sound right :)
I remember reading one of the Star Trek books, that featured Robert April.
Katie atBankerchick Scratchings
Been a fan since the first episode aired here in the UK when I was a child. As a girl, it was seriously uncool to like it. But I did. Been to conventions, with many friends! Nothing compares.
Liz
http://www.lizbrownleepoet.com
Enterprise sounds much more impressive. Thats why they named the Space Shuttle after it. That and all the letters from the Trek fans.
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