"They're calling it the Prime Directive." "Oh, that'll never stick."

This was one of the best, if not the best, episode of modern Trek we've gotten so far. Incredible episode.

The biggest UP for me-Spock’s retinal scan failing in the same place where my wedding photos were taken! Filmed on the campus where I met my husband with our photos taken there…I had to rewind to check. I’ve recognized many Toronto landmarks but that was just super cool!

You missed a great classic sci fi reference, when Pike is talking with La'an onboard Starbase One he talks about the habitat domes on board Starbase One that scientists had launched during WWIII to preserve Earth's plant life. This was an obvious nod to the 1972 film "Silent Running" with Bruce Dern and directed by Douglas Trumbull, who went on to become the Visual Effects Supervisor for Star Trek: The Motion Picture.

I do find it incredibly ironic that a Noonien Singh saved the Enterprise by ordering the shields to be raised.

It's funny to see the community agree on this one so much. I feel the same. It was a great pilot, the characters felt great. The episode (and second too) feel like Star Trek again. They dialed down the effects a bit and the tech feels more grounded but with upgraded effects and budget. I like this Enterprise a lot. The Engine room seems to look very different (more like after the refit) but great. But boy, the first two episodes were just plain fun. I hope it will continue like this. I like all the characters and I agree that one can feel the chemistry between them.

The bit when Spock changes back to his normal form, screams from the pain, and then stands back up totally dead-pan had me cracking up. I cannot remember a time that Star Trek made me laugh that hard

I felt like I was finally watching star trek again. Discovery and Picard are ok, but this really scratched that itch and it was so refreshing

After this first episode I’m not surprised that they already cleared a season 2 before the show even aired. This is the Star Trek I was hoping we could get for enterprise

I assumed the "Number One" gag with both responding was a callback to the TNG episode "Disaster" where Picard is trapped in a turbolift with three children and gives them ranks to help ease their minds and work together. After declaring Marissa his First Officer, he calls her Number One throughout the episode, leading up to the amusing ending where he gives Riker an order, calling him Number One as always and both Riker and Marissa respond "Aye, Sir."

For One Reason, this is the episode all Star Trek has waited for: The one one hour thing you can show to anyone to introduce them to "See? This is Star Trek!" Perfektly, on point! Well, done everyone!

Anson Mount's warm delivery as Captain Pike aboard Discovery sold me on the potential for SNW being a great show. The episode 1 scene where La'an apologizes to Pike for not earlier telling of her connection to Una recaptured that magic. "Tell me about it now," he replies. Pike is so disarming. Anson Mount "had me at hello". I look forward to the rest of the series.

Honestly, this episode made me teary eyed a bit. I never thought I'd see the Star Trek that I fell in love with again.

This first episode was incredible. One other point I have to make: the uniforms are so good! It's clear that they are basically just the TOS uniforms, but subtly updated to maintain SNW's modernized look, and I am absolutely here for it!

This was so good I shed a tear because I saw that great Trek is still possible. I hope they keep the awesomeness going

This has captured my feeling watching SNW Ep1, it’s like coming home to the Star Trek I watched beginning in 1966. Loved it so much!

1:54 - As someone who currently holds a clearance, I can tell you that the security folks do stress that there is a difference between having a high enough clearance and something called "need to know." Basically, it doesn't matter how high a clearance you hold, if you don't have a need to know, you're basically not authorized to access the information.

S1E1 was brilliant. Felt like a conversation with an old friend. Everything about this episode just felt proper.

I love how Pike's personal dilemma reflects the one he had way back in "The Cage", when he was also considering resigning from Starfleet. Dr. Boyce tells him in that episode, "A man either lives life as it happens to him - meets it head-on and licks it - or he turns his back on it and starts to wither away" - pretty much exactly the choice Pike has to make here.

There's an interesting parallel between La'an Noonien-Singh and Burnham. They both survived attacks from aggressive alien races. They both also identify the threat immediately in the first episode.

uhora's pinky bend was spot on. clearly someone has been watching old episodes in preparation for the role.

Sean missed Starbase 11 on the map, which is a big Easter egg tied to Pike because that is where future disabled Pike was located in The Menagerie

I am an original series man from way back! I watched it when it was airing for the first time way back in the 60s (yes, I am old.) THIS is Star Trek! I actually shed a few tears watching this... tears of joy!

I loved this episode. I thought it felt Star Trek, it felt perfect. The set, the story, the characters, the scenes, the music - it was spot on. Your point about Pike not raising his voice but getting his way was spot on. The one thing I will say that had me going "huh?" was the time factor of Spock on Vulcan and then on Earth in what was like day. I thought it would take longer. But I can whatever that scene as things around it were great. I don't own Paramount+ so its going to be hard to watch this but this was awesome.

Pilots are always weak when looking back over the season or multiple seasons. This is one of the best pilots I’ve ever seen of any show. I really felt like I was watching an episode from the second or third season. If the pilot is this strong I have very high hopes for the feast of the season and beyond

This episode reminded me of a sci fi tv show about space explorers I used to watch. It was fun, exciting, and thought provoking. It had the beginnings of development for several characters. It left me wanting (not wondering) more. I loved it. It’s been many years since I’ve seen a show like this.

I was in tears by the end of the episode. We finally have a proper star trek show again.

Comfortably familiar, exhilaratingly new. That’s how I feel about this series. They crew has that same bond that TOS and TNG had. Love it! So excited for this season and this show!

Fingers crossed that the rest of the season stacks up to this wonderful start to a new star-trek! No downs, no major canon violations, episodic in nature with cautionary tales presented optimistically and a cast that really jelled right from day one. Great job, great start, hope to see this trend continue!!! Thanks for the video TrekCulture, you folks rock!

Absolutely loved this. Such a great pilot. StarTrek has been a part of my life since I was born into this strange world. I have loved every version of the shows and movies. Hands down this is the best pilot and certainly most like the original show. This is going to be such a great adventure

Regarding the eugenics wars. They’re basically moving them. The research was done in 1996 (and possibly cancelled) to maintain the year mentioned in TOS, but the Picard finale is hinting that Soong is going to start it back up or finish it after the Season 2 events, thus pushing back the Eugenics War.

That discussion about security clearances makes a lot of sense - just because you have a given level of clearance does not mean you can just access anything classified at or below that level - you still need to have the "need to know". So she might have a higher clearance than Pike but she's not been read into everything around Discovery.

I've been waiting decades for this show....it was everything I had hoped for. Just perfect.

That Q snap was perfectly executed. Very well done!

I waited 55 years for this story I’m a little more than excited and I can’t wait to watch the entire season

‘Prime Directive…that will never catch on’ had me giggling😂😂😂

One other connection I thought of: those domed biosphere that were sent into space at the start of WW3.... didn't that remind anyone of Silent Running? Have they incorporated that film into Star Trek lore? :D

Even if quality tanks after this, SNW gave me that glimmer of hope for the first time since Enterprise was canned, and for that alone I will always love that episode.

2 things I noticed: 1. M’Benga is wearing the shiny McCoy style shirt that velcros close at the right shoulder & 2. every time they beam, they use The Cage transporter sound effect. In addition, Mitchell could be a nod to Gary Mitchell from TOS’s Where No Man Has Gone Before…

Also, did anyone get Guy Fleegman (Galaxy Quest) vibes from Sam Kirk when he walked in? LOLOL I love it!

I was about to point out that Janeway absolutely did take Voyager into a low orbit over Earth that time they were thrown into the 1990s, but in reflection I believe it was actually Harry Kim in the chair at the time, so, fair enough.

Reminds me so much of those original Trek shows I watched with my Dad as a kid. Loved every minute of it!

I thought it had a much stronger start than Discovery; and the "The Day the Earth Stood Still" style speech Pike gives is brilliant.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Strange New Worlds!

Have watched it twice already, will be watching it again and again and again until episode 2! It will be burned into my screens! Just awesome new classic feel good lift your spirits TREK!! YES TO STRANGE NEW WORLDS! Just feels so familiar!

One little observation that I enjoyed was mixing in the old transporter beaming sound effects from The Cage.

I loved the Vulcan "flirting" and "teasing" that is shown. My only problem was their kiss. It should have been the two-finger touch like in TOS with the same reaction from the waiter.

ST:SNW delivered basically everything I wanted from a new Star Trek series! I can't wait to see more!

I'm 40 years old and have never heard my last name mentioned so many times before, I love it. Thank you Sean!

"Take me to your leader." I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at a deadpan delivery before lol

Best part? When Pike was giving his pep talk at the end, and Uhura says "Cool!". Loved her smile, it mirrored my own.

Giving Chapel credit for the "disguise" treatment (a long-lived Trek trope) was a nice touch. Still waiting for Spock to raise his right eyebrow, though. 🙂🖖

Anson mount is so freaking hot!! And so is spock!!

Kirk was the first one to encounter the Gorn, though. When he had to fight the Gorn captain in The Arena, he had no idea what species it was.

This show is finally giving the Nurse Chapel character a chance to shine.

Good start. Let’s hope it keeps going in this direction

I can name everyone on the bridge after one episode. I can't do that on Disco after several seasons.

"I'm gushing. I regret nothing." Nine months later, this is still a perfect review. Keep it up! (Yes, it was an incredible start to the new series.)

So impressed! Can't wait for more! Sean, thanks for the planet names listed...must have taken quite a while to get that down (and used more pages in your book!).

THIS is the Star Trek that we fans both wanted, and deserved. 🖖

This was, possibly, the most satisfying, fun episode of Star Trek to date. The numbers in the video don't lie. I don't know what the writing staff is doing for this show, but they need to keep doing it, whatever it is. Copy pasted from another video: When Pike said, basically "Screw the rules" my reaction was YEEAHA! and finger guns. I like most Trek, don't mind it if it doesn't get too dark, but this was an awesome out-of-the-gate experience. No bad acting, it was like the whole cast had been playing these parts for years. I only had a slight issue with Noonian-Singh, trying to decide if she's a Mary-Sue or not, but I loved her otherwise. (She took the pain from the transformation and thought on her feet. She done earned that spot as security chief!) I guess time will tell. Can't wait for the next episode. I know the entire series will be "woke", which isn't my favorite, but most shows are now. Also, bonus points to Uhura's cool, conversational head with the native species. Cuuuuute moment. ^_^ I'll want to see more like that. (I will take it gladly over Disco's severed heads moment. Eww.) ----------------------------- Meaningless to most people, but that was a beautiful horse in the opening scene! Kyle is my new woobie/eye candy. I have fallen in luv with Spock again, beard or no beard. That voice! He could be reading an instruction manual for a nuclear power operation system and I'd be enthralled. (Oddly, his face isn't that hot for me, but it's details. Too bad he'll never have stubble, but maybe we'll get that OG mirror universe Spock with the beard back this time around? Holla!) Pike needs to stop being such a dang charming smooth operator. Haha, nah, he does. Half the males on the crew can be my new biases, why not? Hemmer, get over here! XD (When Paul Wesley gets on this ship, I am going to lose my mind. Been drooling over him for like a decade, but never watched him in anything because it was nothing I liked.) I want to see more of Singh and Callaway, and more Singh and Number one interactions. We stan a good mentor story!! Might come back to this later. Great start, can't half believe some people didn't like it!!

I enjoy watching these ups and downs when I'm down. You are such a charming dork and you put a smile on my face.

I'm 65 years old, about to turn 66 and I'm so thankful they are making Star Trek Strange New Worlds. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've watched it four times now and plan to watch the first episode many more times before the second episode is aired. The first time I watched it, my mind was taken back to my ten year old self and the excitement I felt the first time I saw Star Trek, the original series. I remember my thirteen year old brother and I sitting on the floor in front of our small black and white T.V. in 1966, eagerly waiting for Star Trek to start. The first time I saw William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy was magical. I fell in love with both of them. LOL But I must say I loved Leonard till the day he died and still do. William Shatner not so much. I know this has been long winded, but I just wanted to thank you for breaking down the episode. You are brilliant and I truly appreciate the time you have taken to explain all the Easter Eggs in the episode.

The Day the Earth Stood still and Pikes Speach perfect example of "Set Up and Pay Off" Done Right.

I just loved it! I felt like I did as as a kid back in the 70's watching Trek for the first time!!

The best KZfaq review for the best first episode in Trek history.

Loved this ep….lovin’ Anson Mount’s Pike…it’s little things they throw in that tickle me…. “Hope we didn’t catch anyone with ur hair wet or ur pants down” & they show the bridge crew smirking…epic…. I loooooove the spin they put on the title theme for the opening credits too….that drum beat as the music builds…perfect !! Love the vids Sean & team…& g’day from Down Under LL&P to all….stay safe

Anyone else look at the character La'an Noonien-Singh and say, "Wow, we're not aping Camina Drummer from the Expanse at all are we?"

Its very good, love the show, got very high hopes for this show!

I watched the episode twice in one day. I think the last time I did that for a Star Trek episode was "Yesterday's Enterprise'. Wholehearted thumbs up!

Geeked out almost the entire episode! More, please!

I started watching this really being prepared to hate it. I was wrong. The ten year old me would have been delighted with this episode. Well done to all connected with this - superb!

No the picard and SNW fit perfectly. The trick is dealing with the fact that we are now past the TOS dates for the eugenics wars by setting a date clearly in the 2030s and 40s for the eugenics wars. Matches with enterprise as well

I love this channel and this show in particular. I loved this episode so much for mostly the same reasons. The cast is remarkable!

I loved it. Been watching TREK since it premiered, in glorious 12" B&W when I was 5, so I caught a lot of the Easter Eggs and references. Thank you for expanding on the padd and the starchart. That was cool. Looking forward to subsequent episodes!

I dont generally care for prequels (didn't even watch DIS until they went into the future - love it, btw) but the did GREAT!!! That episode was simply phenomenal!!

Strange New Worlds was: Incredible, mystical, magical, awesome, excellent, and fun On so many levels. I love this series already

All I can say is that this show makes me incredibly happy. I just love Trek.

I love love love it!! I'm 60 years old. I've been waiting forever for the Pike story.

Does anyone else feel like this was the Trek we've needed?

Don't forget that Lt. Kyle was often at the Enterprise's transporter controls in TOS, later rising to the rank of Commander and serving as comms officer on the Reliant under Capt. Terrell.

You're the best Star Trek reviewer on KZfaq. Thanks, please keep up the good work.

I have another huge up: the bridge set. It doesn't look like a holo mess with neon lights and stuff. It looks like a reimagination of the original Enterprise bridge and I love it.

Thank you so much from Ukraine! Made me smile even more at the very end!

Perfect score on TrekCulture, 100% Fresh score on the Tomatoes that AREN’T Rotten… I think this is off to a good start. 😜🖖🏼

Also... Pike's speach on the planet gave me the feels.. my eyes may have even become a little glassy. ... This is what Star Trek is like when its at its best.

Yes, this is the ONE Star Trek show that we've been anticipating since Discovery Season 2 was seen. Fell in love with Captain Pike, Number One and Spock. Couldn't wait for SNW. Now it is here and it did NOT disappoint. We gave it full marks. Practically a perfect episode of TV. Marie and I are binging your after shows. Thank you for doing this.

They missed a serious opportunity by not saying Pike's horse was named "Tango."

I feel like Chapel is going to end up becoming my favourite character.

Episode 1, season 1 ... absolutely brilliant! Loved it.

This show is the best of old and new Trek. The substance of the old mixed with new visuals and current cultural mirroring. It's beautiful

This is what happens when they listen to the fans and make the show THEY want, absolutely superb and although she has only been on screen a little, Uhura is fantastic.

The navigator name Mitchel could be a nod to Gary Mithcel from "Where No Man Has Gone Before"

Blu-ray arrived today. Bit behind the rest of you guys but it was great fun!

This show knocked me out . Well done . Peck at times even sounds like Nimoy. Great cast .can't wait for ep 2

Pike's cottage (his horses, and 50 miles of park land) was a reference to The Menagerie, when Pike was taking with Dr. Boyce when Pike was thinking about quitting after what had happen before at Rigel 7, and how he is tired from the responsibility of the lives on the ship.

Downs - They figured out warp (antimatter?) via brief telescopic observation. That's pretty much it for my downs. This was a stellar first episode that used all our collective knowledge from TOS/TAS/Disco to great effect. The cast were all great, and the feel, vibe, whatever was tremendous. I don't watch Disco anymore, and I grumble/eye roll through Picard. This on the other hand, well done.

YEARS we've been waiting for this..... To the Writers: See? Was that so hard? Keep up the great work!!!!

Captain Pike's beard early in the episode is truly legendary. The pilot to Strange New Worlds is my favorite since DS9's.

I flippin' loved everything about it! Anson Mount... be still my heart. I had to watch it twice in a row. Sean, thank you for all you do!