10 Best Pike Moments In Star Trek Discovery
8. Religion And Science
Religion has a strange place in Star Trek. When one looks at Deep Space Nine, there are many examples of religious episodes and themes, not least of which following the belief that the Prophets are gods and Sisko is their emissary. However, Roddenberry was emphatic that there be religion in the future, so it was largely absent from both the Original Series and the Next Generation.
Discovery's Pike has a new approach to the handling of religion. He respects it, having grown up with a religious and scientific background, making what he describes as a complicated relationship.
On the discovery of New Eden, on Terralysium, he, Burnham and Owosekun find that there is a religion in existence that combines elements from many of the major religions that had existed on Earth in the past. They are also met by Jacob, the local scientist.
Pike is forced to attempt to discredit Jacob, who tries to prove that they are from another world. However, he also takes a phaser blast to the chest while trying to protect the village from advanced weaponry. On return to the Discovery, Pike makes a choice.
In a move that breaks the Prime Directive, he returns to Jacob and, privately, confirms the man's beliefs. He respects both the power of religion and the need for science and, in an exchange with Jacob, provides him with more advance technology. It is a huge moment for a Starship captain to break this rule, yet it comes from a place of understanding, allowing us to better appreciate this new captain.