10 Best Pike Moments In Star Trek Discovery

4. If Memory Serves

Star Trek Discovery Pike And Vina
CBS

If Memory Serves is something of a direct sequel to The Cage. The episode opens with a reminder of the events of that episode, leading up to the discovery of the Talosians, the encounter with Vina and the attempts by the Enterprise crew to save Pike from captivity.

The episode then jumps into Discovery's timeline and, while the change in appearances, costume and technology is jarring, it actually serves as a loving tribute to the original failed pilot.

Vina, originally played by Susan Oliver and now played by Melissa George, appears to Pike in his ready room. This is perhaps one of the most tender moments that Discovery offers to the captain, as there is little delay in the pair of them telling each other how they feel.

In the Original Series, Pike was returned to Talos in The Menagerie, when Spock broke Starfleet rules to get the mangled Pike back there. We see Pike and Vina reunited, happy at last.

If Memory Serves builds on this, confirming that Pike has often thought of Vina in his private thoughts, still longing for that moment when they could be together again. He wanted her to come with him, but her condition wouldn't allow it. They may only have a short time together, yet it is enough to remind older viewers and inform newer viewers that Pike has a great love out there and one day, he will return to her.

Contributor
Contributor

Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"