‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ Lost One of Its Most Important Characters in This Game-Changing Move

It might not seem like it now, but in its early days, Star Trek was an underdog. Despite earning a dedicated fanbase with younger demographics during its three-year run, the original 1960s series wasn’t a ratings smash. NBC cancelled the ambitious sci-fi excursion after three seasons, and there’s a good chance Star Trek wouldn’t have made it that far without a combination of good luck and powerful behind-the-scenes allies (like entertainment powerhouse Lucille Ball). Trek‘s evolution into a franchise powerhouse was a tenuous undertaking from the beginning: although supportive of creator Gene Roddenberry‘s “Western in space” concept, NBC ordered a second pilot after deeming Roddenberry’s first offering “too cerebral” (not to mention the episode’s roughly $500,000 budget, a whopping price tag for the time). In this inaugural attempt, titled “The Cage,” film actor Jeffrey Hunter played Christopher Pike, the captain of the Enterprise and the series’ leading man. However, when the second pilot hit the airwaves, Pike was nowhere to be found. Instead, viewers were greeted by the swaggering charm of franchise staple Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner). Why didn’t Trek‘s main performer return for the full series?