Logline
An accident with an experimental quantum probability field causes everyone on the USS Enterprise to break uncontrollably into song, but the real danger is that the field is expanding and beginning to impact other ships—allies and enemies alike.
Written by Dana Horgan & Bill Wolkoff
Directed by Dermott Downs
I actually really like Kirk being intricately tied to the Enterprise in intimate ways in the years before getting command of it. Trek has never really dealt with how a ship passes hands to a new captain, and I enjoy that Kirk is being given the chance to form relationships with the ship and members of the crew well before anyone even considers that he might one day be its captain. Never mind that Pike is uniquely well aware that his own time is limited and he wants to make sure that his ship is in good hands, so vetting Kirk in this way by encouraging this kid of collaboration is also a reflection of his own strengths.
And just in a broader sense it’s always neat to see Federation ships collaborating. I’d like to see more of it, honestly. Sure, starship crews are often isolated from one another, but they’re also designed and trained to work together on missions whenever possible, and I like the excuse to explore that dynamic with Kirk.
Does Pike know Kirk will take command of Enterprise?
I don’t think so, when he had his Balance of Power episode I don’t think he was told that Kirk was supposed to be in charge, just that he shouldn’t have been
No, he’s only seen Kirk in command of the Farragut in an alternate timeline where Pike avoided the accident. It seems a bit cruel that he knows about the accident, but not that his mind ends up in a simulation unfettered from his physical body. Kinda wish Boimler had told him (assuming it’s in the official record). Not like it would change the timeline since he’s resigned to his fate.