Earlier this week, the web series “Star Trek Continues” premiered it’s inaugural episode!  STC picks up the original 5 year mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise right where it left off with all new adventures.

“Pilgrim of Eternity” is a  follow-up to the season 2 Original Series episode, “Who Mourns for Adonais?”  It features original guest star Michael Forest reprising his role as Apollo, whom the Enterprise encounters now much older and  now dying.

In watching “Pilgrim of Eternity,” I felt like I was watching what would have been the 80th episode of “Star Trek,” had it continued into a fourth season.  The sets, the lighting, the cinematography, the music cues…all of it evokes the style and the pace of the “Star Trek” we all know and love so dearly.

Additionally, the performance of the cast is wonderful in the first episode.  I can only imagine how intimidating it must be to step into the shoes of characters that are pop culture icons. Each of the actors gives a solid performance and avoids slipping into caricature which is highly commendable.

Vic Mignogna stars as Captain Kirk and it’s a performance that I think both honors and respects the Original Series.  He’s nailed many of the nuances of Shatner’s Kirk with finesse.  Solid performances are also given by Todd Haberkorn as Mr. Spock and Larry Nemecek as Dr. McCoy.  A familiar face stars as Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott as Chris Doohan’s performance is both a delight and a familiar touch on his father’s beloved character.  Rounding out the Bridge Crew are Kim Stinger as Lt. Uhura, Wyatt Lenhart as Ensign Chekov, and Mythbusters’ Grant Imahara as Lt. Sulu–each of whom has some great scenes, but I look forward to seeing more of them as new episodes are produced.

In addition to a great performance by Michael Forest, there’s also a great cameo by Battlestar Galactica’s Apollo–Jamie Bamber and, if you read the end credits closely, you’ll notice a cameo by another Star Trek regular which I won’t spoil!  (Let’s just say that it’s a nice touch and a choice that even Mr. Spock would find logical.)

“Pilgrim of Eternity” is entertaining and it’s a bit like comfort food for an Original Series Trekkie like me.  I look forward to seeing where this series takes us in the Final Frontier.

(If you are unable to see the embedded video above, you can watch “STC: Pilgrim of Eternity” here.)

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