"The Cage" is the original pilot episode for "Star Trek: The Original Series" and was completed in early 1965. It features Captain Christopher Pike as the commander of the USS Enterprise, rather than Captain James T. Kirk, who is the protagonist in the subsequently produced episodes. Because "The Cage" was not initially broadcast alongside the original series—in fact, it was rejected by NBC for not being action-packed enough—it exists somewhat outside the main continuity of "The Original Series" (TOS). However, elements of "The Cage" were later incorporated into the Star Trek canon through the two-part TOS episode "The Menagerie." In "The Menagerie," footage from "The Cage" is used as a flashback to tell the story of what happened to Captain Pike and the USS Enterprise before James T. Kirk took command. This places the events of "The Cage" approximately 13 years before the majority of the events in TOS. For viewers new to "Star Trek: The Original Series," watching "The Menagerie" provides context for "The Cage" and can be a good introduction to the backstory. "The Cage" itself can be viewed before watching the main series to understand the origins and the initial concept Gene Roddenberry had for Star Trek, or it can be watched after "The Menagerie" to see the source material for the flashbacks. So, in terms of timeline: - "The Cage" happens first chronologically. - "The Menagerie" incorporates and builds upon the events of "The Cage" within the TOS timeline. And in terms of viewing order: - New viewers might prefer to start with "The Menagerie" during their viewing of TOS, as it was broadcast during the first season and puts "The Cage" in context. - "The Cage" can be watched at any point after "The Menagerie" to get the full story of Captain Pike. - Alternatively, some fans might choose to watch "The Cage" first for the historical perspective, although it is not necessary to understand the overall plot of TOS. Regardless of the order chosen, "The Cage" is an essential part of Star Trek history and offers a glimpse into the evolution of the series from its inception.