Honestly, Deadline is misusing the word “pilot” here.

“The Cage” was a pilot. “Where No Man Has Gone Before” was a pilot. “Mudd’s Women” and “The Omega Glory” were both pitched as pilots but weren’t used as such.

“The Man Trap” was the series premiere, but it wasn’t a pilot.

Gotcha. Thanks for clarifying!

The Final Reflection which, although rendered non-canon by events

I don’t think it was ever “canon,” though maybe in the early eighties the novels were viewed as canon by some before TNG? I was too young at that point to really be confident. Mainly mentioning it in case you meant something closer to “incompatible with canon.”

Curious what “events” you’re referring to in any case. Not familiar enough with the novel to say for sure.

A few notes on the animated sequence near the beginning:

It has the first appearance of an Aquan since TAS: “The Ambergris Element”. She is notably not underwater. (Or the Andorian next to her is notably underwater.)

It also features an Edosian, though that’s becoming less and less notable.

The Vulcan on the harp strongly resembles Sarek as he appears in TAS: “Yesteryear” down to the jagged eyebrows.

The woman on the couch holding the drink is dressed like Andrea from TOS: “What Are Little Girls Made Of?”

after I calmed my rage (Because real fans would have a top 47…)

To be fair, the list was made for the 57th anniversary of Trek three years ago.

As far as the question goes, “The Game” has aged surprisingly well and is a pretty good introduction.