10-02-2022, 11:55 PM
I think the cut was just for time. The studio edition of the episode runs about 5 minutes longer than the broadcast version, so something had to go.
I agree that we were meant to see two spaces. In the teaser, they frame the shots to not show that circular frame overhead, though you can still see the supports, and you can't tell that the space is round. In the conference scene, you see it from further back, and the double door in the back suggests that the round space may be inline with the bridge. Maybe the next deck down?
Another thing to ponder. It's Mitchell who reminds Kirk that he wanted the department heads on the bridge before they left the galaxy. Does that suggest that he was the person Kirk tasked with getting them there? Could be another explanation for why he wasn't on the bridge.
I agree that we were meant to see two spaces. In the teaser, they frame the shots to not show that circular frame overhead, though you can still see the supports, and you can't tell that the space is round. In the conference scene, you see it from further back, and the double door in the back suggests that the round space may be inline with the bridge. Maybe the next deck down?
Another thing to ponder. It's Mitchell who reminds Kirk that he wanted the department heads on the bridge before they left the galaxy. Does that suggest that he was the person Kirk tasked with getting them there? Could be another explanation for why he wasn't on the bridge.