@FireMonkey I think Anson Mount's Pike is distinct from the other captains. He seems to carry the chair with less weight and more humor. For some reason, I thought that was Captain Kirk's father... maybe I missed something. If it is, yeah, I can see how discombobulating that can be.
Here's the skinny on Samuel Kirk.
https://trekcentral.net/strange-new-worlds-who-is-samuel-kirk/
@JCole @FireMonkey Thanks!!
I see they cast Paul-Wesley for Kirk...
I am exactly fond of that. I know they need to attract a younger audience but he is strongly associated with a YA drama that, for a mature dedicated fan, just won't be believable in a new role. They should have cast a lesser known actor but I will give him the benefit of the doubt.