Did the network think they were getting a traditional series something like Lost in Space?

No I don't think so. NBC were progressive people. I came to know a number of them. They were intrigued with what Gene had created because it was believable. It was a great adventure that the crew and the Starship Enterprise were venturing out into a region where no-one had ever been before. No-one had ever thought you could go. And how knew what they would encounter there.