New Post
Search
Help
ArchivesRe: Don't get me started...
in reply to a message by Phyllis
I know this may be something close to approaching blasphemy in some circles, but I really don't believe that Gene Roddenberry was quite as forward-thinking as he's been given credit for. For all the hype about how Roddenberry cast characters of different nationalites in the original Trek series, the fact remains that these were all token characters. This was especially true of the black chick, Uhura. No wonder so many of the minor actors from that series have "problems" today with The Star, William Shatner.
A real visionary of the 60s was Sheldon Leonard, who cast Bill Cosby opposite Robert Culp -- as an *equal* -- in the buddy, spy series *I Spy*. Although I hadn't forgotten how cool that series was when I first saw it as a kid, I'm enjoying it now all over again with the DVDs of it that have just been released.
Every episode of *I Spy* truly rocked -- and still does, even by today's standards. Sadly, the same can't be said of *Star Trek*.
-- Nanaea
A real visionary of the 60s was Sheldon Leonard, who cast Bill Cosby opposite Robert Culp -- as an *equal* -- in the buddy, spy series *I Spy*. Although I hadn't forgotten how cool that series was when I first saw it as a kid, I'm enjoying it now all over again with the DVDs of it that have just been released.
Every episode of *I Spy* truly rocked -- and still does, even by today's standards. Sadly, the same can't be said of *Star Trek*.
-- Nanaea
1
Replies
Rodenberry's weakness is personified in Captain Kirk's character. He was shallow, smug, self-righteous, and the s.o.b. always got the girl, to boot. It seems that most "leaders" tend to be that way in real life. Many characters are token and underdeveloped, Uhura and Sulu being prime examples. In spike of Kirk, the series did manage to strike a magic chemistry between some characters (eg. Spock and Bones) which is missing an all sequels.
I am intrigued that some of the actors have problems today with William Shatner. Makes one wonder if Kirk's character was a projection of Shatner's own personality?
I am intrigued that some of the actors have problems today with William Shatner. Makes one wonder if Kirk's character was a projection of Shatner's own personality?
1
"I am intrigued that some of the actors have problems today with William Shatner. Makes one wonder if Kirk's character was a projection of Shatner's own personality?"
Nah, Kirk was a sweetheart compared to Shatner. :) I guess you must have heard (or read) about the problems between the minor actors and Shatner's ego, as it's fairly common knowledge these days. When I got my first clue, however, it wasn't such common knowledge. I was backstage with Jimmy Doohan (who played Scotty, you'll recall) at a convention, waiting for Jimmy's cue to go out on stage. And he was chatting quite openly about the old days. (He was also knocking back a quart of Scotch, and this was around 10 o'clock in the morning, as I recall.) And Jimmy kept referring to Shatner rather derisively as "The Star". He said a few other things, as well, which I won't repeat here. Suffice it to say that it was all pretty entertaining, actually. :)
Heheh, Phyllis must be a psy-chick, to have brought up Dr Who. Tom Baker's early years were my own, particular favorites. :)
-- Nanaea
Nah, Kirk was a sweetheart compared to Shatner. :) I guess you must have heard (or read) about the problems between the minor actors and Shatner's ego, as it's fairly common knowledge these days. When I got my first clue, however, it wasn't such common knowledge. I was backstage with Jimmy Doohan (who played Scotty, you'll recall) at a convention, waiting for Jimmy's cue to go out on stage. And he was chatting quite openly about the old days. (He was also knocking back a quart of Scotch, and this was around 10 o'clock in the morning, as I recall.) And Jimmy kept referring to Shatner rather derisively as "The Star". He said a few other things, as well, which I won't repeat here. Suffice it to say that it was all pretty entertaining, actually. :)
Heheh, Phyllis must be a psy-chick, to have brought up Dr Who. Tom Baker's early years were my own, particular favorites. :)
-- Nanaea
1
Nanaea
You never know about psy-chick (or psy-guy) abilities until you're drawn across the *veil* (a paraphrase from my Neopaganism class).
I particularly like the later Doctor Whos (I really haven't had a chance to see the early Tom Baker, but the Peter Davison... :} The humanity of the character, etc.)
Concerning Doohan, I also met him behind the scenes at a convention here in Milwaukee, as well as Walter Koenig and a few others from the original series. (Different years, though.) The less said about what was said concerning Shatner, the better, iykwim.
Phyllis
You never know about psy-chick (or psy-guy) abilities until you're drawn across the *veil* (a paraphrase from my Neopaganism class).
I particularly like the later Doctor Whos (I really haven't had a chance to see the early Tom Baker, but the Peter Davison... :} The humanity of the character, etc.)
Concerning Doohan, I also met him behind the scenes at a convention here in Milwaukee, as well as Walter Koenig and a few others from the original series. (Different years, though.) The less said about what was said concerning Shatner, the better, iykwim.
Phyllis
1
Guys
I was thinking about Checkov. (Remember Walter Koenig's character?) A "token" Russian that I felt could've been used a tiny bit more, but only once they did (and it was a somewhat forgettable episode). I wish I could go on about some of the things I say whenever I "catch" an old Star Trek show, but I want to remain on the 'net.
Now, some of the "Doctor Who" (late Tom Baker, all of the Peter Davison)...
Phyllis
I was thinking about Checkov. (Remember Walter Koenig's character?) A "token" Russian that I felt could've been used a tiny bit more, but only once they did (and it was a somewhat forgettable episode). I wish I could go on about some of the things I say whenever I "catch" an old Star Trek show, but I want to remain on the 'net.
Now, some of the "Doctor Who" (late Tom Baker, all of the Peter Davison)...
Phyllis
1