| Good, Bad and Fussy |
29 September 2003
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The State of Science Fiction
The web is the natural medium for science fiction fans to exchange information, and this last week saw two of its anchor franchises go opposite ways, at least in the minds of those who care enough to write. On the down side, Brian Bellmont placed a rant against the handling of the Star Trek franchise on MSNBC. Pluswise (thank you Mr. Orwell), the BBC announced that Dr. Who would be making a comeback to a TV screen somewhen soon.
Fans of the two series, often overlapping sets, are the harshest critics of the shows because they care so very deeply. For those outside the Sci-Fi siblinghood, it is hard to imagine tales taken so seriously this side of Greek myth. And indeed, that is what good Science Fiction offers, a new mythology for a society that hasn't got any of its own.
Thus, Mr. Bellmont's hostile words about the current state of the Star Trek franchise/universe are those of an angry friend, not a gloating enemy. As a result, the good people at Paramount (owners of the intellectual property) should listen to what he and like-minded fans have to say. More action, new villains (Klingon, Romulans, and the Borg will be tough to match), more engaging characters (Spock remains the standard).
These, of course, are fixes to a show that is on the air ("Enterprise", the prequel to the Original Series). Dr. Who's fans have had a bigger problem -- the Beeb canceled it in 1989. Still, a TV movie ran in 1996, and it was webcast in 2001. The announcement of its resurrection gives Whovians a chance to do something the Trekkies do - complain about the latest version program. The Daleks won't be as menacing, or the Doctor (who has already been played by 8 actors) is bad casting, or his young companions are doofii (plural of doofus). Ah yes, Tardis, Time Lords, and Jelly Babies. Life is good.
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