2 years, 10 months ago
What insights do you have on the similarities and differences between Star Trek and Doctor Who?
An intentionally open-ended question to let people compare and contrast the these iconic sci-fi shows from opposite sides of the Atlantic!
Sample topics that you might like to comment on...
- What do they have in common that makes them great / so popular / national institutions in their home countries?
- How do they differ from other sci-fi shows? What gives them their almost unique longevity and broad appeal?
- How are they different from each other?
- Which do you like more and why?
- Do they reveal anything interesting about the cultures that spawned them? What's so American about Star Trek, and so British about Doctor Who?
Feel free to discuss these and other questions in any way that makes for interesting reading!
Sample topics that you might like to comment on...
- What do they have in common that makes them great / so popular / national institutions in their home countries?
- How do they differ from other sci-fi shows? What gives them their almost unique longevity and broad appeal?
- How are they different from each other?
- Which do you like more and why?
- Do they reveal anything interesting about the cultures that spawned them? What's so American about Star Trek, and so British about Doctor Who?
Feel free to discuss these and other questions in any way that makes for interesting reading!
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$1 Answer
WOW! to all you critics... Don't even start messing with MY Spock! ;-)
Acting Similarities/Differences:
These differences in quality of acting is a matter of taste. However, classically speaking, the acting quality in *recent Dr. Who* is noticbly much better than *recent Star Trek*. I'm not a personal fan of that vulcan chick for example ;) Star Trek has been known to use "babes" too much for viewer appeal, unlike Dr. Who. But perhaps this is a cultural difference. Well, Rose was a cutie though. hm.
It's hard to decide who's more witty and charming though - Spock, or David Tennant Dr. Who?!
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/The_Prometheus/Who/Random/th_Poster9.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/The_Prometheus/Who/Random/Poster5.jpg
http://drschweitzer.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/spock3.jpg
Writing Similarities/Differences:
Except for being in the scifi genre and both being about "space travel", they have very little in common. Star Trek goes for the great dramatic action and occasional space opera appeal. Dr. Who is typically more lighthearted, witty and fun... while at the same time there are great "moral to the story", profound moments.
and... Again, there's more hottie babe appeal in Star Trek on occasion. ;)
Here's some cool videos of each show with funny moments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSdE9x5bvjU Dr. Who Funny
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5_2OKTzvqE Star Trek Funny
Editing/SFX Similarities/Differences:
BOTH shows have top-notch editing and SFX, this is commendable. :D Although Star Trek generally has more complex looking aliens.
Longevity appeal:
Both shows have a really flexible yet well grounded forumla that can be used over and over again in episodic storylines. Longer storylines that over arch can still be done throughout a season too so that's great. Both shows also were designed to be virtually neverending, because the actors can be interchangable. (We see different periods, captains and ships in Star Trek time, and Dr. Who is a TIME TRAVELER for cryin out loud! He's immortal and has new actors every few years, who could beat that?) Perfect!
http://peet.files.wordpress.com/2006/09/300px-10dr19.jpg
Acting Similarities/Differences:
These differences in quality of acting is a matter of taste. However, classically speaking, the acting quality in *recent Dr. Who* is noticbly much better than *recent Star Trek*. I'm not a personal fan of that vulcan chick for example ;) Star Trek has been known to use "babes" too much for viewer appeal, unlike Dr. Who. But perhaps this is a cultural difference. Well, Rose was a cutie though. hm.
It's hard to decide who's more witty and charming though - Spock, or David Tennant Dr. Who?!
Writing Similarities/Differences:
Except for being in the scifi genre and both being about "space travel", they have very little in common. Star Trek goes for the great dramatic action and occasional space opera appeal. Dr. Who is typically more lighthearted, witty and fun... while at the same time there are great "moral to the story", profound moments.
and... Again, there's more hottie babe appeal in Star Trek on occasion. ;)
Here's some cool videos of each show with funny moments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSdE9x5bvjU Dr. Who Funny
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5_2OKTzvqE Star Trek Funny
Editing/SFX Similarities/Differences:
BOTH shows have top-notch editing and SFX, this is commendable. :D Although Star Trek generally has more complex looking aliens.
Longevity appeal:
Both shows have a really flexible yet well grounded forumla that can be used over and over again in episodic storylines. Longer storylines that over arch can still be done throughout a season too so that's great. Both shows also were designed to be virtually neverending, because the actors can be interchangable. (We see different periods, captains and ships in Star Trek time, and Dr. Who is a TIME TRAVELER for cryin out loud! He's immortal and has new actors every few years, who could beat that?) Perfect!
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
yea, that's true. thanks for commenting back it's nice to know what you thought. and I LIKE kid's shows heh heh heh! ;-)
Good answer.
Maybe a little bit focused on just the most recent version of Doctor Who though? Not all the Doctors were in the David Tennant mould. And there have been ones or two attempts at Who-babes.
Which reminds me.... one difference is that Who was always intended to be accessible to young children, maybe even a children's show more than an adult one.