Was the Traveller Creepy?

Discussion in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' started by The Overlord, Aug 20, 2013.

  1. Trekker4747

    Trekker4747 Boldly going... Premium Member

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    He was a middle-aged (man) who spoke with an odd incantation to his voice who quickly latched onto, and leered at, a teenage boy. It's pretty hard to *not* take that as creepy.

    There was just a "quality" there that's hard to define but if you encountered someone who spoke and acted like him around your children you'd probably make sure the kids stayed in the yard when they play outside. He didn't come across as enlightened when he's standing there with a grin watching Wesley work.
     
  2. Keith1701

    Keith1701 Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    oh yes, for sure.
     
  3. Shatnertage

    Shatnertage Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    I thought that when I first saw it, as a kid of about Wesley's age, on original broadcast, and I still think it.

    As a teacher, there's a line between showing polite interest/encouraging kids and being a little too attentive. The Traveler way, way crossed that line.
     
  4. Melakon

    Melakon Admiral In Memoriam

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    Then there was the order for the crew to think only "good thoughts" to help the Traveler. Which reminded me of Mary Martin's Peter Pan urging children to clap-- clap!-- to save Tinkerbell's life.

    If the pedo behavior of Traveler was intentional, there should have been a 'Stay away from my son!" moment from Beverly.
     
  5. Salinga

    Salinga Fleet Captain Fleet Captain

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    Actually, Wil Wheaton himself finds the Traveller a pretty creepy character. From his blog:

    http://www.aoltv.com/2006/10/27/star-trek-the-next-generation-where-no-one-has-gone-before/
     
  6. Push The Button

    Push The Button Commodore Commodore

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  7. Triskelion

    Triskelion Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    This may say more about our own cultural degradation than the original story context. Not recognizing the cultural shift – well that says something too.

    But I wouldn’t wait for anyone to validate a cultural context other than their own.

    I’ll say this about the Traveler – he did give off a very creepy lack of self-veneration.
     
  8. teacake

    teacake Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    TOTALLY.

    Awful stuff. Difficult to watch.
     
  9. Nine of Four

    Nine of Four Commander Red Shirt

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    TRU DAT!!!

    Fun fact: Eric Menyuk, (The Traveler), was considered for Data.

    -:klingon:
     
  10. jpv2000

    jpv2000 Captain Captain

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    I think the Traveller was a few levels beyond creepy.
     
  11. Nine of Four

    Nine of Four Commander Red Shirt

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    Hahahaha Tru dat!!

    -:klingon:
     
  12. publiusr

    publiusr Admiral Admiral

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    I guess I'm weird in that I never saw him as creepy.
     
  13. Enterprise is Great

    Enterprise is Great Vice Admiral Admiral

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    Neither did I.
     
  14. Amaris

    Amaris Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    I don't find the Traveler creepy at all. He's soft spoken, and he's fascinated by Wesley's intellect. He's also an alien who behaves differently than humans, so no, no creepy here.
     
  15. Mutai Sho-Rin

    Mutai Sho-Rin Crusty Old Bastard Moderator

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    Exactly my thoughts.