Star Trek/Lost in Space Doctor Swap

[Mars]

What would happen if you put Doctor Zachariah Smith in the Sick Bay of the original Enterprise, and Lenard "Bones" McCoy in the Jupiter II? What would happen to Doctor Smith after a few episodes of his plotting and fumbling, how would he get along with the rest of the crew, and what ultimately would be done about him? McCoy on the Jupiter II would be a bit more boring, I'm afraid, but perhaps someone could think of a way to make it more interesting.

[jayrath]

It's a poor fantasy, because Smith sabotaged the Jupiter II -- plotted to kill the Robinsons. And he may not have been an M.D.

Still, I'll play along. Smith would have brought new alliterative heights to the Spock-McCoy feud. And he would have debated the ship's computer, too. I'd go so far as to say he would have driven the M5 and Landru crazy faster than Kirk.

But landing parties? Never! Bad back and all. The pain, the pain . . .

[Robert D. Robot]

How about switching "Doc" from "Love Boat" with McCoy? Or switching McHale's second-in-command Chuck Parker with Riker?

This is a fun idea for a bit of humorous discussion, but I don't think the concept could work on screen, as the Trek Universe reality would not allow someone like Smith (as portrayed in all but the first few episodes) to ever end up in most any sort of position in Starfleet, not to mention rising to chief medical officer. Reg Barclay is about as close (I think) as we could come to seeing a Smith-like character in Starfleet, but Reg can only exist there because of his mind & technical abilities. Smith was portrayed by having no such redeeming gifts.

Smith's original nasty, treacherous saboteur persona wouldn't have fit in, either, in my opinion.

... But the "lovable"(?) annoying characters like Lwaxana Troi, Q, and even Neelix were never my favorites on Trek.... and since Dr. Smith is the King of Irwin Allen's annoying characters, maybe that is why I am not seeing this match-up as working very well!

[sbk1234]

Jupiter II would definately get the better end of this trade, and would be willing to fight the Enterprise to the death to keep McCoy.