Should the BBC bring back Quatermass to pair with Dr Who?

[Candlelight]

I know they are pretty similar characters but it might be interesting.

For those that don't know, Quatermass was the first ever science fiction series, broadcast live in 1953 (a second and third series ran in 1955 and 1959). Quatermass was a human professor in charge of British Rocket Group who inevitably found himself dealing with aliens.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quatermass

 

[Faldor]

they did bring it back, with David Tennant and everything.

 

[wamdue]

they did it live as well

 

[Candlelight]

I meant as a series. Did the live broadcast generate decent ratings?

 

[wamdue]

I meant as a series. Did the live broadcast generate decent ratings?

it was on BBC 4 so probaly not

*feels bad for BBC 4*

 

[diankra]

Simple answer: no.
Not unless you can find a way for Nigel Kneale to write it from beyond the grave. His input is essential to Quatermass; without him, you're just using the character's name on a knock-off.

 

[Candlelight]

Simple answer: no.
Not unless you can find a way for Nigel Kneale to write it from beyond the grave. His input is essential to Quatermass; without him, you're just using the character's name on a knock-off.

There are very few shows which require the original writing staff to pen any future works in the same universe (Babylon 5 being one) but I don't think Quatermass is one of them. Dr Who has shown us that alien invasions are not that uncommon!

 

[diankra]

Simple answer: no.
Not unless you can find a way for Nigel Kneale to write it from beyond the grave. His input is essential to Quatermass; without him, you're just using the character's name on a knock-off.

There are very few shows which require the original writing staff to pen any future works in the same universe (Babylon 5 being one) but I don't think Quatermass is one of them. Dr Who has shown us that alien invasions are not that uncommon!

Think through what Quatermass is: it isn't a series, it's a number of serials linked by two things - the reappearance of the central character, a scientist called Bernard Quatermass, and the writing of Nigel Kneale. No writing staff - one unique writer, the first television genius.
As you say, Dr Who has shown us alien invasions are not uncommon. It's not exactly uncommon to have a scientist take a lead role in combatting them. What do you gain by calling that scientist Bernard Quatermass?

 

[Candlelight]

Simple answer: no.
Not unless you can find a way for Nigel Kneale to write it from beyond the grave. His input is essential to Quatermass; without him, you're just using the character's name on a knock-off.

There are very few shows which require the original writing staff to pen any future works in the same universe (Babylon 5 being one) but I don't think Quatermass is one of them. Dr Who has shown us that alien invasions are not that uncommon!

Think through what Quatermass is: it isn't a series, it's a number of serials linked by two things - the reappearance of the central character, a scientist called Bernard Quatermass, and the writing of Nigel Kneale. No writing staff - one unique writer, the first television genius.
As you say, Dr Who has shown us alien invasions are not uncommon. It's not exactly uncommon to have a scientist take a lead role in combatting them. What do you gain by calling that scientist Bernard Quatermass?

We don't have any Terry Nation anymore. Should we not attempt to redo Blake's 7?

Shows become larger than their original writers. I never found the story or dialogue of Quatermass memorable, only the show.

 

[stoneroses]

There are very few shows which require the original writing staff to pen any future works in the same universe (Babylon 5 being one) but I don't think Quatermass is one of them. Dr Who has shown us that alien invasions are not that uncommon!

Think through what Quatermass is: it isn't a series, it's a number of serials linked by two things - the reappearance of the central character, a scientist called Bernard Quatermass, and the writing of Nigel Kneale. No writing staff - one unique writer, the first television genius.
As you say, Dr Who has shown us alien invasions are not uncommon. It's not exactly uncommon to have a scientist take a lead role in combatting them. What do you gain by calling that scientist Bernard Quatermass?

We don't have any Terry Nation anymore. Should we not attempt to redo Blake's 7?

Shows become larger than their original writers. I never found the story or dialogue of Quatermass memorable, only the show.

They are supposed to be remaking Blake's Seven but they have been saying it for years at one stage special effects supremo who worked on the origional show was said to be interested in working on it.

I would like to see Adam Adamant Lives! come back, info on that at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Adamant_Lives!

 

[Bob The Skutter]

Well on the classic British Sci-Fi front BBC are remaking Day of the Triffids are a 2 parter, Sky are doing 2 one-off Blake's 7 specials, and ITV are working with US cable channel AMC (I believe) to remake a 6 part series of The Prisoner.

 

[wamdue]

and not quite as classic Dave are bringing back Red Dwarf for a few specials.

 

[Starkers]

Here's a novel idea, how about the BBC make an all new sci-fi/fantasy/horror drama??

Actually I guess they did with Apparitions, although I might be the only person who liked that.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

and not quite as classic Dave are bringing back Red Dwarf for a few specials.

How dare you... Red Dwarf is very much a classic, I was just thinking actual sci-fi not sci-fi comedy.

 

[wamdue]

they have tried over the years, shows like Strange & Sea of Souls (featuring Paul McGann in one episode) spring to mind.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

Here's a novel idea, how about the BBC make an all new sci-fi/fantasy/horror drama??

Actually I guess they did with Apparitions, although I might be the only person who liked that.

I liked Apparitions, I just haven't managed to watch it all yet

 

[wamdue]

and not quite as classic Dave are bringing back Red Dwarf for a few specials.

How dare you... Red Dwarf is very much a classic, I was just thinking actual sci-fi not sci-fi comedy.

ok not as old as things like Triffids & Blake 7

 

[Starkers]

and not quite as classic Dave are bringing back Red Dwarf for a few specials.

How dare you... Red Dwarf is very much a classic, I was just thinking actual sci-fi not sci-fi comedy.

ok not as old as things like Triffids & Blake 7

Actually Triffids and B7 aren't that much older than Red Dwarf. Triffids was 1971 and Blakes 7 ended in late 81, Red Dwarf started in early 88, there's technically only about 6 years between em.

 

[Starkers]

Here's a novel idea, how about the BBC make an all new sci-fi/fantasy/horror drama??

Actually I guess they did with Apparitions, although I might be the only person who liked that.

I liked Apparitions, I just haven't managed to watch it all yet

It actually gets much better as it goes along, although the finale is a trifle ridiculous, even for a show about satan and demons. I should really check if there's going to be another run.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

Here's a novel idea, how about the BBC make an all new sci-fi/fantasy/horror drama??

Actually I guess they did with Apparitions, although I might be the only person who liked that.

I liked Apparitions, I just haven't managed to watch it all yet

It actually gets much better as it goes along, although the finale is a trifle ridiculous, even for a show about satan and demons. I should really check if there's going to be another run.

Well with being ill for a while and in hospital for a couple of weeks I just didn't have chance to catch it, but they're all lined up on my PVR for when I'm ready to. I did get a few other people watching, my mam, my sister in law and they seemed to enjoy it though.

I don't think it's been announced one way or the other yet, but I know Survivors has been commissioned for a second run.