Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing them

[redshirtguy1001]

I always wondered about this, btw names redshirtguy and am new here and looking for a better discussion board than the one that is on the trek website.

So anyway very interested in your thoughts

 

[DevilEyes]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

Because it completely ruins the suspense of disbelief, and is one of the stupidest thing a show can do. Unless the character is a shapeshifter.

Sadly, Trek did do it a few times (at least 3 cases on DS9 that I can think of). The characters did wear heavy makeup, but that does not help as much as they probably thought it would. I remember I was very confused in "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" - "Who is this? Wait... this is Senator Kretak? I did not recognize her."

 

[Redfern]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

Saavik, anyone?

Sincerely,

Bill

 

[Shazam!]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

I never understood the Saavik cast change.

On the face of it, it makes sense because Star Trek III picks up right where Star Trek II left off, but the first time we see Saavik she's on the Grissom. Technically, that could've been anyone.

 

[redshirtguy1001]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

Right but that was only because Saavik original was played by a hot actress and then was switched to someone who wasn't very hot. I just think instead of killing off Tasha Yar way back when and in a way that was kind of stupid why not bring in a talented actress who may bear a striking resemblence?

 

[DevilEyes]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

Saavik, anyone?

Sincerely,

Bill

That's the worst case - she changed not just her appearance, but her personality as well!

 

[JarodRussell]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

It's a good question, and the answer is my point why they should have never recast Kirk and Spock: because with a different actor the character becomes and entirely different one. Connery-Bond and Moore-Bond are two completely different characters. And so are Shatner-Kirk and Pine-Kirk.

 

[redshirtguy1001]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

Ok I understand that, but I think Yar if the actress had changed would have been ok since she died 6 episodes in or something like that.

 

[DevilEyes]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

It's a good question, and the answer is my point why they should have never recast Kirk and Spock: because with a different actor the character becomes and entirely different one. Connery-Bond and Moore-Bond are two completely different characters. And so are Shatner-Kirk and Pine-Kirk.

That one falls into the category 'couldn't be avoided', since the original cast are either way too old, or, well, too dead to reprise the roles.

 

[Shazam!]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

I don't think Denise Crosby was the sole reason Yar was killed off. They also had no clue what to do with the character. I think the best case scenario would've been to have Yar transfer to a different ship.

 

[Shazam!]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

That one falls into the category 'couldn't be avoided', since the original cast are either way too old, or, well, too dead to reprise the roles.

Not rehashing TOS would've been a way to avoid it.

 

[DevilEyes]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

I don't think Denise Crosby was the sole reason Yar was killed off. They also had no clue what to do with the character. I think the best case scenario would've been to have Yar transfer to a different ship.

Then they could have had Crosby guest star from time to time as Yar rather than Sela. At least that would have spared us another instance of Hollywood Genetics: people are exact duplicates of their parents (or distant ancestors) at the same age.

 

[Thestral]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

Saavik, anyone?

Sincerely,

Bill

That's the worst case - she changed not just her appearance, but her personality as well!

Fortunately, it was an improvement.

 

[Red Ranger]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

I don't think Denise Crosby was the sole reason Yar was killed off. They also had no clue what to do with the character. I think the best case scenario would've been to have Yar transfer to a different ship.

Then they could have had Crosby guest star from time to time as Yar rather than Sela. At least that would have spared us another instance of Hollywood Genetics: people are exact duplicates of their parents (or distant ancestors) at the same age.

Agreed 100% on the stupidity of the Sela character looking exactly like Tasha with pointed ears. That just sucked so bad.

As for the O.P.'s question, it does suspend disbelief a great deal if the character is played by another actor, esp. if the actor only slightly resembles the prevoius actor.

I believe that practice began with some sitcom where the actor died, so they then wrote in the death of the character into the show rather than replace the actor. May have happened in the late 1970s.

Oh, and welcome, redshirtguy1001.

Red Rum!

 

[SheliakBob]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

Recasting is blasphemous and unholy. Recasting any major roles (or most minor ones) creates an Abomination that is an offense against Trek, Man and the very fabric of the Universe.
Seriously.
It's wrong.
Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! I say!
And further more...*hssst* [sound of a hypospray being administered]
...
...
look at the pretty lights...oooooh....

 

[Nerys Myk]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

I don't think Denise Crosby was the sole reason Yar was killed off. They also had no clue what to do with the character. I think the best case scenario would've been to have Yar transfer to a different ship.

Then they could have had Crosby guest star from time to time as Yar rather than Sela. At least that would have spared us another instance of Hollywood Genetics: people are exact duplicates of their parents (or distant ancestors) at the same age.

Agreed 100% on the stupidity of the Sela character looking exactly like Tasha with pointed ears. That just sucked so bad.

As for the O.P.'s question, it does suspend disbelief a great deal if the character is played by another actor, esp. if the actor only slightly resembles the prevoius actor.

I believe that practice began with some sitcom where the actor died, so they then wrote in the death of the character into the show rather than replace the actor. May have happened in the late 1970s.

Oh, and welcome, redshirtguy1001.

Red Rum!

I think that happened a few times. The most recent I can think of is when John Ritter died. Not only did they kill off his character on 8 Simple Rules (the show he starred in) they also killed off the character he played on Scrubs

 

[RyuRoots]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

Personally, I'll never understand why anyone likes Kirstey Alley's Saavik (or thinks she's hot for that matter; I just don't see it). Changing to Robin Curtis is the single best recast decision Trek has made, tying with Carl Urban in STXI (it's like he channels Kelley).

As a general rule I don't think it's a good idea but there are, as with everything, exceptions.

 

[Thestral]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

Personally, I'll never understand why anyone likes Kirstey Alley's Saavik (or thinks she's hot for that matter; I just don't see it). Changing to Robin Curtis is the single best recast decision Trek has made, tying with Karl Urban in STXI (it's like he channels Kelley).

QFT! (also, corrected Urban's name)

 

[T'Girl]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

Personally, I'll never understand why anyone likes Kirstey Alley's Saavik (or thinks she's hot for that matter; I just don't see it). Changing to Robin Curtis is the single best recast decision Trek has made, ...

Alley was comfortable in the role, she was loose, confident and passionate. Curtis was stiff.
Alley had a woman's body, Curtis had the body of a boy.
Alley could of fitted into both The Voyage Home and Undiscovered Country
The pon-farr scene with Alley would actual been sexual.
Alley informing Kirk of his sons's death would if come with sympathy.
Alley playing opposite Kim Cattrall as Valeris would of been great.

Alley had a long carrier after TWOK.
Curtis disappeared after TSFS.

 

[RyuRoots]

Re: Why not replace a character with another actor instead of killing

Personally, I'll never understand why anyone likes Kirstey Alley's Saavik (or thinks she's hot for that matter; I just don't see it). Changing to Robin Curtis is the single best recast decision Trek has made, tying with Karl Urban in STXI (it's like he channels Kelley).

QFT! (also, corrected Urban's name)

I seem to mess that up a lot (strange for such a simple name).