NCIS = Star Trek?

[Guitarded]

I love NCIS. I got to thinking about WHY I love it and I realized it's because of the character chemistry: an entire crew that functions together every episode. Then I formulated a half-assed theory.

At first, I figured Gibbs was Kirk just because he's the leader. Upon reflection, I decided that's not the case. He has a strict, no-nonsense approach, and a giant list of rules for his team to follow. Therefore, Gibbs is Starfleet. That also leaves room for our trifecta.

DiNozzo = Kirk. Leader of the team in Gibb's absence, charismatic, ladies' man, yet fully capable when needed.

Ziva = Spock. The foreigner, or "alien." She has no time for jokes and follows a strict rule of logic.

McGee = Bones. Often butting heads with DiNozzo, he's a doctor of all things technological.

Abby = Scotty. Spends her time downstairs and messes with all the technical mumbo-jumbo. Rarely spends time in the field and her interaction with the others is limited.

Jimmy = Chekov. Simply because of his youth and naivete. Still contributes a great deal.

One could argue Ducky should be Bones because he's the doctor, but as a character he doesn't play the role of Bones. This leaves both Ducky and Sulu without a match, but this isn't some mind-blowing revelation or a conspiracy theory. It's just my two cents on the character interaction and how one of my favorite shows parallels another of my favorites in that aspect.

Maybe you can discuss this post, maybe you can provide your own parallels to other shows, or maybe this is just some stupid Lortab-induced thread. Carry on.

 

[Owain Taggart]

The same could be said of Eureka. Storylines are very much Trekkish in nature.

 

[Jono]

I don't think NCIS or Trek has a monopoly on strong characters and good dynamics and you could basically link any ensemble cast from a drama show together in this kind of manner.

That said, I think TNG would make a better Trek character comparison.

Gibbs = Picard: Both are leaders with strong principles, strict on the rules but follows their own moral code. Both are aloof from their "crew" as they need to be for them to lead, but there is no doubt they would move heaven and earth for those under them.

DiNozzo = Riker: A card, fun loving ladies man, somewhat the opposite of their superiors but aspire to be like them.

Kate = Tasha Yar: The no nonsense tough chick that can hold her own in this boys club.

Ziva = Worf: A person from a almost completely different culture, separated from family, both portrayed as extremely awesome and unbeatable by all in combat. Forced to choose between family and homeland and duty.

McGee = La Forge: The techspert of the team. Can do anything with technology. Somewhat portrayed as a bit of a loner and unlucky in love.

Ducky = Crusher+Troi: The doctor connection is obvious and both are close and old friends to the leader (ignoring any romantic feelings between them). Also looks after the hearts and minds of everyone else and does a lot of "reading" of people.

Abby = Data: Much harder to match, both are into machines and are the leader's pet? Weak, I know.

Jimmy = Wesley: Both are sort of awkward trainees...Okay, I'm really struggling now.

Shepard/Vance = Starfleet Admirals: They hand out the orders. They have history with the leader. They manipulate team members and have grand schemes that aren't always morally or ethically positive.

 

[PKTrekGirl]

I agree that the thing that makes NCIS so awesome is chemistry. But it's more than just character chemistry - I honestly believe that part of it is CAST chemistry. I think the cast of that show really LOVES working together.

I don't equate the NCIS characters with Trek characters - I don't see all that much similarity, to be honest. But what I DO see is a bunch of characters that compliment each other very well (like Trek)...a bunch of actors who do the same (and who genuinely enjoy working together) and a bunch of writers who a) know the actors individual strengths and play to those strengths; and b) don't take themselves too seriously.

NCIS is in season 8, and is still going strong (in fact, I don't know about this year, but as of early last season, was actually still *gaining* audience share). There is a reason for that. It's a good show with a lot of things working well.

 

[F. King Daniel]

I don't even really watch the show, but Gibbs totally gives off a Captain Pike (2009 version) vibe.

Other than the characters, one of the things I love about Star Trek is the intricate pretend universe. That's something you're not gonna find in real-life set shows.

 

[Aragorn]

NCIS is in season 8, and is still going strong (in fact, I don't know about this year, but as of early last season, was actually still *gaining* audience share).

A couple weeks ago, NCIS scored their all-time highest rating for an episode -- 22.85 million viewers.

 

[Holdfast]

I agree that the thing that makes NCIS so awesome is chemistry.

Agreed. I don't watch the show regularly, but when I do tune in, it's the character interaction that makes me smile and I usually watch the episode through to the end rather than channel-hopping away again (for me, this is the sign of a show I really, really like! ).

I don't equate the NCIS characters with Trek characters - I don't see all that much similarity, to be honest. But what I DO see is a bunch of characters that compliment each other very well (like Trek)...a bunch of actors who do the same (and who genuinely enjoy working together) and a bunch of writers who a) know the actors individual strengths and play to those strengths; and b) don't take themselves too seriously.

Pretty much agreed 100%. It isn't that NCIS=Trek, but rather than both NCIS and good Trek employ the same basic principle of using friendly core character interaction as a way of building viewer rapport/engagement.

 

[Deckerd]

The goth forensic woman is getting a little past it. Time to hang up her collar.

 

[Maestro]

Please. Gibbs = Janeway. They're caffeinatedly kindred spirits.

 

[Locutus of Bored]

I don't think it's that unusual to find parallels between the characters on Trek and NCIS. I'd imagine you'd find similar character archetypes and traits in most team-related action/drama fiction.

Take for example, 'The Shield.' I can't think of anything more thematically and ideologically opposed to Star Trek than that, but still, when you break down the characters and describe them in only vague or incomplete terms while leaving out the major differences that don't fit your preconceived connections:

Vic Mackey/Kirk - A man of action who doesn't like to play by the rules. Often impulsive, but at the same time capable of forming elaborate strategies and clever ruses to win the day. Also, something of a ladies man (if you want to get into the movies, both have had children outside of wedlock whose mothers wanted them to be raised apart from their father).

Shane Vendrell/McCoy - The most emotional of the group, and also the most unapologetically offensive. Extremely loyal, but conversely also the most likely to leave the group during times of change. Seeks a normal family life, but it is ultimately self-destructive.

Ronnie Gardocki/Spock - The most logical, intelligent, and emotionally stable member of the team, he is also intensely loyal but often for more practical reasons initially. He's the technical expert of the team, but fully capable of taking on the leadership role when necessary.

Curtis "Lem" Lemansky/Chekov - The most exuberant, youthful, and naive member of the group, and also given to act on impulse when his morality or code of honor compels him.

Describing it that way and leaving out the fact that they're a bunch of opportunistic murderous thugs, you can make it sound analogous to Trek somewhat.

You could even go further with it if you're even more vague:

- Aceveda is the morally challenged but conversely morally judgmental asshole admiral of the week.
- Danni Sofer is Uhura, extremely competent but often reduced to passing along messages.
- Dutch is Scotty, a genius with a regional-based nickname.
- Billings is the vindictive loser Ben Finney.
- Tina is Rand, fresh-faced and flirtatious.

We'll avoid a tactless Julian/Sulu comparison, but I just mention it here because I know if I don't someone else will point it out.

Terry Crowley can be a redshirt.

 

[Aragorn]

Please. Gibbs = Janeway. They're caffeinatedly kindred spirits.

Gibbs would slap you on the head for comparing him to Janeway.

 

[Gaith]

Comparing a #@@& cop show to the celebration of humanity that is Trek.

 

[Skywalker]

It's an awesome cop show. Much better than most.

 

[B.J.]

I agree that the thing that makes NCIS so awesome is chemistry.

Agreed. I don't watch the show regularly, but when I do tune in, it's the character interaction that makes me smile and I usually watch the episode through to the end rather than channel-hopping away again (for me, this is the sign of a show I really, really like! ).

I don't equate the NCIS characters with Trek characters - I don't see all that much similarity, to be honest. But what I DO see is a bunch of characters that compliment each other very well (like Trek)...a bunch of actors who do the same (and who genuinely enjoy working together) and a bunch of writers who a) know the actors individual strengths and play to those strengths; and b) don't take themselves too seriously.

Pretty much agreed 100%. It isn't that NCIS=Trek, but rather than both NCIS and good Trek employ the same basic principle of using friendly core character interaction as a way of building viewer rapport/engagement.

Unfortunately all I can say is "Ditto!", since you two said it much better than I could.

The goth forensic woman is getting a little past it. Time to hang up her collar.

Do not mess with Abby!

Comparing a #@@& cop show to the celebration of humanity that is Trek.

 

[Guitarded]

I love the Gibbs Slap and I employ it often.

 

[Gaith]

 

[PKTrekGirl]

NCIS is in season 8, and is still going strong (in fact, I don't know about this year, but as of early last season, was actually still *gaining* audience share).

A couple weeks ago, NCIS scored their all-time highest rating for an episode -- 22.85 million viewers.

Thanks very much for the update, Aragorn! This is really good to hear.

I'm so glad that the numbers are still climbing. IMO, NCIS is the best show on TV these days. I'm assuming stuff like American Idol beats them in the ratings (don't get me started ), but do you know what place they are in among the scripted/non-reality TV shows currently on? Now you have me curious and hoping for still more good news!

 

[RJDiogenes]

I've never seen NCIS, but for a long time I've thought that Bones is the most (original) Trek-like show on TV, and not just because the Brennan-Booth dynamic mirrors the Spock-McCoy dynamic. The reason is that it's a collection of interesting and individualistic characters whose natures often create friction, but who are fast and loyal friends. And they always solve the plot through intellectualism-- all of them are incredibly hypercompetent-- and technology-- the stories are saturated with what Trek deterrants complain about as "technobabble." I love it. Come to think of it, it probably would have been fantastic if these guys had been hired to do a real Trek prequel.

 

[Deckerd]

It's sort of typical that NCIS is getting its highest ratings just after it got completely stale and the stories start coming round again.