Stephen Collins is Apparently a Child Molester

[Lance]

Re: Captian Decker is Apparently a Child Molsester

To be honest, I don't understand this kind of reaction. Don't get me wrong, this is a terrible crime, and if true then Collins deserves the full penalty. However, while TMP isn't my favourite Trek film, I did like Decker the character, and this news isn't going to change that opinion for me at all. I don't have to like Collins as a person to enjoy a role he played in a film.

I agree and happen to like the Decker character as well. However, the idea of watching anything in which Stephen Collins figures prominently makes me uncomfortable, and probably will for some time to come. It may not make sense, but it's how I feel.

--Sran

I agree with The Wormhole on this one. It's a deplorable crime, and obviously it will make me uneasy the next time I watch TMP. But on the other hand, I've always been of the view that unless the crimes were committed as a part of that work, then the work should be able to stand apart from the person.

British media personality Jimmy Savile committed many of his crimes while working at the BBC, when he had access to children. That's an example where I think the crimes DO NOT stand apart from the work.

But, for example, Gary Glitter? I think what he did was utterly wrong, but I can distance that from his music. I still quite like "Rock and Roll Part 2" as a piece of music, and unless it was revealed he was doing those acts while in the studio recording the song then I'm easily able to distance the work from the man.

Stephen Collins..... now, if it came out he did some of this shit while working on TMP, then TMP would be tainted (and, I regret, rather difficult to watch). But if not, then it's a part of his body of work that I like to think I'll still be able to appreciate..... even though I might dislike the man himself.

 

[ZapBrannigan]

Re: Captian Decker is Apparently a Child Molsester

Stephen Collins admits on tape to doing some bad things.

Don't really know when it happened, but he admitted in a secretly taped counseling session to some heinous things. At least 3 victims.

NYPD is currently investigating.

"Child molester" and "heinous" are exaggerations. He exposed himself to two girls - one of them three times when she was the ages of 10, 11 and 13 - and the other one once. He also put the first girl's hand on his penis for a moment.

It seems he has also attempted to make amends to the girls over the course of the years since.

Obviously, he is - or at least was - a very sick man, and I in no way mean to minimize or make light of his actions. But they should not be exaggerated, either.

If you're serious that describing what he did to children as "child molester" and "heinous" is an exaggeration you have some serious issues that border on sympathizing with him and his actions.

Occupy TNZ, your not-so-veiled threat of personal accusation only serves to banish facts and reason, clearing the way for hysteria. I'm sure you don't mean that.

Obviously, no one should ever do what Collins is in trouble for.

I think Beaker Full of Death was gently alluding to the fact that many sex offenders who prey on children do worse things and leave the victims with devastating injuries-- or dead in a shallow grave. And if the word "heinous" gets defined-down to fit the sad little case of Mr Collins, then what will we say of the worst predators? Cheapening the language reduces our ability to address those bigger evils with words that cut.

On a final note, please don't respond to this reasoned thought by accusing me of being a sexual pervert, because I'm not one. And you're better than that.

 

[Peach Wookiee]

Re: Captian Decker is Apparently a Child Molsester

Okay, guys, I think I'm going to close this thread before it degenerates into personal attacks. If you wish to discuss this with more heat, you all know where to go. Otherwise, there is a thread in TV and Media about this. Thank you for your attention, everyone.