And I disagree that the new Who is merely a "kids' show". I'm 41 and I watch it regularly (it's on my PVR) and my kids are still too young (though my daughter is nearly old enough--don't know if she'll like it though).
Also, I'd like to see how "The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit," "Blink," "Midnight," "Doomsday" and "Silence in the Library," among others, are 'kid's shows.' Especially "Midnight," which is essentially a stage play with a dozen characters trapped in a confined space until they're driven to paranoia.
"Blink" was nothing short of terrifying, it was looong overdue for this incarnation of Who
With regards to the ongoing debate of RTD's skills: I did feel that last season of Doctor Who was aimed more at the Sarah Jane Adventures viewers, and we've even seen Torchwood be adapted to be family friendly this year. I think I understand the points about not wanting to see Star Trek go the same way.
If you remember Children's Ward, that was quite intelligent writing for children's TV, and Dark Season still gives me the creeps now, 17 years after its first broadcast. Apparently he also wrote Queer As Folk - I didn't know that, but I know it's a show that receives a lot of praise. So he is definitely capable of good, solid writing.
Ummm, I'm not quite sure how to tie this back into the original discussion... Comparing Trek to Who, I understand that a lot of people don't want Trek to go the way of the new Who... It's not "dumbed down" as such, but it doesn't feel as rich as it used to be - that could just be because the new series doesn't do multi-episode story arcs (á la Pertwee's series for instance). But it has made efforts to develop this new universe through recurring themes like the new UNIT and Torchwood themselves.
The thing is, Doctor Who has built-in mechanisms for allowing re-imaginings, reboots, etc, through the Time War and the Doctor's regenerations and such, it's the sole reason the show's been going as long as it has.
Trek isn't like this, and I don't think it can be. I definitely don't think clearing out parts of canon to make way for new stories is the way to go to be honest. The fact Trek has a very in-depth 40 year history and continuity is what makes the franchise so special. I wouldn't like to start seeing bits being cut out, changed and moved around just for the sake of getting a new Kirk era to work. If Trek can't work by adding to existing canon instead of changing or deleting it, then Star Trek has obviously run its course and they should start looking at creating a whole new franchise (maybe one that's
like Star Trek).
As so many posts say though, this is all just speculation and we won't know til May whether or not each fan decides to stick with Trek, move on, or ignore the fact Trek XI ever happened
