Well?
Was Barclay an attempt to embody Trek fans?
- Thread starter blockaderunner
- Start date
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I always thought Barclay was their attempt to show imperfect people within the Star Trek universe without violating Gene's doctrine.
What was nice about Barclay was that in the end the Enterprise crew actually learned something from him: that even people who are not spit-shined officers might still have something to offer.
What was nice about Barclay was that in the end the Enterprise crew actually learned something from him: that even people who are not spit-shined officers might still have something to offer.
No, i dont believe Gene Rodenberry wanted to portray his fans as incompetent fools, who's only escape from his sorry reality was 'imaginary' friends on the holodeck. Even his 'touching' leaving speach was on the holodeck, he couldn't even bring himself to say good bye in person =p though in his credit, Broccoli did help save the day.
Of course he was.
Back when Barclay was introduced TNG was a huge hit with all sorts of people, not just the stereotypical basement dwelling, pimple faced, never-kissed-a-girl geeks.
I was in college when TNG started, and even during the first few seasons, the dorm TV room was packed with all types of people watching every week.
So no, Barclay was not an attempt to embody Trek fans, but I do think he was an attempt to embody me.
I was in college when TNG started, and even during the first few seasons, the dorm TV room was packed with all types of people watching every week.
So no, Barclay was not an attempt to embody Trek fans, but I do think he was an attempt to embody me.
Barclay Rocks... In some ways he is the most realistic character in Trek, not polished, well spoken, cool, confident, good with the ladies, he was HUMAN. Not to say that Star Fleet is full of bigger than life people, but in a human way Barclay did represent the average person, who had much to offer, but had a hard time offering it. I'm not sure if he was meant to embody Trekkers, but for me he rocked...
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"What episode was he first in?"
'Hollow Pursuits', Season 3 as far as i am aware...
'Hollow Pursuits', Season 3 as far as i am aware...
Barclay is definatly the "lovable loser" underdog type character. Everyone likes to root for (me included). I don't think that is what Rodenberry was going for. We all identify with certain characters and Barclay was another color on the pallet. It was kind of like the nerd that wants to sit cool kids table (STNG the teen movie).
Truth is, as much as I want to think I'm closer to Picard, I'm probably more Barclay than anything.
Truth is, as much as I want to think I'm closer to Picard, I'm probably more Barclay than anything.
Nardpuncher
Rear Admiral
I think it was...as he was spending too much time on the holodeck, which is fantasy. So could say they were commenting on fans watching the show too intently.
I say this almost 20 years after the show was made. I guess they got me too!
I say this almost 20 years after the show was made. I guess they got me too!
Barclay Rocks... In some ways he is the most realistic character in Trek, not polished, well spoken, cool, confident, good with the ladies, he was HUMAN. Not to say that Star Fleet is full of bigger than life people, but in a human way Barclay did represent the average person, who had much to offer, but had a hard time offering it. I'm not sure if he was meant to embody Trekkers, but for me he rocked...
Well put!
Maybe in part, but I think he was more there just for the types of stories they wanted to tell with him.
He was more a commentary on people who allow their fantasy lives or hobbies to become so consuming it affected their real lives. A better comparison would be with people who play World of Warcraft too much.
I think Barclay was a fairly obvious attempt to give a certain segment of the audience someone to identify with. But I think he also outgrew that role, and became an interesting character through which several good stories were told. Plus he was crucial in one of my personal favourite TNG eps, The Nth Degree.
I don't know about Trek fans, but I could identify with him where he was a bit shy and had to adjust to working with experienced, spit-shine officers. I often had to make the same adjustment at various jobs I have held.
I liked the way Reg developed through TNG and VOY later on. He seemed to gain more confidence as he was generally more accepted by the crew. Heck, he had a hand in getting Voyager back home.
I liked the way Reg developed through TNG and VOY later on. He seemed to gain more confidence as he was generally more accepted by the crew. Heck, he had a hand in getting Voyager back home.
