Original Star Trek and Doctor Who, are two completely separate franchises; which exist in different universes.
However, both have shared some striking similarities over the years. One might even say – that the Pertwee years maybe purposefully ripped ideas off from Original Star Trek. Don’t believe is? Then read on :
DW’s – Inferno – Vs – St’s – Mirror Mirror
The Doctor travels into an alternate universe, where UNIT are evil Nazi oppressors; overseeing a totalitarian regime. Similar in story, to the classic Trek episode ‘Mirror Mirror’. When Captain Kirk is thrown into an alternate reality, where Spock presides over an evil version of Starfleet; called the ‘Terran Empire’.
The Brigadier plays the evil Spock character, to the Doctor’s – “good” Kirk character. Whilst the evil Brigadier, is instantly different from his good variety; with his eye-patch. Much like evil Spock, with his goatee beard. Evil Liz Shaw could even pass, for a version of “good” Lt. Uhura.- playing “bad” Lt. Uhura!
DW’s The Curse Of Peladon – Vs – ST’s Journey To Babel
Star Trek is all about the unity of different races, under one banner; The Federation. Or in Doctor Who’s case – the ‘Galactic Federation’. Curse Of Peladon – is interesting on two counts. Firstly; it introduces the Galactic Federation – as a combined race of alien speciesworking together for mutual protection and strength.
Secondly; the whole plot of the episode – involves a galactic who-dunnit, as the various alien delegates are accused of plotting/murdering each other and disrupting the peace conference. This is exactly just like, the plot from the trek episode; Journey To Babel.
Frontier In Space, best sums up Who’s homaging of the Trek Universe. We have the humans (as the Federation) at war with the warlike alien ‘Draconian’ race (or Klingons).
The Draconians, are a lizardy race of proud and traditional warriors, who despise and mistrust humans – almost as much as the humans, mistrust them.
We even have a line drawn in space between the two empires – called ‘the frontier’. Or “neutral zone” – as it is known in the Trek universe.
DW’s – Mind Of Evil – Vs – St’s – Dagger Of The Mind
Mind Of Evil sees the Doctor, attempt to expose the evils of the “Kellerman machine”. A device used to rehabilitate deranged prisoners, by literally sucking the evil emotions out of their minds. Which is made self aware, by The Master – to go on a psychic killing spree.
Which is similar in story – to the Trek episode Dagger Of The Mind. In which, a machine used to rehabilitate deranged prisoners – is used to destroy Captain Kirk’s mind.
DW’s – The Armageddon Factor -Vs – St’s – A Taste Of Armageddon
The story of two technological races, enacting a hypothetical computer based war simulation; where the calculated casualties are then herded off and vapourised for real. Seems to be, the stuff of nightmare Sci-Fi staple.
Both Who and Trek, have had similar punts at this – to varying effect. Obviously Trek came first – and Who’s attempt, some 10 years after; was to complete Tom Baker’s – ‘Key To Time’ season.
Indeed, the John Woodvine – ‘Marshall’ character – from Doctor Who. Could almost have been lifted, from the pages of the Trek script – for his Trek equivalent – Anan 7 (David Opatoshu).
Indeed, it was a well-known fact that some of the Who producers over the years have had a close affinity for Original Star Trek. This was most realised by second Hartnell producer; John Wiles. Who originally planned to have a Hartnell serial, where the Doctor met an entity claiming to be ‘god’. Unconnected but similar to the eventual storyline, 25 years later featured in the Star Trek movie : The Final Frontier; in 1989.
So next time you pickup up any of these classic Who’s, have a look out for the Trekisms present and wonder – was it really just a coincidence – or not?
Indeed, it was a well-known fact that some of the Who producers over the years have had a close affinity for Original Star Trek. This was most realised by second Hartnell producer; John Wiles. Who originally planned to have a Hartnell serial, where the Doctor met an entity claiming to be ‘god’. Unconnected but similar to the eventual storyline, 25 years later featured in the Star Trek movie : The Final Frontier; in 1989.
