next they'll ask for the right to vote

[sergebroom]

Once upon a time, way back when Voyager was still a fairly new series, I was working at the Gap, where I was stuck for two years before I escaped. 'Escape' is an appropriate word, what with my department's manager reminding me of Colonel Klink in more ways than one. Still, there were moments. One day, I was working with a young man from another department, and I asked him what he thought of Voyager. I figured it was safe to bring up the subject of Star Trek, what with the Worf figurine standing next to his computer. I thought it was ok, better than ST-TNG anyway, although I had some problems with the premise: here are people who know it'll take them 70 years to get back home and they keep taking sidetrips, which should have prompted Paris to often ask "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" My co-worker's criticism was, to say the least, interesting: he felt that the ship had too many women in positions of power. And I think that was before 7 of 39 became a member of the crew. Later on, I was having a conversation with another co-worker, a young lesbian, and mentionned that comment (without naming its author). To put it politely, she was not impressed with that criticism of Voyager.

That being said, Kate Mulgrew wasn't the show's original Janeway. Geneviève Bujold had been cast, but was replaced by Mulgrew early on. My understanding was that Bujold had made that request, having had second thoughts about the grind of working on a weekly series. I don't know if that's true. I personally think that Mulgrew was better in the role. Still, it was interesting to watch Bujold's approach to the role.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmDzaZ8j_Ug

Comments

[mkhobson.livejournal.com]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

Bea Arthur should have been given the role of Captain Janeway.

She would have knocked it outta the park!

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

Heheheh... And Bewitched's Aunt Bea would have been in charge of Engineering.

"Samantha, I'm so sorry, but it looks like I accidentally ejected the warp core."
"Again?"

But seriously, there is one older woman whom I think would be great as a starship captain. I mean, besides Judi Densch. Who? Ellen Burstyn.

[fledgist.livejournal.com]

Bujold would have made a good captain, no doubt -- and I say this after seeing that clip. I think Mulgrew was perfect in the job.

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

I feel pretty much the same way. Mulgrew is a tiny woman, but she projected authority and I never stopped believing she could be a starship captain.

[fledgist.livejournal.com]

Very true.