Who are your fave film & TV alien characters & why

bduncan · Dec 7, 2004

Who are your 6 personal favorite film and / or TV alien characters so far and please state why you admire each one of them (compared to other similar characters), for each one you name. If they look almost exactly like a human, but are still 'alien', fine.

avaunt · Dec 8, 2004

Too complicated, i fear, Mr Duncan. However, i admit to a soft spot for Mr Spock.

flynn · Dec 8, 2004

Klingons kick ass, literally. (Although Worf was a bit wet at times) Cardasians are utterly evil geniuses Dr Zoidberg (Futurama), how can you feel sorry for a cartoon charater? Zoidberg tugs at your heartstrings The Omicrons (Futurama), Single female lawyer.... Quality.... ... Ummm I'm going to contemplate my other 2 choices because otherwise I'll miss some one out. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "All God does is watch us and kill us when we get boring. We must never, ever be boring" - Chuck Palahniuk. </div>

Aetius · Dec 8, 2004

My favorite TV and movie sci-fi characters (I'll try to think of six): Commander Shran, the Andorian from "Star Trek: Enterprise". He's just a good soldier, who genuinely loves his people. Even when he does things that seem villainous, he isn't portrayed as a cartoonish caricature of evil. He is doing what he must, for the greater good of the Andorians. It makes me laugh when he calls humans "Pink Skins". A political incorrect alien! <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> It's pure gold. I can totally understand the Andorian dislike of Vulcans, since I never liked them anyway. I always suspected that behind all that oh-so-logical, "Live Long And Prosper" crap, they are just a bunch of sanctimonious hypocrites. Kind of like Democrats with pointy ears. <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> Gawron, the Klingon warrior from "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine". He could be telling you to have a nice day, and those wild, ten-cups-of-coffee wide open eyes make him threatening. He seems to typify the ideal Klingon warrior far better than Worf does. I love it when he says, "Perhaps today IS a good day to die!" <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> I also like the lizard-like, married monarchs of Omicron Persei 8 (?), from "Futurama". The dialogue is hilarious, and if you look beyond their reptilian exteriors, their relationship is one of the most oddly realistic portrayals of married life I've ever seen. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> WARNING! *** MOVIE SPOILERS AHEAD *** Commander Adama from the new "Battlestar Galactica" is also one of my favorites. His character is three-dimensional, unlike the archetypes so often seen in TV sci-fi. Prior to "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine", that was one of my biggest criticisms of the way people (and not just humans) were portrayed in the "Star Trek" universe. When Commander Adama shamelessly lies about knowing the whereabouts of Earth, he is doing something any good leader might do: Providing a ray of hope

xojackso · Dec 10, 2004

Kal-El, last son of Krypton.

Aetius · Dec 10, 2004

Yeah, I should have included Superman. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />

CalliArcale · Dec 10, 2004

Six favorites? Hmm..... This will be somewhat arbitrary, understand. I like lots. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> The Doctor, from "Doctor Who" (of course <img src="/images/icons/tongue.gif" /> ) He's a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey. Since the show is aimed at children, he's generally depicted as a protector. He'll make the monsters go away, or prove that they're not really scary after all. The actress Elizabeth Sladen described him as a "mad uncle", and that's very apt. He's like a very eccentric relative, who can make you laugh right after he baffles you. And then there's the TARDIS that he uses to travel. It can take you anywhere, anywhen, to see fantastic things and meet extraordinary people. He saves the universe regularily, he champions the weak, he thumbs his nose at the powerful, and he can get you home again in time for tea afterwards. G'Kar, from "Babylon 5" I actually like him better than the incredibly powerful Kosh or the wise and wonderful heroine Delenn. He has this tremendous character arc over the course of the series, going from a warrior who'd like nothing more than to spill Centauri blood to an unwilling religious icon trying to get everyone (including Centauri) to settle down and work with each other towards a better future. He also gets some of the best lines on the series, and actor Andreas Katsulas delivers them all superbly. And it's hard to explain this, but he actually manages to make this sort of reptilian/amphibian spotted alien creature *seductive*. (Amusingly, a consequence of Katsulas' portrayal was that he eventually was shown dressed only in a robe. This neccesitated a prosthetic to cover his very human chest. They said you could hear him scream down the block when it was removed afterwards.) Basically, he's not just your typical militant semi-savage alien (like the Klingons). He's very deep and complex, and also a very spiritual sort of person. By the end, long afte <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff." -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

Astrosag · Dec 10, 2004

Ahh..big Babylon 5 fan...i got hooked on that show too..it was awesome- far better than star trek (in my opinion)- friends couldn't understand that though. I like G' Kar .....but the Vorlon..they were so mysterious and powerful. I like the VOrlon ambassodor on the station...forget his name.

CalliArcale · Dec 10, 2004

That would be Kosh. Interesting character. JMS pulled some cool stuff on us with him. In the episode introducing Morden, it's amazing -- here we've got an unfailingly polite guy, suave, handsome, with faultless enunciation, asking people what they want. And we KNOW he's a bad guy. He does nothing whatsoever to justify that, but we just know he's evil. And then there's Kosh, who is outright hostile towards Morden, whose race recently prevented humanity from attaining immortality, who refuses to get involved in much of anything, and who barely gives people the time of day, and even then usually in a riddle -- and nevertheless we KNOW he's a good guy. Cool show. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff." -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

spacester · Dec 12, 2004

Wow, calli, that was a little spooky reading your list. I was not into Dr Who, but if you start the list at G'kar, I am in complete agreement. That's pretty darn close to exactly what I was going to write. G'kar rocks. The flat-out best character in the history of Sci-Fi. #1 by far in my book. (Sci-Fi: the big screen or the little screen, not books.) I just don't know what to add to your paragraphs on the two masterfully intertwined characters from Centauri Prime and Narn. Katsulas is terrific as a Romulan as well. But to stay brief . . . Spock was huge. Spock had a huge impact on American Culture. Huge. Yoda is the character that ultimately made Star Wars work. What more can you say? Star Wars was much bigger than Spock. And those would be my top 4, I have a list of candidates tied for 5th. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

spacester · Dec 14, 2004

Agreed. I still await a truly alien alien on the screen. Space opera characters are all we've ever seen really. Maybe that's one thing needed if anyone is ever to surpass B5. They're all humanoid fer cryin out loud! For obvious practical reasons, but still. The most alien alien I can think of was the Horta (sp?) from Star Trek TOS. It's a big glob, it eats rock, and thinks we are ugly bags of water. Very cool. "Damn it Jim, I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer!" <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

CalliArcale · Dec 14, 2004

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr />Agreed. I still await a truly alien alien on the screen. Space opera characters are all we've ever seen really. Maybe that's one thing needed if anyone is ever to surpass B5. <hr /></blockquote> The Daleks *ultimately* were very unhumanoid, but it's kind of cheating to list them, because they're evolved from creatures outwardly indistinguishable from humans. Dr Who aliens that fit your request better would include the Megara -- basically just shiny balls of light. Not well realized, but very alien. They're not organic, however. They're justice machines. As far as B5 goes, there were SEVERAL successful highly-alien characters, which is impressive considering how technically challenging it is to have an alien who isn't built around a man in a suit. The Shadows come instantly to mind. They were entirely CGI. Really, the Vorlons too. I know, they look like angels -- or do they? That's only what they WANT you to think they look like. So there are some very alien creatures on the screen already. I guess it depends on your standards. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> But the single most alien alien I have ever seen on screen would have to be Solaris itself. (Note: I have not seen the recent remake starring George Clooney. I'm thinking of the old Tarkovsky version.) It's barely recognizable as even being alive, let alone sentient, and yet it clearly is both. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff." -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

xojackso · Dec 16, 2004

I'd like to put in a good word for Odo from DS9. A strong, complex character.

vogon13 · Feb 5, 2005

Kazoo from The Flintstones--if you buy the Jackie Gleason/Honeymooners tie-in, then having Fred (Ralph) interact with alien becomes even more hysterical Steve Zodiac from Fireball XL-5--Wanted to be space pilot when I grew up, handle any situation that arose, cool space ship to fly, explore universe Marvin the Martian from Bugs Bunny--Truly inspired character from Chuck Jones universe. Runner up would be Gossamer, although not sure what category he belongs in (mutant? alien? monster?) Face Hugger form of the alien from Alien--so strong, forceful, sustaining and intimate in its inteactions with humans. Will accept (and infect!) anyone regardless of race, color, or creed. The Keeper (Michael Rennie) from Lost in Space. What an incredible endeavor, roam universe and collect all life forms from eveywhere, even sentient ones. Rennie played what must have been a diffficult role with tremendous dignity and believabilty (pretty rare for Lost in Space) Aliens from planet Brainsuck from Dilbert --For once humans encounter aliens, are oblivious to the danger they present, and then aliens are utterly defeated by someone from MARKETING! You gotta' luv 'em! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> TPTB went to Dallas and all I got was Plucked !!So many people, so few recipes !!Let's clean up this stinkhole !! </div>

hracctsold · Feb 7, 2005

This is my third try at trying to post this line. I'm beginning to think strange thoughts here about this. I keep hitting the wrong keys or other things. But one of my favorite cartoon characters is Marvin. I especially love that line, "Where's the KABOOM! There has to be a KABOOM!!" I have found it on a coffee cup, and license plate, and have used both. Another favorite cartoon stupid character is Duck Dodger in the 24th, and a half, century! Call me childish, but I still love the old Chuck Jones cartoons, and especially Bugs in, "The barber of Seville." I still look for videos of such things as well. Well I have made it this far, so I don't think I will press my luck, and sign off to think about some real characters. One of my favorite TV characters was Gary Seven from the Org. ST. I have also read some of the books with his character in it, and just enjoyed the possibility of what if there. It would have been nice to have seen that go into it own right and series. I forgot about the imp Kazoo from the Flintstones, he was funny as I remember it.

CalliArcale · Feb 7, 2005

Marvin, yeah! "You have made me angry! Very angry indeed!" I used to have a clip of that set up for whenever my computer popped up an alert box. <img src="/images/icons/tongue.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly . . . timey wimey . . . stuff." -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

vogon13 · Feb 7, 2005

And let me hasten to add, Kazoo from the cartoon, not the insipid Flintstones Rock Vegas movie. Still not sure just what Gossamer was. Sneakers were pretty funny. Manicure from Bugs was priceless ( I have animation cell of this ) . Recall Gossamer getting a haircut and there not being anything left upon completion. Other than roaring ( and squeaking when shrunk) did Gossamer ever have a speaking part? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> TPTB went to Dallas and all I got was Plucked !!So many people, so few recipes !!Let's clean up this stinkhole !! </div>

noone · Feb 7, 2005

Not an alien, but, Data. Gynan. Q, Kang and Kodos and 7.

larper · Feb 7, 2005

I am right with you on G'Kar, Londo and Spock. One thing that has bothered me about every incarnation of Star Trek has been every other characterization of a Vulcan. Every other Vulcan is the dullest, dryest character on the set, and only sexuality can make the character more than a walking computer. Conversely, Nimoy was able to give Spock a real personality while suppressing emotion. He was funny when he wanted to be, he wasn't dry or stilted in his speech, he was real. Even Mark Leonard as Spock's father was able to make a real person out of someone that was supposed to be emotionless. Tupac, or whatever his name was, was one of the main reasons that Voyager was completely unwatchable. Whatshername on Enterprise isn't much better. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Vote Libertarian </div>

Leovinus · Feb 7, 2005

I liked Uncle Martin and Mr. Spock. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

saxophoneplaya · Feb 9, 2005

Mine have got to be: Data (star trek TNG) Hes just so cool! Ford Prefect (Hitchhickers Guide to the Galaxy) Hes a hoopy frood

Q (Star trek TNG) anyone that can erase the whole human race cant be all that bad Spock (star trek) im attracted to green blood Zaphod Beeblebrox (Hitchhickers Guide to the Galaxy) hes so cool you can keep a side of meat in him for a month and R2D2 (Star Wars) he talks funny! tootles

hracctsold · Feb 9, 2005

I was thinking of this thread at work, and came up with another character from my past. Who here is old enough to remember "Mighty Mouse" is on the way? If you can remember him, how about one of the first stick cartoons called, "Tom Thumb and his pal Manfred, the Wonder Dog"? Now that goes way back, even without Peabody and his Way Back machine, with his pet boy, Sherman. I have found and complied into one tape many of the Rocky and Bullwinkle shows. Again, please pardon my child like heart and fun. Wheres the KABOOM? There was suppose to be a KABOOM!!

hracctsold · Feb 13, 2005

Some of my favorite human characters would be Gene Barry, from Bat Masterson, (western), Amos Burke, Secret Agent, and the one I first remember him as in the show, War of the Worlds. I remember the time a friend actually had a color T.V. and invited my brother and I to watch that show on color. (Or was that possible?) The other character is Christopher Lloyd and the host of characters he portrays. Who else can do "Doc Brown", the bum from the movie. Dennis the Mennis(sp), a klignon from Kirk's time, and of course, Rev. Al from "Taxi". I still remember his skit when he was trying to get his driver's license with the others help. He asked the question from the test, "What does a yellow light mean?" They tried to say, "slower", without letting everyone know, and he just says, "w-h-a-t - d-o-e-s - a - y-e-l-l-o-w - l-i-g-h-t - m-e-a-n?" And that carrys on for awhile. Just the way he presents himself and does his roll says it all.

beartooth · Feb 13, 2005

Quark from DS9. He blended alien & hunan traits of which everyone has to some degree or another.

yevaud · Feb 15, 2005

Oh, yes. A topic you can get your teeth into... 1. Lando Molari from Babylon-5. He's so cynical. The penultimate politician. How can you not like someone who has a talk with Garibaldi about how people from Earth have learned to take after their predators, such as the Shark - and then when Garibaldi has left, scrutinizes his glass, gnashes his teeth, and says "Good Shark. Pretty Shark..." 2. Any and all of the Doctors from Doctor Who. Particularly Tom Baker and John Pertwee. This needs no further explanation. Either you get it or you don't. 3. Absolutely and utterly 'Q' from Trek. He epitomizes exactly how bored and banal a slightly evil, unstimulated, and omnipotent immortal can be. "Hello, Worf. Eaten any good books, lately?" As a nearly identical possible, 'Trelaine' from Classic Trek (who was also a 'Q'). 4. Holly, the holographic ship's computer from Red Dwarf. Hal from 2001 was good at it, but Holly is THE classic, dotty AI. "We're about to go faster-than-light. And then it's brown trousers time..." 5. The 'ID' monster from the classic movie, Forbidden Planet. How can you not like an alien that's made up out of an intellectually enhanced Human scientist's darkest dreams? 6. The Thing, from the remake of the movie with the same name (starring Kurt Russell). Pure, unadulterated, sociopathic evil. I love the line where the now-possessed human's head begins to walk away on spider legs...Kurt Russell sees it. The head turns and hissess at him, and Russell says "awww, you've got to be sh*****g me." --Yev <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Differential Diagnosis: "I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are." </div>

Who are your fave film & TV alien characters & why

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