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Why is Doctor Pulaski (2nd season of TNG) almost universally disliked by Trek fans?

posted 5 years ago by TMC-4 (20304)
6 replies | jump to latest

https://www.quora.com/Why-is-Doctor-Pulaski-2nd-season-of-TNG-almost-universally-disliked-by-Trek-fans/answer/Ian-Garrison-10

Three main reasons:

General Replacement Scrappy effect (since she replaced the generally affable Dr. Crusher because Crusher’s actress had been fired for daring to object to showrunner Maurice Hurley’s sexual harassment).

Pulaski is written as a nasty, cruel, arrogant individual who picks on Data just as he becomes less irritating and more of a lovable, slightly child-like figure. It makes her come off as thin-skinned and abusive rather than as a wise Dr. McCoy figure.

Ever since people figured out that Maurice Hurley is a garbage human they’ve soured on his creative decisions, too.

[–] snepts (11123) 3 years ago

Because they never saw Diana Muldaur wearing a nifty little midriff top in 1967 on Mannix. Pretty cute.

[–] kwestmo (4385) 2 years ago

Yes, in 1967 she was very attractive.

[–] Wuchak (8837) 2 years ago

Not me, I thought Doctor Pulaski worked for TNG because the cast needed a person who could be contrary. That said, I came to appreciate Dr. Crusher and guest stars could fulfill the need for a contrarian presence. Of course Ensign Ro eventually filled this 'need' in a reoccurring role.

[–] liscarkat (19031) 2 years ago

I like Crusher, but I like Pulaski just as well. It seems like a ship the size of the Enterprise could have used two doctors. Too bad they couldn't have had both of them at the same time.

[–] agentalbert (3255) 2 years ago

I agree. And I thought she was fine on there. But I seem to remember her bad mouthing the show after being off of it. That certainly won't endear Trek fans to her.

[–] kwestmo (4385) 2 years ago

As a rule I didn’t lile the character. However, I saw an episode last night whrer she argued against the Prime Directive. so I like her in that episode . The PD is BS.