Kirk or Picard?
By Toughgut
@Toughgut (50)
7 responses
@Candid_Ishida (659)
• United States
22 Jun 07
It is kind of odd that there aren't more discussions about this classic 'battle'. Anyway, even though TNG is my favorite series by a long shot, I'd have to say Kirk is the best captain. I mean, he's the original, he's an inspiration to all Star Fleet captains within the Trek world. Plus, his complete disregard for the rules when the time comes to break them is something I can really respect. I'd rather place my life in the hands of a man who would risk breaking every rule Star Fleet could think up in order to save his ship, or even one person, than someone bent on upholding the Prime Directive. I'm not saying Picard never broke the rules to save someone, but I just like Kirk's overall style of command. He was part of a real family on his Enterprise, while Picard was always more distant from his crew and remained an authority figure rather than a friend (in most cases). I've always liked the best friends thing Kirk, Spock and Bones had going between them. Plus, Kirk seduced waaay more alien women!
@lifeluver (743)
• Canada
22 Jun 07
LOL! "...perhaps that's why (Picard) was in more of a bad mood" I hadn't thought of that! It's true what you say, Candid, that the rest of the Starfleet captains (and crews) definately looked up to Kirk. The Temperal Police (or whatever they were called) certainly didn't think that highly of him though. Apparently, Kirk was responsible for several Temperal Prime Directive violations - imagine that, lol.
@Toughgut (50)
•
22 Jun 07
Judging by Picards appearance I think he became captain a little late in the day to be seducing alien women, perhaps thats why he was in more of a bad mood. Although I prefer Picard I have to admit that he did always look up to Kirk so maybe thats proves something.
1 person likes this
@sergeantrom (5721)
• United States
4 Jul 07
I was 100% Picard since Kirk only cared about scoring with all the alien women! That was until they bought Janeway into the picture. The way she took out that borg leader in season finale said it all!!!
@ram_cv (16513)
• India
8 Jul 07
I would say that both Kirk and Picard were great captains. But, I would go for Kirk on a head to head comparison, because he showed the way for people like Picard to follow. Of course, Kirk's human nature was more adventurous to say the least than Picard's nature, but I think that is what added more weight to Kirk's character. Also, I think the novelty effect of the series went off a bit by the time Picard's crew came to picture.
So on all these accounts, I pick Kirk over Picard.
Cheers!
Ram
@tutor1235 (113)
• United States
11 Jul 07
Looks like we're in the minority here, but I'm with you-Kirk over Picard. I suspect it has to do mostly with who I "grew up" with-I remember watching the original series back when it was original. The later versions, while still fun, just don't hold a candle for me.
@leigh79 (8)
•
24 Jul 07
It has to be Kirk, he was more the go get them captain where as Picard was lets all sit down and discuss it. Picard had the technology and Kirk had the guts.
So for me it has to be Kirk.
@lifeluver (743)
• Canada
20 Jun 07
There's just not nearly enough trekkers here, toughgut!
Ok, here's what I think. Between Kirk and Picard, I'd have to say Kirk. Picard was just to stubborn about the Prime Directive and diplomacy - always wanting to talk things out. Kirk, however, seemed to deal with whatever more realistically, more emotionally - that makes him more fun to watch.
My absolute favorite captain, though, is Ben Sisko. I like the way he speaks directly and he always looks out for his crew even if he doesn't necessarily agree with what they're doing. Besides....Ben hit Q - Picard never hit Q, lol.
@Toughgut (50)
•
20 Jun 07
I agree, Ben is good. I personally perfer Picard that for the reason you don't like him, the prime directive! I don't like Kirk so much as he seems to get atleast one crew member killed each mission and he is a bit too emotional. Picard seems to weigh things up better and make an informed decision.
1 person likes this
@lifeluver (743)
• Canada
20 Jun 07
That's pretty funny that you like Picard for the same reasons that I don't like him as much. There was no such thing as the Prime Directive during Kirk's time. You've got a good point though about Kirk killing at least one crew member every episode (the dreaded "red shirt"). Also, Picard did have a really good relationship with all his crew members and they, in turn, have a great deal of respect for him. Remember when he called Worf a coward? Worf's response was "If you were ANY other man, I'd kill you where you stand!" Hey, you know what? I think I've just finished convincing myself that Picard is actually the better captain. Hmmmmm..................
@mattwolves (66)
•
28 Jun 07
Ben Sisko is definately the best star trek captain. He was always direct, down to earth, witty and smart and did what needed to be done when it needed to be done.
@dduroth (6)
• Croatia (Hrvatska)
6 Jul 07
Out of those two, I'd have to say Picard. 100%
The way he handles his ship, his crew is just awesome. I like the way he likes to do everything by the book, but occasionally also does something reckless. The way he is more of a diplomat, than a warrior, but whenever there was a real threat to his ship or his crew, he didn't pull back any punches.
I also like Sisko, because he is so straight-forward and does everything his way, without some Starfleet Admirals or omnipotent beings standing in his way. And the beard is a plus also.
:)
@pauloahorro (232)
• Philippines
13 Jul 07
Kirk without question, he just seems more human than professor x
