In Memoriam

[vr_trakowski]

John M. Ford died on Sept. 25th.  I've read only a few of his works, including the stunning Growing Up Weightless, which I highly, highly recommend.  But what I remember him best for was his clever, flawed, deeply hysterical Classic Trek novel How Much for Just the Planet?.  This is, bar none, the funniest Star Trek book ever.  And I say that with confidence even though there are more I haven't read, now, than those I have.  Despite the fact that it has an awkward and unbelievable subplot, HMFJTP is a riotous and in-character read full of sneaky cameos (Sgt. Benton!) and in-jokes.  Apparently Mr. Ford was known for never writing the same kind of thing twice...which I rather regret. 

And Edward Albert died on Sept. 22.  He seems to be best known for a role on ST:DS9, at least in my circle, but I will forever remember him for his recurring role as Elliot Burch on Beauty and the Beast.  He played a suitor for Catherine--a bad guy turned good guy turned very dead guy. 

Requiescat in pace, gentlemen. 

Comments

[anamin.livejournal.com]

icon love. And yeah, my mom told me about Edward Albert this weekend. He died so young, too young :(( Thanks for posting the tribute.

edward Albert

[eagertalker.livejournal.com]

I was saddened to hear about Edward albert. I too remember him best as Elliot Burch. He was so good in that role. I wish that they would release Beauty and the Beast on DVD. the first and second seasons were so great. I still have an artist rendition of Vincent hanging on my bedroom wall and about 5 zines that I managed to collect.
I agree that "how much for just the planet was about the funniest Star Trek ever written. Which one do you think is the best? My favorite by far is Uhura's Song by Janet Kagen.
anne

[tos-lover.livejournal.com]

I had no idea Edward Albert died. He was in so much stuff.

HMFJTP is one of my fav Trek books, too. I just love the bit with Scotty golfing.

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I don't use it often, but I'm so fond of the album.

Yeah, he wasn't old enough...and after spending so much time caring for his dad, too. Apparently a good man.

Re: edward Albert

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Well, Netflix has BATB listed as available in the future, which gives me hope that it WILL come out on DVD soon. My brother speculates that whoever owns the rights is having to renegotiate with whoever owns the music; there were commercial VHS tapes produced, but those are of course long out of print. One can only hope!

I do enjoy Uhura's Song, but I'm a major Diane Duane fan, so I lean towards her stuff (as well as the first two Diane Carey novels just because I like Piper so much). I can't choose one of the Duanes I like best--they're all so good! But it was The Wounded Sky that hooked me.

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Isn't it fun? It's almost as though he asked the characters what they would do in such an insane situation. "Phasers don't stop it!" *snerk*