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Ein Computer wird gejagt.
The gripping story of an artificial man....a fast-paced adventure moving from the Los Angeles freeways to the bustling London metropolis....and on to the distant peaks of Mount Ararat for a spectacular climax!Based on the pilot to the TV series by Gene Roddenberry
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First published October 1, 1974
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About the author
D.C. Fontana
27 books36 followersDorothy Catherine "D. C." Fontana (born March 25, 1939) was an American television script writer and story editor, best known for her work on the original Star Trek franchise and several western television series. After she attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, she moved to New York City briefly to work for Screen Gems as a secretary, but soon moved to Los Angeles where she worked in the typing pool at Revue Studios. She became the secretary for Samuel A. Peeples, who she sold her first story, "A Bounty for Bill", for the series The Tall Man. Her initial work was credited under the name Dorothy C. Fontana.
After Peeples left the studio, she moved to work for Del Reisman, a producer on The Lieutenant. The show was created by Gene Roddenberry, and after his secretary fell ill, Fontana covered. The Lieutenant was cancelled after one season, and Roddenberry began working on Star Trek. He had her work up one of his ideas into the episode "Charlie X", and after she re-wrote "This Side of Paradise", he gave her the job of story editor. She continued in this post until the end of the second season when she wanted to pursue her freelance writing work. She was nominated for a Writers Guild of America Award for an episode of Then Came Bronson.
Roddenberry brought Fontana back to write for Genesis II, and then as story editor and associate producer on Star Trek: The Animated Series. During the 1970s she worked on a number of series such as Logan's Run, the Six Million Dollar Man and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Roddenberry hired her to work on Star Trek: The Next Generation, but while she was given an associate producer credit, the experience soured the relationship with Roddenberry and resulted in a claim put to the Writers Guild of America. She later wrote an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation as well as the plots for several of the franchise's video games, in addition to a comic story and an episode of the fan-made series Star Trek: New Voyages. She was awarded the Morgan Cox Award in 2002 by the Writers Guild of America, and named twice to the American Screenwriters Association's hall of fame.
D. C. Fontana died December 2, 2019, after a brief illness.
After Peeples left the studio, she moved to work for Del Reisman, a producer on The Lieutenant. The show was created by Gene Roddenberry, and after his secretary fell ill, Fontana covered. The Lieutenant was cancelled after one season, and Roddenberry began working on Star Trek. He had her work up one of his ideas into the episode "Charlie X", and after she re-wrote "This Side of Paradise", he gave her the job of story editor. She continued in this post until the end of the second season when she wanted to pursue her freelance writing work. She was nominated for a Writers Guild of America Award for an episode of Then Came Bronson.
Roddenberry brought Fontana back to write for Genesis II, and then as story editor and associate producer on Star Trek: The Animated Series. During the 1970s she worked on a number of series such as Logan's Run, the Six Million Dollar Man and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Roddenberry hired her to work on Star Trek: The Next Generation, but while she was given an associate producer credit, the experience soured the relationship with Roddenberry and resulted in a claim put to the Writers Guild of America. She later wrote an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation as well as the plots for several of the franchise's video games, in addition to a comic story and an episode of the fan-made series Star Trek: New Voyages. She was awarded the Morgan Cox Award in 2002 by the Writers Guild of America, and named twice to the American Screenwriters Association's hall of fame.
D. C. Fontana died December 2, 2019, after a brief illness.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 26, 2010
How can I review this book impartially? It's the novelization of a Gene Roddenberry TV movie/pilot that I've been a fan of for a long time.
The pilot wasn't picked up, unfortunately. But The Questor Tapes remains an intriguing and deeply enjoyable movie. Veteran Star Trek writer D.C. Fontana did a fine job of novelizing the story of an android with incomplete programming, searching for the riddle of his existence with the help of a human friend - and with the usual Javert figure in pursuit.
As I said, I'm not sure what I would have thought of this book if I'd never seen the movie. But as a novelization, and compared to other novelizations that I've read, it works very well. Fontana must have worked from a late script, or even written the manuscript after the movie was filmed; there are none of those annoying omissions that so often mar novelizations which are based on early scripts.
There's humor, and moments of thoughtfulness. There's a quasi-religious element to the plot and some religious philosophizing that I find slightly irritating (and I'm not usually that sensitive to that sort of thing, believe it or not), but those were present in the original movie. All in all, a very enjoyable book.
The pilot wasn't picked up, unfortunately. But The Questor Tapes remains an intriguing and deeply enjoyable movie. Veteran Star Trek writer D.C. Fontana did a fine job of novelizing the story of an android with incomplete programming, searching for the riddle of his existence with the help of a human friend - and with the usual Javert figure in pursuit.
As I said, I'm not sure what I would have thought of this book if I'd never seen the movie. But as a novelization, and compared to other novelizations that I've read, it works very well. Fontana must have worked from a late script, or even written the manuscript after the movie was filmed; there are none of those annoying omissions that so often mar novelizations which are based on early scripts.
There's humor, and moments of thoughtfulness. There's a quasi-religious element to the plot and some religious philosophizing that I find slightly irritating (and I'm not usually that sensitive to that sort of thing, believe it or not), but those were present in the original movie. All in all, a very enjoyable book.
October 10, 2022
The Questor Tapes by D.C. Fontana
Since Gene Roddenberry created one of the longest-running franchises in history only that really only has Star Wars and Law and Order to compare itself to it might be easy to think of the man as more successful than he was. In the 70s he tried over and over to make TV pilots one after another. Some eventually got rebooted after his death in syndication like Andromeda and Earth Final Conflict. One of those pilots was The Questor Tapes which was released as a half-baked TV movie. Until I sat down to write this review I didn’t know that it ever got released. For me, it was a script (co-written by ST’s two Genes) adapted into a novel by long-time Star Trek story editor D.C. Fontana.
The paperback I have is the second printing from 1979 that mentions that it was based on the script by Gene Roddenberry and Gene L. Coon from a story by the great bird of the galaxy himself. The paperback didn’t mention that this TV movie was made and directed by Richard A. Colla (of Battlestar Galactica pilot fame) and starred a young pre-MASH, Mike Ferrell. When reading this I assumed Dorothy Fontana offered to novelize this because it was unproduced and as a tribute to the recent loss of her buddy Gene L.Coon who the book is dedicated to. The title page includes a chuck of his eulogy at a Writer’s guild memorial.
I just watched a bit of the produced show and it is cheezy as a low-budget 70s production might be expected to have. Dorothy Fontana tries to class up the joint but much of the cheese is baked into the story and it appears she is being faithful to the script. Gene Roddenberry was wise to pass on the show as the network wanted to make a change that would have made the storytelling elements nearly impossible but we will come back to that.
It will all sound familiar because as Roddenberry was known to do he is recycling ideas like bottles at an earth day festival. The Questor Tapes is the story of Data outside of the Star Trek context. Scientists representing 5 nations team up to make an artificial person, unlike Data who is supposed to pass as a human. When he wakes up he doesn’t have emotions and must follow programming, part of his programming is finding his creator. The Changeling, The Motion Picture, and Data in TNG have all sought to find their creator. In TQT the creator is in London.
This kicks off an adventure that includes Jerry (Mike Ferrell’s scientist) and Questor the robot traveling overseas together this is of course when he learns to become human. Questor’s journey is very Data-ish, which is fine. The series had it been made would have been Questor and Jerry on the run, while Jerry teaches him humanity.
The novel itself is very basic, Fontana appears to be just slightly flowering up the novel. This was written before doorstop novels were in vogue. Thin easy-to-digest Science fiction novels were more common. Judy Del Rey was the senior editor, in ’74 with re-runs of Star Trek being popular it is easy to see why she might accept this with a little hands-off attitude. It reads like a script at times but Fontana adds to the story with subtle moments when she can.
“Questor had come to like the quiet oases of green trees, flowers, and lawns humans called parks. He stood quietly under a tree, watching a platoon of children attacking the slides, and swings and seesaws of the play area. The weather was warm, and faint breeze barely riffled the leaves into a swaying dance.”
Fontana also tries to add flavor through the whacky out of date science, and in some of the character work. There is humor throughout, most of it subtle except in a few scenes like when Questor fails to understand he is talking to a prostitute.
“I don’t think you get it. You give me 15 pounds…and I’ll make you happy.”
Questor tilted his head to the right, puzzled. “Please explain why I should become happy if I give you fifteen pounds.”
“Hey, are you kidding?”
“It would, perhaps, gratify my charitable impulses – but at the moment I am aware of none.”
Later in the story, in the scene that would later be used in The Naked Now episode of TNG we find out this robot is fully functional. Roddenberry famous told the story in lectures about losing this scene in the movie, after debating with the network but it is here for sure. If you think that all seems familiar it is true. He said the network really had a problem with robots having sex with a real live person. Well, it was a woman and Roddenberry implied that Questor getting laid made them feel inadequate. (just reporting here folks)
In a sweet nod to Bjo Trimble the fan who started the save Star Trek letter-writing campaign there is a character named Lady Trimble. Which was in the script. Jerry of course over the novel goes from calling Questor a machine to a friend. This transition starts on page 117 launching into the final act when Questor ponders shutting down after finding his creator.
“Without my creator, I have no purpose, my friend. He provided me with extinction in that event so I could not be misused.”
“Don’t be so damned cold about it! You’re talking about dying.”
“Death occurs to living things, Jerry. Do you consider me to be alive?”
Big themes and questions. For TV at the time The Questor Tapes might not have seemed as cheezy as it does almost 50 years later. I give Fontana and the Genes credit for trying but despite many fun moments the novel/show doesn’t hold to the high ambitions it had. All involved wanted a story that investigated what it means to be human. This comes to a head when Questor tries to blow himself up and basically screams. I don't know what I am.
Now Roddenberry took two cracks at Star Trek pilots and still was smoothing out what that show was a dozen episodes in. Had the Questor Tapes made it past the pilot maybe they would have worked out the kinks. In a sense, they did just in Star Trek the Next Generation. I think this novel is for DC Fontana and Roddenberry completionists only. I had enough fun to give it three stars but that might be my bias for Fontana and what I consider her role to be.
Since Gene Roddenberry created one of the longest-running franchises in history only that really only has Star Wars and Law and Order to compare itself to it might be easy to think of the man as more successful than he was. In the 70s he tried over and over to make TV pilots one after another. Some eventually got rebooted after his death in syndication like Andromeda and Earth Final Conflict. One of those pilots was The Questor Tapes which was released as a half-baked TV movie. Until I sat down to write this review I didn’t know that it ever got released. For me, it was a script (co-written by ST’s two Genes) adapted into a novel by long-time Star Trek story editor D.C. Fontana.
The paperback I have is the second printing from 1979 that mentions that it was based on the script by Gene Roddenberry and Gene L. Coon from a story by the great bird of the galaxy himself. The paperback didn’t mention that this TV movie was made and directed by Richard A. Colla (of Battlestar Galactica pilot fame) and starred a young pre-MASH, Mike Ferrell. When reading this I assumed Dorothy Fontana offered to novelize this because it was unproduced and as a tribute to the recent loss of her buddy Gene L.Coon who the book is dedicated to. The title page includes a chuck of his eulogy at a Writer’s guild memorial.
I just watched a bit of the produced show and it is cheezy as a low-budget 70s production might be expected to have. Dorothy Fontana tries to class up the joint but much of the cheese is baked into the story and it appears she is being faithful to the script. Gene Roddenberry was wise to pass on the show as the network wanted to make a change that would have made the storytelling elements nearly impossible but we will come back to that.
It will all sound familiar because as Roddenberry was known to do he is recycling ideas like bottles at an earth day festival. The Questor Tapes is the story of Data outside of the Star Trek context. Scientists representing 5 nations team up to make an artificial person, unlike Data who is supposed to pass as a human. When he wakes up he doesn’t have emotions and must follow programming, part of his programming is finding his creator. The Changeling, The Motion Picture, and Data in TNG have all sought to find their creator. In TQT the creator is in London.
This kicks off an adventure that includes Jerry (Mike Ferrell’s scientist) and Questor the robot traveling overseas together this is of course when he learns to become human. Questor’s journey is very Data-ish, which is fine. The series had it been made would have been Questor and Jerry on the run, while Jerry teaches him humanity.
The novel itself is very basic, Fontana appears to be just slightly flowering up the novel. This was written before doorstop novels were in vogue. Thin easy-to-digest Science fiction novels were more common. Judy Del Rey was the senior editor, in ’74 with re-runs of Star Trek being popular it is easy to see why she might accept this with a little hands-off attitude. It reads like a script at times but Fontana adds to the story with subtle moments when she can.
“Questor had come to like the quiet oases of green trees, flowers, and lawns humans called parks. He stood quietly under a tree, watching a platoon of children attacking the slides, and swings and seesaws of the play area. The weather was warm, and faint breeze barely riffled the leaves into a swaying dance.”
Fontana also tries to add flavor through the whacky out of date science, and in some of the character work. There is humor throughout, most of it subtle except in a few scenes like when Questor fails to understand he is talking to a prostitute.
“I don’t think you get it. You give me 15 pounds…and I’ll make you happy.”
Questor tilted his head to the right, puzzled. “Please explain why I should become happy if I give you fifteen pounds.”
“Hey, are you kidding?”
“It would, perhaps, gratify my charitable impulses – but at the moment I am aware of none.”
Later in the story, in the scene that would later be used in The Naked Now episode of TNG we find out this robot is fully functional. Roddenberry famous told the story in lectures about losing this scene in the movie, after debating with the network but it is here for sure. If you think that all seems familiar it is true. He said the network really had a problem with robots having sex with a real live person. Well, it was a woman and Roddenberry implied that Questor getting laid made them feel inadequate. (just reporting here folks)
In a sweet nod to Bjo Trimble the fan who started the save Star Trek letter-writing campaign there is a character named Lady Trimble. Which was in the script. Jerry of course over the novel goes from calling Questor a machine to a friend. This transition starts on page 117 launching into the final act when Questor ponders shutting down after finding his creator.
“Without my creator, I have no purpose, my friend. He provided me with extinction in that event so I could not be misused.”
“Don’t be so damned cold about it! You’re talking about dying.”
“Death occurs to living things, Jerry. Do you consider me to be alive?”
Big themes and questions. For TV at the time The Questor Tapes might not have seemed as cheezy as it does almost 50 years later. I give Fontana and the Genes credit for trying but despite many fun moments the novel/show doesn’t hold to the high ambitions it had. All involved wanted a story that investigated what it means to be human. This comes to a head when Questor tries to blow himself up and basically screams. I don't know what I am.
Now Roddenberry took two cracks at Star Trek pilots and still was smoothing out what that show was a dozen episodes in. Had the Questor Tapes made it past the pilot maybe they would have worked out the kinks. In a sense, they did just in Star Trek the Next Generation. I think this novel is for DC Fontana and Roddenberry completionists only. I had enough fun to give it three stars but that might be my bias for Fontana and what I consider her role to be.
April 24, 2023
I saw an early version of what became Star Trek’s Mr. Data in this book. The ending almost reminded me of Gary Seven from TOS. Great little read! A must for any Roddenberry fan. The fact that the great DC Fontana wrote this is the cherry on top!
December 31, 2022
To me, this is most interesting as a prelude to TNG. Questor is clearly a prototype for Data. There is some language and even some scenes that are borrowed from this for later use in TNG. The world wasn’t ready for an android in 1974. In some ways I’m grateful, because Data has been a tremendous gift to us.
May 3, 2023
I saw a lot of similarities between Questor and TNG’s Data! I liked the book!
July 10, 2017
In the years between the cancellation of the original Star Trek television series and the franchise-reviving feature Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Trek's creator Gene Roddenberry wrote and produced a number of made-for-TV pilot films that he hoped would lead to a new series and a regular gig for him. None of them sold, but they all at least made it to the airwaves and many are fondly remembered today. Probably the best of them (and the one I personally think would've been most interesting as an ongoing series) was The Questor Tapes, the story of a highly sophisticated android searching for its creator, a mysterious genius who's gone missing. Along for the ride is a young engineer who was a protege of Questor's creator and helped to assemble him, and whose assistance Questor now requires to successfully navigate human society and emotions.
This novelization of the Questor film skillfully adapts an open-ended pilot into a satisfying stand-alone story. Some of the ideas in the story are familiar today, if not outright cliche'd, and Roddenberry's, shall we say, outdated attitudes about sex and the human female are occasionally a bit jarring to modern eyes. (Every woman in the story has a smokin' body, and the woman with the largest role is possibly a prostitute.) But if you keep in mind when this was written (1974), it's a short and brisk read that's perfect as disposable entertainment for a summer afternoon. Star Trek fans will find it particularly interesting because Questor is so clearly a forerunner of the Commander Data character from Star Trek: The Next Generation, which made its debut a little over a decade after Questor. Roddenberry wasn't one to let go of a good idea...
This novelization of the Questor film skillfully adapts an open-ended pilot into a satisfying stand-alone story. Some of the ideas in the story are familiar today, if not outright cliche'd, and Roddenberry's, shall we say, outdated attitudes about sex and the human female are occasionally a bit jarring to modern eyes. (Every woman in the story has a smokin' body, and the woman with the largest role is possibly a prostitute.) But if you keep in mind when this was written (1974), it's a short and brisk read that's perfect as disposable entertainment for a summer afternoon. Star Trek fans will find it particularly interesting because Questor is so clearly a forerunner of the Commander Data character from Star Trek: The Next Generation, which made its debut a little over a decade after Questor. Roddenberry wasn't one to let go of a good idea...
April 24, 2010
D.C. Fontana, one of the premier writers of the original Star Trek series, has written a poignant story of an android who wants to be human. Sound familiar? Long before Data of the New Generation, Fontana writes about Questor. This book was also made in to a made for T.V. movie. I loved it!
April 5, 2025
The Questor Tapes: A Genesis of Android Dreams - A Nostalgic Revisit"
I recently had the opportunity to revisit "The Questor Tapes," a 1974 television film that left an indelible mark on my childhood. You can find it on the Internet Archive, a treasure trove for those seeking to rediscover classic television. As a child of the 70s, watching it again brought back a wave of nostalgia, though it's important to remember that the special effects are very much of their time.
As a Gene Roddenberry creation, "The Questor Tapes" holds a special place in the science fiction landscape. In hindsight, it's clear that Questor, the incomplete android, serves as a fascinating precursor to Commander Data from "Star Trek: The Next Generation." This connection highlights Roddenberry's enduring fascination with artificial intelligence and its potential for sentience.
The film, beyond its 70s aesthetic, remains a compelling exploration of AI, humanity, and the search for purpose. Robert Foxworth delivers a nuanced performance as Questor, portraying his gradual awakening with a captivating blend of detachment and burgeoning emotion. His dynamic with Mike Farrell's Jerry Robinson provides the film's emotional core, balancing intellectual curiosity with genuine empathy.
The narrative, a journey to uncover Questor's origins and complete his programming, unfolds with a deliberate pace, allowing for thoughtful contemplation of its central themes. The film wisely prioritizes dialogue and character development over spectacle, making the mystery of Dr. Vaslovik's disappearance and the revelation of Questor's true purpose all the more impactful.
While the special effects and musical score reflect the era, the core themes remain remarkably relevant. The film's exploration of artificial intelligence, particularly the question of what constitutes humanity, feels prescient in our increasingly tech-driven world. The echoes of Data are undeniable, underscoring Roddenberry's consistent vision.
"The Questor Tapes" is more than a nostalgic curiosity; it's a thought-provoking meditation on human existence and the potential for AI to transcend its creators. It's a testament to Roddenberry's ability to craft narratives that resonate on both intellectual and emotional levels. The film's abrupt conclusion, a casualty of its pilot status, leaves a lingering "what if," but it remains a powerful piece of science fiction. If you're a fan of intelligent sci-fi, or simply curious about the genesis of some of Roddenberry's most enduring ideas, this film is a must-watch.
I recently had the opportunity to revisit "The Questor Tapes," a 1974 television film that left an indelible mark on my childhood. You can find it on the Internet Archive, a treasure trove for those seeking to rediscover classic television. As a child of the 70s, watching it again brought back a wave of nostalgia, though it's important to remember that the special effects are very much of their time.
As a Gene Roddenberry creation, "The Questor Tapes" holds a special place in the science fiction landscape. In hindsight, it's clear that Questor, the incomplete android, serves as a fascinating precursor to Commander Data from "Star Trek: The Next Generation." This connection highlights Roddenberry's enduring fascination with artificial intelligence and its potential for sentience.
The film, beyond its 70s aesthetic, remains a compelling exploration of AI, humanity, and the search for purpose. Robert Foxworth delivers a nuanced performance as Questor, portraying his gradual awakening with a captivating blend of detachment and burgeoning emotion. His dynamic with Mike Farrell's Jerry Robinson provides the film's emotional core, balancing intellectual curiosity with genuine empathy.
The narrative, a journey to uncover Questor's origins and complete his programming, unfolds with a deliberate pace, allowing for thoughtful contemplation of its central themes. The film wisely prioritizes dialogue and character development over spectacle, making the mystery of Dr. Vaslovik's disappearance and the revelation of Questor's true purpose all the more impactful.
While the special effects and musical score reflect the era, the core themes remain remarkably relevant. The film's exploration of artificial intelligence, particularly the question of what constitutes humanity, feels prescient in our increasingly tech-driven world. The echoes of Data are undeniable, underscoring Roddenberry's consistent vision.
"The Questor Tapes" is more than a nostalgic curiosity; it's a thought-provoking meditation on human existence and the potential for AI to transcend its creators. It's a testament to Roddenberry's ability to craft narratives that resonate on both intellectual and emotional levels. The film's abrupt conclusion, a casualty of its pilot status, leaves a lingering "what if," but it remains a powerful piece of science fiction. If you're a fan of intelligent sci-fi, or simply curious about the genesis of some of Roddenberry's most enduring ideas, this film is a must-watch.
February 5, 2024
I've been struggling getting into a different, larger book, so I set it aside and switched to this. I'd thrifted it last month at a flea market - grabbed it right away, because I still remember watching the TV film of the story back in the 70's. This is the novelization of a Gene Roddenberry pilot that was never picked up as a series. It has a really interesting premise, and definitely serves as a solid 'pilot' for continuing adventures. You're got a global network, international travel, and the notion of giving mankind an 'assist'. It struck me as a combination of Thunderbirds Go (there's definitely a Lady Penelope figure here) and the Gary Seven episode of Star Trek. And a few ideas that probably led into Data from The Next Generation. Lots of good ingredients, but unfortunately it's a short, crisp story - and that's all there is. No further novels that I'm aware of. But I was happy to find that my vague childhood memories of the ending were largely valid! I'd always wondered if I'd made some of that up in my head. :)
December 26, 2022
He is compelled to seek his maker
This is a great pilot for a TV series that was never made. Now novelized by D. C. Fontana.
Five countries pool resources to build a “beyond the state of the art” android. The main inventor Dr. Vaslovik is missing. Attempts to decipher his programming tapes destroyed part of them. Now the android (Questor) has to seek Vaslovik and find out why he was made. Just like Pinocchio needed a cricket as his conscience, Questor caries one of his assemblers to learn to be human.
This book works well as a standalone story; however, if you saw the pilot the images will still be there as you read.
This is a great pilot for a TV series that was never made. Now novelized by D. C. Fontana.
Five countries pool resources to build a “beyond the state of the art” android. The main inventor Dr. Vaslovik is missing. Attempts to decipher his programming tapes destroyed part of them. Now the android (Questor) has to seek Vaslovik and find out why he was made. Just like Pinocchio needed a cricket as his conscience, Questor caries one of his assemblers to learn to be human.
This book works well as a standalone story; however, if you saw the pilot the images will still be there as you read.
November 6, 2023
I saw this movie back in the 1970s when it first came out and it impressed me as thought provoking. I didn't know that Mike Farrell (of M*A*S*H fame) played the part of Jerry Robinson. I also did not know that Gene Roddenberry and Gene L. Coon were involved in the writing - I thought that Dorothy Fontana was the author. A decent movie which was groundbreaking for its time, but more common today. I would like to see it again.
December 8, 2018
Found this gem in the free books. I loved it!
Read
June 7, 2011This struck me as a fairly routine android tale. I read it because it was by DC Fontana, who worked on the original series of Star Trek.
Rereading it, I found that I'd forgotten nearly all of it. The novelization is by Fontans, but the notes say that the original screenplay was written by Gene Roddenberry and Gene L Coon (who, the dedication says, died in 1973--who knew?).
Evidently this was intended as the pilot for a tv series that never materialized. Might have been interesting if it had--as a stand-alone, it's understandably somewhat inconclusive.
Much of the material was recycled into the Star Trek franchise (there's quite a bit of Data in Questor, except that Questor can pass as a human).
I have to say that the resolution as to who the android's mother was (a creator is a mother, whatever the sex) was not that much of a surprise to me, though the characters seem totally taken aback. I left out a step or two in my anticipations, but, after all, I'd read James White's two 'Allen' stories.
There were some bits I found implausible. I don't see how the android could have developed an algorithm to profit consistently from the stock market. This is simply left mysterious--there's no hint as to how it was done. By comparison, controlling the roll of dice precisely is a minor achievement. I don't see why the android couldn't have scrambled the transponder that was implanted, while making it appear like a normal malfunction. Seems easily enough done--if they could conceal the metal skeleton from the metal detectors, why not something simple like that? And frankly, designing the thing to self-destruct in such a messy way after a set time if it couldn't be properly briefed...clumsy is about the least epithet it deserves.
Also, I realize this edition was published in 1979, but still--I have to ask Shevek's question ('Where are women?') on almost every page. It's not that they're not there. It isn't even that they're not active. But in discussions, they almost never come up. What about the promising FEMALE students? Aren't they to get scholarships, as well?
Rereading it, I found that I'd forgotten nearly all of it. The novelization is by Fontans, but the notes say that the original screenplay was written by Gene Roddenberry and Gene L Coon (who, the dedication says, died in 1973--who knew?).
Evidently this was intended as the pilot for a tv series that never materialized. Might have been interesting if it had--as a stand-alone, it's understandably somewhat inconclusive.
Much of the material was recycled into the Star Trek franchise (there's quite a bit of Data in Questor, except that Questor can pass as a human).
I have to say that the resolution as to who the android's mother was (a creator is a mother, whatever the sex) was not that much of a surprise to me, though the characters seem totally taken aback. I left out a step or two in my anticipations, but, after all, I'd read James White's two 'Allen' stories.
There were some bits I found implausible. I don't see how the android could have developed an algorithm to profit consistently from the stock market. This is simply left mysterious--there's no hint as to how it was done. By comparison, controlling the roll of dice precisely is a minor achievement. I don't see why the android couldn't have scrambled the transponder that was implanted, while making it appear like a normal malfunction. Seems easily enough done--if they could conceal the metal skeleton from the metal detectors, why not something simple like that? And frankly, designing the thing to self-destruct in such a messy way after a set time if it couldn't be properly briefed...clumsy is about the least epithet it deserves.
Also, I realize this edition was published in 1979, but still--I have to ask Shevek's question ('Where are women?') on almost every page. It's not that they're not there. It isn't even that they're not active. But in discussions, they almost never come up. What about the promising FEMALE students? Aren't they to get scholarships, as well?
January 9, 2022
I was inspired to reread this when I heard that Fontana passed away last year. As best as I can estimate, I read this for the first and only time around 1979, when I was 13, and it must have made enough of an impression on me that I’ve kept the same paperback copy all that time, but somehow I never reread it until now, 40 years later.
No doubt this wasn’t the first story of an android trying to understand and find meaning in the world, and of course it’s been done numerous times since; this one is fairly straightforward and nicely done for a screenplay adaptation. I don’t think I realized that the pilot, by Gene Roddenberry, was actually filmed, and I’ve never seen it.
I was struck this time by how much Questor reminds me of ST:TNG’s Commander Data, with his speech, thoughts, idiosyncrasies, and the humor of his interactions with humans, so maybe some of this early thinking led to Data’s character development.
Anyway this is a quick read, simplistic in places but well-written and enjoyable.
No doubt this wasn’t the first story of an android trying to understand and find meaning in the world, and of course it’s been done numerous times since; this one is fairly straightforward and nicely done for a screenplay adaptation. I don’t think I realized that the pilot, by Gene Roddenberry, was actually filmed, and I’ve never seen it.
I was struck this time by how much Questor reminds me of ST:TNG’s Commander Data, with his speech, thoughts, idiosyncrasies, and the humor of his interactions with humans, so maybe some of this early thinking led to Data’s character development.
Anyway this is a quick read, simplistic in places but well-written and enjoyable.
January 22, 2012
I read it when it was brand new and remember the pilot as well. Both fascinated me. It was a step between Asimov's old robot stories and the types of things that get written today. Digital technology wasn't even a thought so it really pushed the imagination back then. Maybe the story would read a little sappy now but it was great in its time.
September 14, 2011
Got this free online. I was attracted to it because DC Fontana was a Trek:TOS scriptwriter back in the day. The details is dated -- the tapes refer to the memory files of a robot, no ideas about digital technology here! -- but it has an interesting premise so the story holds up.
March 7, 2020
A book about an honorable, noble, and kind robot, kind of like a generic proto-Data. I like androids that are surprisingly human, but also much better than humans, so I liked this book.
May 11, 2012
The prototype character of STTNG's Mr. Data. Enjoyed it!
January 18, 2014
This was a good story. Pre Data from Star Trek Next Generation.
September 2, 2014
Interesting novelisation of the television play that suggests that Rodenberry was shooting for a much bigger budget that included location filming in London.
January 28, 2018
I was hoping for more insights on the TV movie from the 70s, which I enjoyed, but it was pretty much just verbatim.
February 26, 2025
just a lot of fun
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews