Talk:Whispers (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)

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I added to the last paragraph (about the similarity to / relationship with Philip K Dick). Added links to relevant Wikipedia page.

I'm removing it, original research. Plus its a fairly loose and weak connection. If its just similar it doesn't deserve mention, not gonna a write how James Bond is similar to whatever in every single spy article. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.137.207.191 (talk) 10:51, 28 December 2007 (UTC)

I assume you mean the story Impostor (or Imposter as it is misspelled in the Collected Stories and other places) (1953). I only recently read it (to compare to the movie version) but was very familiar with the DS9 episode. I immediately thought of the DS9 episode due to the similarity in the basic idea itself, the first person narrative from the viewpoint of the imposter, the imposter's absolute conviction that he is the real person (apparently with no conflicting memories of his real origin), his problems with the distrust shown by his family and closest associates, and lastly that he is actually an impostor to his own surprise more than that of anyone else. The biggest difference is the lack of action in the DS9 story, but that is the just the difference between the "golden age" pulp style, that almost invariably has the protagonist in constant distress and movement, and a more subtle style appropriate for DS9. There are also the differences that O'Brien was not harmed (can't kill off the regulars, except that is, when an identical copy (of Chief O'Brien) is ready to step in as in a later DS9 episode, or the regular just got a job on another show going into the final season), and the impostor does not get anywhere close to fulfilling his mission. I agree with your decision and will not re-add this material to the main article because I have nothing more in the way of evidence to support a direct connection. It certainly would be interesting to know if the episode writer had ever read that story or any other like it, and even then I would think twice about screaming plagiarism. (It was fortunate it was not a story by Harlan Ellison or they might still be in court!) I do think that others reading your comment should know what Philip K. Dick story you had in mind. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jszigeti (talk • contribs) 03:56, 8 March 2010 (UTC)