Sci-fi Great Author Harlon Ellison has Died

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the death of Harlan Ellison, a prominent science fiction writer, and reflects on his contributions to the genre, particularly his works and influence on television, including his writing for Star Trek and other notable stories. The conversation includes personal memories and reactions to his passing.

Discussion Character

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Main Points Raised

  • Ellison's death was announced by a family friend, and he is remembered for his influential works, including "A Boy and His Dog" and "City on the Edge of Forever."
  • Some participants express surprise at not having heard of Ellison despite being avid sci-fi readers.
  • There is a discussion about the writing of "City on the Edge of Forever," noting that while Ellison wrote the episode, Gene Roddenberry significantly rewrote it, leading to disputes between them.
  • Participants reflect on Ellison's intelligence and contributions to the genre, mentioning his book "The Glass Teat" and his impact on television storytelling.
  • Some participants clarify misconceptions about Ellison's contributions to Star Trek, noting he wrote only one episode, which was heavily altered.
  • Ellison's work on "Soldier" from The Outer Limits is mentioned as a memorable and impactful episode, with one participant sharing a personal anecdote about its effect on them as a child.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on Ellison's significance in science fiction and express sadness at his passing. However, there are differing views on the extent of his contributions to specific works, particularly regarding his involvement in Star Trek.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about specific works attributed to Ellison and clarify their understanding of his contributions, indicating a need for further exploration of his bibliography.

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From the article:

Harlan Ellison, one of the world’s foremost science fiction writers, has died at 84. His death was announced by family friend Christine Valada via twitter. Though Ellison was a longtime resident of Los Angeles, the location of death was not disclosed.
Related
Harlan Ellison Remembered: "No One Quite Like Him", Stephen King Says
Tweeted Valada, the widow of Wolverine creator Len Wein: “Susan Ellison has asked me to announce the passing of writer Harlan Ellison, in his sleep, earlier today. “For a brief time I was here, and for a brief time, I matter.’ – HE, 1934-2018. Arrangements for a celebration are pending.”

Among Ellison’s highly influential and very popular novels and novellas are 1969’s post-apocalyptic A Boy and His Dog (made into a 1975 cult film staring a young Don Johnson) and, among the very many short story collections, 1980’s Shatterday, which included the remarkable title story that became the basis for the very first episode of the rebooted 1985 Twilight Zone.

https://deadline.com/2018/06/harlan-ellison-dies-sci-fi-writer-was-84-1202419133/
 
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Harlan Ellison, extraordinarily powerful sci-fic writer (and controversial character) died yesterday.

R.I.P

EDIT: oops ... thought I was starting a new thread. Thanks for moving it.
 
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phinds said:
Harlan Ellison, extraordinarily powerful sci-fic writer

ohh my, I have never heard of him, and I was such a prolific SciFi reader in years gone by

jedishrfu said:
A clip from the beginning of City on the Edge of Forever episode

he wrote that episode, I assume ?

was a good one :smile:

Dave
 
Ellison wrote the episode but Roddenberry took the basic story idea and rewrote the script which ignited a lifelong disputes between them.
 
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jedishrfu said:
Ellison wrote the episode but Roddenberry took the basic story idea and rewrote the script which ignited a lifelong disputes between them.
ohh wow, never knew that either … the things I learn on The Physics Forums :smile:
 
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davenn said:
never heard of him
"A Boy and His Dog?"
 
Bystander said:
"A Boy and His Dog?"
had to google that for more info

doesn't seem familiar :frown:
 
  • #10
He wrote some of the best Star Trek stories. Sad that he is gone. I remember a radio interview he gave years ago. I was a university student. I remember his intelligence. One of his books had a great title. "The Glass Teat." It was about TV. What a great title that was. Goodbye Mr. Ellison. Thanks for the great stories.
 
  • #11
Aufbauwerk 2045 said:
He wrote some of the best Star Trek stories.

He only wrote one, and that one was drastically rewritten by Gene Coon.
 
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  • #12
Vanadium 50 said:
He only wrote one, and that one was drastically rewritten by Gene Coon.

My mistake. Thanks for the correction. I knew he wrote "The City on the Edge of Forever" which was one of the most brilliant episodes. I was thinking he also wrote "The Cloud Minders." I looked it up and it was actually written by someone else.

He also wrote "Soldier" which I think was one of the best Outer Limits episodes. That original Outer Limits series had some of the best made-for-TV SF ever.

I saw Soldier only once, as a kid. It was terrifying, so much so that I could never watch it again. Perhaps because it seemed so real. To avoid spoilers I won't go into detail. It was simply a brilliant story. Michael Ansara was perfect for the role of the soldier.
 
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