# Stupendous Stupidity in Science Fiction (open spoilers) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 27, 2009, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932 "2009-08-27T17:57:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/81 "2009-08-28T19:33:51Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > Out of curiosity, how do slugs and snails react to salt water? [I was curious, too](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=11495907#post11495907). ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/82 "2009-08-28T19:44:21Z")
> [@wunderkammer](#): > > The characters of _Star Trek: TOS_ deserve some kind of amnesia award. They run into some kind of godlike alien approximately every third week, and each time they’re completely befuddled when weird things start happening. One or two “but this is impossible!” moments are okay, but every time they’re absolutely astonished when the giant-brained deus ex machina or talking space cloud or **fake Greek god** shows up and starts lecturing them. If they’ve been traveling for the better part of a five-year mission, being so skeptical about magical aliens is like doubting the existence of **Canadians**. 1. Apollo was a real Greek god. 2. Who? ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/83 "2009-08-28T20:03:48Z")
**The Tooth** said: > [@](#): > > I wondered why the snowspeeders didn’t chew up the ground in front of the snowwalkers. Because those legs were huge, so capable of traversing very large terrain roughness. **Bosstone** said: > [@](#): > > No defense here. Walkers look cool but are realistically a poor tactical choice. It falls under the Rule of Cool IMO. Consider that biology has invented legs and not wheels. Consider that legs can go over obstacles that defies wheels with the same size constraints. Actually, I’m wondering why the Snowtroopers didn’t open up a hatch and shoot the cables with their blasters. The energy should have been weak enough not to damage the leg armor but strong enough to cut the cables. But hey, hindsight (from 30 years later). **Alessan** said: > [@](#): > > The thing about the snowspeeders is that at least they brought a couple of AT-ATs down. What the hell were all those infantrymen doing there? Did they make any difference whatsoever? The infantry were there so that when the snowtroopers disembarked from the AT-ATs, they would engage. But they should have kept their heads down until then. **Unauthorized Cinnamon** said: > [@](#): > > In one of the earliest episodes of the Star Trek with Scott Bakula, the hot human guy and hot Vulcan chick got exposed to some spores or something, and had to stay in quarantine while they smeared anti-spore gel all over each other. Except for the naughty bits. Evidently dangerous alien spores have a sense of decorum, and avoid the underwear area. They took care of their own naughty bits (while we weren’t looking). :dubious: Maybe the elastic waistbands give underwear a spore-proof barrier. :dubious: **carnivorousplant** said: **And spacecraft maneuver with control surfaces in space.** **Shot From Guns** said: > [@](#): > > Where did that happen? I mean, fighters like X-Wings collapse and expand their “wings,” but I don’t remember those wings being designed with airfoils or anything like that–certaily no moving parts like elevators. Didn’t they show that in Episode III, in the battle with General Grievous? Where the gremlins are knocked off the space ship because of the wind? How about _Armageddon_? That whole movie is dumbassery. Shooting shotguns on oil platforms. MIR spinning to make gravity. Mounting guns on the asteroid hovercraft. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/84 "2009-08-28T20:25:39Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Consider that biology has invented legs and not wheels. Consider that legs can go over obstacles that defies wheels with the same size constraints. Once mechanical control approaches the sort of control we have over our own appendages, it’ll start to make more sense. I know the [BigDog](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1czBcnX1Ww) is pretty impressive for current technology. But the AT-ATs were extremely inflexible, and would have been incapacitated by a ditch its operators didn’t see pretty easily. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/85 "2009-08-28T20:37:12Z")
Also, let’s see you take down an M1 Abrams with a cable. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/86 "2009-08-28T20:43:24Z")
> [@EvilTOJ](#): > > I always wanted an AT-ST as a commuter vehicle. Sure they may not get the best mileage, but with laser cannons NO ONE will cut you off. . . . more than _once_. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/87 "2009-08-28T20:46:20Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > How about _Armageddon_? That whole movie is dumbassery. Shooting shotguns on oil platforms. MIR spinning to make gravity. Mounting guns on the asteroid hovercraft. Not to mention the basic premise, of _Armageddon_ and _Deep Impact._ If there is an asteroid on a collision course with Earth,and you blow it up with a nuclear bomb, now you have **millions of fragments,** with the same aggregate mass and kinetic energy as the original object, heading for Earth on roughly the same trajectory and at roughly the same velocity; plus, now they’re radioactive. This does not improve the situation. ---
**Author:** ![crazyjoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f14d63/32.png) [@crazyjoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crazyjoe)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/88 "2009-08-28T20:51:47Z")
I think your logic is a little flawed there. Surely by blowing it apart you have altered the trajectory of at least some of the particles to one that does not intersect with Earth’s orbit. Beyond that, millions of particles have a much higher surface area exposed to re-entry temps, which make them more likely to burn up. You have also scattered that radiation over a much larger portoin of our atmosphere, so it is less likely to cause problems. In short, I think you just failed physics again. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/89 "2009-08-28T20:56:00Z")
> [@crazyjoe](#): > > I think your logic is a little flawed there. Surely by blowing it apart you have altered the trajectory of at least some of the particles to one that does not intersect with Earth’s orbit. Beyond that, millions of particles have a much higher surface area exposed to re-entry temps, which make them more likely to burn up. You have also scattered that radiation over a much larger portoin of our atmosphere, so it is less likely to cause problems. > > In short, I think you just failed physics again. That much mass “burns up” in Earth’s atmosphere, you’re gonna have enough gunk in the air to block a significant fraction of the sunlight for a significantly long time. Extinction-level event. ---
**Author:** ![Shot\_From\_Guns](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/90 "2009-08-28T21:18:56Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > As for why the Empire didn’t use TIEs against the Hoth base, TIEs can’t function in atmosphere. TIEs can function in atmosphere, they just can’t maneuver very well: up and down, forward and back, fine. Strafing side to side? You’ll probably rip your solar panels the hell off. > [@Irishman](#): > > Didn’t they show that in Episode III, in the battle with General Grievous? Where the gremlins are knocked off the space ship because of the wind? It’s possible. I was just thinking of the original trilogy. The prequels were so horrible I’ve forgotten most of the details. > [@BrainGlutton](#): > > If there is an asteroid on a collision course with Earth,and you blow it up with a nuclear bomb [snip] Was the idea to **blow up** the asteroid, or to use an explosion to **alter its trajectory**? (I honestly have no idea–one of the movies I didn’t see, and one I saw and promptly forgot.) ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/91 "2009-08-28T21:25:36Z")
> [@shantih](#): > > ARGH!! Seriously, do you mind? I’ve got things to do this morning! If I’m still flipping through TV Tropes when my kids get back from school, I’m sending them to you to fix their lunch. Is that called a Trope Trek or did I make up a new term this morning? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/92 "2009-08-28T21:26:23Z")
> [@](#): > > Beyond that, millions of particles have a much higher surface area exposed to re-entry temps, which make them more likely to burn up. That’s like refusing to wear a seat belt, so that you’ll be thrown clear in the event of an accident. The entire asteroid burning up in the atmosphere is precisely what you’re trying to _avoid_. Still, blowing it all to smithereens, if you do it early enough, would probably guarantee that many or most of the smithereens would miss Earth. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/93 "2009-08-28T21:45:16Z")
> [@crazyjoe](#): > > I think your logic is a little flawed there. Surely by blowing it apart you have altered the trajectory of at least some of the particles to one that does not intersect with Earth’s orbit. Beyond that, millions of particles have a much higher surface area exposed to re-entry temps, which make them more likely to burn up. It makes little difference if they “burn up” or not; the energy still gets delivered; rather like expecting a shotgun blast to the face at point blank range to be less lethal than a rifle bullet. To use an analogy; suppose a mountain is dropping on you. Something breaks it into gravel just before it lands on you. Are you any less dead? Like **Chronos** says, breaking it up will only do any good if it’s far enough away that most of it misses. And with enough force that the fragments don’t just arrive in formation. ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/94 "2009-08-28T22:06:24Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Didn’t they show that in Episode III, in the battle with General Grievous? Where the gremlins are knocked off the space ship because of the wind? I figured they got knocked off the space ship because some asshole had just slammed into them with another space ship, knocking them loose. As to why they fell away from the ship after getting knocked off, I presume these space fighters are accelerating while this is going on. Alternately, I presume it looked cool, which is the primary reason _anything_ works in the Star Wars universe. Failing those two, there’s two Jedi within 10 feet of the droids. They were pushing them off with the _Force_. Personally, I find your lack of faith… _disturbing._🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/95 "2009-08-28T22:11:41Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > I figured they got knocked off the space ship because some asshole had just slammed into them with another space ship, knocking them loose. > > As to why they fell away from the ship after getting knocked off, I presume these space fighters are accelerating while this is going on. Alternately, I presume it looked cool, which is the primary reason _anything_ works in the Star Wars universe. > > Failing those two, there’s two Jedi within 10 feet of the droids. They were pushing them off with the _Force_. Personally, I find your lack of faith… _disturbing._🆒 My problem with that scene was that if an enemy is going to get close enough to your mine so you can release a bunch of little robots who will disassemble his ship, why not skip the robots and just pack the mine with explosives, which will also disassemble his ship, only much more quickly and finally. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/96 "2009-08-28T22:17:59Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > (from 30 years later). > **carnivorousplant** said: > **And spacecraft maneuver with control surfaces in space.** They loop and roll and generally act as thought they were manuvering in air and gravity rather than using thrusters, as for example the fighters in Babylon 5. Gawd, it _hurts_ saying something nice about Babylon 5… ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/97 "2009-08-28T22:20:29Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Gawd, it _hurts_ saying something nice about Babylon 5… Them’s fightin’ words. ---
**Author:** ![Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/intergalactic_gladiator/32/112_2.png) [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/98 "2009-08-28T22:21:26Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Gawd, it _hurts_ saying something nice about Babylon 5… What about Londo’s haircut? Can’t you say something nice about that? ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/99 "2009-08-28T22:47:24Z")
> [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](#): > > What about Londo’s haircut? Can’t you say something nice about that? It wasn’t as bad as Sisko’s. Ow! ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2009, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932/100 "2009-08-28T22:49:48Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Gawd, it _hurts_ saying something nice about Babylon 5… For that, may you be [nibbled to death by cats](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ66wHRhe2U). 😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupendous-stupidity-in-science-fiction-open-spoilers/507932.md?page=6)