@avclub-c1fe85b855c6d045b827f74a1e2c3fd7:disqus I have to disagree with that.  If you're talking about the early modern era, permanent professional ambassadors were very much a thing - they were arguably even more important than they are now since poor communications meant that had to have a lot of discretion.

I've just started re-watching Voyager as part of a deal to get a friend to re-watch DS9.  (She is getting by far the better part of this deal)  Tuvok definitely stands out, and made me realise just what fertile ground the concept of Vulcans provides for a good actor.

I've just started re-watching Voyager as part of a deal to get a friend to re-watch DS9.  (She is getting by far the better part of this deal)  Tuvok definitely stands out, and made me realise just what fertile ground the concept of Vulcans provides for a good actor.

For a good fictional look at how people would act in a scientific utopia, specifically at the problems of ambition and idealism, see any of Iain Banks' Culture novels.

Don't forget that Starfleet is also the Federation's diplomatic arm.  When the Federation needs to broker a peace agreement or suchlike, they send a Starship.

Don't forget that Starfleet is also the Federation's diplomatic arm.  When the Federation needs to broker a peace agreement or suchlike, they send a Starship.

I'd say that those values are largely validated by DS9's characters and conclusion.

I'd say that those values are largely validated by DS9's characters and conclusion.

Tony Banks all the way

Tony Banks all the way

"Sam!  No pissy biscuits!"

"Sam!  No pissy biscuits!"

Brass Eye.

Brass Eye.

I would not call Steve Fleming "reserved".

I would not call Steve Fleming "reserved".

That was what the original American TToI adaption was based on, and it stunk.

That was what the original American TToI adaption was based on, and it stunk.

Right.  Veep was never going to succeed as just a Washington-based clone of The Thick Of It.  The political dynamic is too different, there's really no role for a Malcolm like character.  The President doesn't have the kind of relationship with Cabinet members that somebody like Malcolm exists to manage.

Right.  Veep was never going to succeed as just a Washington-based clone of The Thick Of It.  The political dynamic is too different, there's really no role for a Malcolm like character.  The President doesn't have the kind of relationship with Cabinet members that somebody like Malcolm exists to manage.