Syndetics cover image
Image from Syndetics

Tarnished heroes, charming villains, and modern monsters : science fiction in shades of gray on 21st century television / Lynnette Porter.

By: Material type: TextTextPublication details: Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland, ©2010.Description: vii, 308 pages ; 23 cmContent type:
  • text
Media type:
  • unmediated
Carrier type:
  • volume
ISBN:
  • 078644858X (softcover : alk. paper)
  • 9780786448586 (softcover : alk. paper)
Subject(s):
Contents:
The evolution of the traditional hero -- Villains and monsters -- Shades of gray : 21st century sf heroes and villains -- The rise of sidekicks -- Analyzing gray sf tv series -- The world of Joss Whedon -- Heroes -- Lost -- Battlestar Galactica and Caprica -- Doctor Who -- Torchwood.
Summary: "In the series Heroes, Lost, Battlestar Galactica, Caprica, Doctor Who, and Torchwood, as well as Joss Whedon's many series, traditional heroes give way to "gray" heroes who must become more like the villains that they face in order to save society. This book examines heroes and villains, focusing on characters' perspectives on morality and their roles within society"--Provided by publisher.
Holdings
Item type Home library Collection Call number Materials specified Status Date due Barcode Item holds
Adult Book Adult Book Main Library NonFiction 791.4561 P846 Available 33111007622901
Total holds: 0

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The heroes, villains, and monsters portrayed in such popular science fiction television series as Heroes, Lost, Battlestar Galactica, Caprica, Doctor Who, and Torchwood , as well as Joss Whedon's many series, illustrate a shift from traditional, clearly defined characterizations toward much murkier definitions. Traditional heroes give way to "gray" heroes who must become more like the villains or monsters they face if they are going to successfully save society. This book examines the ambiguous heroes and villains, focusing on these characters' different perspectives on morality and their roles within society. Appendices include production details for each series, descriptions and summaries of pivotal episodes, and a list of selected texts for classroom use.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here .

Includes bibliographical references (pages 293-296) and index.

The evolution of the traditional hero -- Villains and monsters -- Shades of gray : 21st century sf heroes and villains -- The rise of sidekicks -- Analyzing gray sf tv series -- The world of Joss Whedon -- Heroes -- Lost -- Battlestar Galactica and Caprica -- Doctor Who -- Torchwood.

"In the series Heroes, Lost, Battlestar Galactica, Caprica, Doctor Who, and Torchwood, as well as Joss Whedon's many series, traditional heroes give way to "gray" heroes who must become more like the villains that they face in order to save society. This book examines heroes and villains, focusing on characters' perspectives on morality and their roles within society"--Provided by publisher.

Powered by Koha