Star Trek Parallel Narratives [Paperback]

In Star Trek Chris Gregory analyses the reasons for the continuing success of the Star Trek phenomenon, traces its overall development and comments on how the differences between 1990s and 1960s series reflect changes in the mass media environment during this period. He examines Star Trek as a series of generic and mythological texts, compares TV and filmed versions, explores its 'cult' appeal and looks in detail at its psychological, social and political themes.Introduction: To Boldly Go: Approaching The Texts of Star Trek PART ONE: STAR TREK , TELEVISION AND CINEMA Classicism, Televisuality and Postmodernity: Star Trek and the Narrative Structures of TV Adventure and Utopianism: The Original Series Pastiche and Nostalgia: The 1980s Movie Series Diplomacy, Family, Destiny: The Next Generation Intrigue, Prophecy, Armageddon: Deep Space Nine Romance, Isolation, Return : Voyager PART TWO: STAR TREK : MYTH AND RITUAL Ritual and Relativism: Star Trek as Cult Mythos and Logos : Star Trek as Mythic Narrative Historicism, Gothicism and Paradox: Star Trek and Genre PART THREE: PSYCHOLOGICAL, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL THEMES IN STAR TREK Humanism, Self-Actualisation, Holodiction: Psychological Themes in Star Trek Liberalism, The New Frontier and the American Dream: Political Themes in Star Trek Multiculturalism, Gender and Eugenics: Social Themes in Star Trek Bibliography Index Appendix: Star Trek Episodes and Films

His discussion of the influence of the fan audience...and of Star Trek as cult phenomenon is particularly interesting. Science Fiction Studies

Chris Gregory teaches courses in film and media studies for the University of Lancaster.