From "The Next Generation" and "The X-Files", to "Farscape" and "Enterprise", sci-fi television series in the US have multiplied since the 1980s. Jan Johnson-Smith shows how, in line with national political upheavals, this vibrant and perplexing genre set about expanding the myth of the Western frontier into deep space. She looks at the "sense of wonder" or sublime that infuses much Frontier art and science fiction, and traces a possible historical precedent to the genre in the fabulous and heroic journeys of the Classical epic. She discusses narrative styles and their influences, from the overarching narrative of "Babylon 5" to the episodic formula of "The Outer Limits", considers how experimental series such as "Twin Peaks" challenge conventional structures, and how and why sci-fi television has adopted new technologies. She also explores the juxtaposition of arcane language and technological jargon in modern American sci-fi television, revealing the extraordinarily alien, yet curiously familiar arena it creates.

American Science Fiction TV : Star Trek', 'Stargate' and Beyond

Jan Johnson-Smith

Science Fiction & Fantasy

I B Tauris Academic

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Jan Johnson-Smith. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Jan Johnson-Smith

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Jan Johnson-Smith. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

American Science Fiction TV : Star Trek', 'Stargate' and Beyond