Star Trek: Parallel Narratives


Summary
From the cover
Since 1966, "Star Trek" has become a unique multimedia phenomenon, encompassing an ever-growing number of television series and major feature films. This book traces the evolution of "Star Trek" from its earliest days, examining the role of its creator, Gene Roddenberry, and his various successors in the creation of a unique dramatic "universe" within which many contemporary ethical dilemmas have been addressed. Comparing present-day and 1960s versions, Chris Gregory examines how the differences reflect how mass-media-related culture has changed since that time and evaluates "Star Trek" as a cult phenomenon.

Contents
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 SeriesPastiche and Nostalgia: The 1980s Movie Series
Diplomacy, Family, Destiny: The Next GenerationIntrigue, Prophecy, Armageddon: Deep Space NineRomance, Isolation, Return: VoyagerPART 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 TREKHumanism, Self-Actualization, Holodiction: Psychological Themes in Star TrekLiberalism, The New Frontier and the American Dream: Political Themes in Star TrekMulticulturalism, Gender and Eugenics: Social Themes in Star TrekBibliography

Index

Appendix: Star Trek'' Episodes and Films
Parallel Narratives