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 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-Actualization, 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