Bertonneau, Thomas, and Kim Paffenroth. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2006. 272 pp., $18.99 (USD). ISBN:
978-1-58743-126-5 (paper).
[1]
Exploring the interface of religion and science fiction in film and television
has generated a small cottage industry. Bertonneau
and Paffenroth’s exploration of six (Western) science-fiction television series
fits nicely into this cluster, examining the way in which “the forms of popular
culture and the content of high culture communicate with one another to the
enrichment of both” (25).
[2] Regrettably,
the volume’s introduction is an unclear, potted history of the ancient world
and literature that is off-putting, and may confuse readers about the
contemporary relevance to science fiction of such figures as Blaise Pascal,
Saint Augustine, Plato, Euhemerus, Socrates, Democritus, Saint Jerome,
Plutarch, Epicurus, and others. These eclectic and extraneous ancient authors
would be better employed explaining the subtext of the science fiction series
rather than as a distracting precursor to them. Fortunately, the rest of the book (which is comprised of
eight major sections) is generally perceptive with intelligent insights into
the various television series.
[3] The chapters are written in a clear, enthusiastic, and engaging
style that leaves you wanting more, but alas, this is also the weakness of the
book. Its promise is great but the sheer number of episodes within each series
means that the authors can only scratch the surface of the more than 1,300
episodes produced. The authors’ choices appear
idiosyncratic and disjointed, automatically exposing them to complaints about
lack of context, relevance, and the numerous ignored episodes of note. Furthermore,
despite acknowledging that “Few of our readers will be thoroughly familiar with
all six shows” (25), the authors write as if the reader knows the intricacies
of the episodes without offering a synopsis to refresh the readers’ minds or to
set the scene for those unfamiliar with the episode. (Such synopses would make
a useful and welcomed addition to any future editions.) Additionally, the absence of still
photographs, drawings, or a “further reading” section for those seeking visual
stimulation and additional guidance is a drawback, and the claim that the
Daleks (from Doctor Who)
“are a race of robots” (231) is incorrect.
[3] Nevertheless, what is offered is exciting, insightful, and a
testimony to the value of popular culture for the contemporary study of
religion. Using the Doctor, James
T. Kirk, Mr. Spock, Number Six, Rod Serling, Special Agent Fox “Spooky” Mulder,
Special Agent Dana Scully, Commander John Sheridan, and Ambassador Delenn, the
authors illustrate such central
Christian issues as evil, virtue, grace, sacrifice, and the apocalypse,
exploring serious questions about
religion and morality. This style
of theological exploration is most appropriate for children of the media in a
postmodern, post-literate, and increasingly post-Christian culture. Whether
illuminating the Golden Rule, Original Sin, or the Four Horsemen of the
Apocalypse, these chapters were a delightful fusion of faith, fun, and
contemporary visual piety that is worthy of emulation elsewhere.
[4] Overall, The Truth is Out There: Christian Faith and the Classics
of TV Science Fiction has
disassociated pop culture from trash culture and deserves a place in any
science fiction, television, or contemporary culture library or course.
However, it is not recommended for the uninitiated who need to see all the
episodes before appreciating the numerous insights into religion, science, and storytelling. One eagerly waits for sequels that analyzes
the many other science fiction offerings available, or possibly a deeper
analysis of just one selected series to tease out the even greater religious
lessons hidden within its “visionary largeness” (25).
Anton Karl Kozlovic
Flinders University
antonkozlovic@hotmail.com
