Overview

This is a comprehensive account of """"Doctor Who"""" as a television series and product of popular culture. """"Doctor Who"""", the iconic British science-fiction series following a time-traveling alien scientist, was first broadcast November 23, 1963, on BBC Television. Though modestly conceived and produced, its depiction of the alien but strangely human 'Doctor' proved to be such a commercial success that the program was shown in more than forty countries over twenty-six seasons - from 1963 to 1989 - and returned successfully to television in 2005. In """"Doctor Who"""", Jim Leach explores the reasons behind the original series' popularity and the ways it evolved during its long run. Leach analyzes in detail seven representative episodes from the original run of the series to trace the development of the seven 'regenerations' of the main character by different actors. In addition to detailing each actor's contribution to the role, he also tackles such issues as the show's self-reflexivity, its attitude toward science and technology, and its generic mix of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Leach considers """"Doctor Who"""" as a 'fantastic' text, with its concept of regeneration and the complex experience of time that evolved during its run. He also looks at the series' manipulation of the medium of television and its broader cultural influences and implications. Leach concludes with a section that looks at the continuities and differences found in the new series. """"Doctor Who"""" is an accessible and intriguing guide to one of the most popular series in television history. Film and television studies scholars, fans of the show, and general readers interested in popular cultural studies will enjoy this enlightening volume.

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9780814333082

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Reviews

"Leach offers a highly perceptive and insightful reading of the wonderful world of Doctor Who that will please fans and scholars alike. Written with flair and evident enthusiasm, but without ever losing sight of the role of a critic, Leach provides new and original perspectives on the series. An essential addition to the shelf of every true Whovian.""--James Chapman ""University of Leicester, author of Inside the Tardis: The Worlds of Doctor Who--A Cultural History "" Leach won me over with this book's scope and style. Despite all of the Doctor Who material available, this is a much-needed academic yet widely accessible introduction to the original series.""--Derek Kompare ""assistant professor of cinema and television at Southern Methodist University """

Leach offers a highly perceptive and insightful reading of the wonderful world of Doctor Who that will please fans and scholars alike. Written with flair and evident enthusiasm, but without ever losing sight of the role of a critic, Leach provides new and original perspectives on the series. An essential addition to the shelf of every true Whovian. --James Chapman University of Leicester, author of Inside the Tardis: The Worlds of Doctor Who--A Cultural History Leach won me over with this book's scope and style. Despite all of the Doctor Who material available, this is a much-needed academic yet widely accessible introduction to the original series. --Derek Kompare assistant professor of cinema and television at Southern Methodist University

Author Information

Jim Leach is professor of popular culture and film at Brock University, Ontario, Canada. He is author of numerous books including Film in Canada, British Film, and Claude Jutra, Filmmaker.

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