The Greatest Show in the Galaxy

The long-running BBC science fiction program Doctor Who has garnered an intense and extremely loyal fan base since its 1963 debut. This work examines the influences of psychology, literature, pop culture, and the social sciences on Doctor Who storylines and characters. Topics explored include how such issues as class, gender, and sexual attraction factor into the relationships between the Doctor and his companions; whether the Doctor suffers from multiple personality disorder or other psychological afflictions; and the role of the Doctor’s native culture in shaping his sense of identity.

Marc Schuster has written extensively on science-fiction and popular culture. An English instructor, he teaches composition, literature and film at Montgomery County Community College. He lives in Havertown, Pennsylvania.

Tom Powers is a college lecturer who teaches composition courses. Along with Marc Schuster, he is the coauthor of The Greatest Show in the Galaxy: The Discerning Fan’s Guide to Doctor Who (McFarland 2007). He lives in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

Marc Schuster and Tom Powers

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 215
Bibliographic Info: notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2007
pISBN: 978-0-7864-3276-9
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1077-1
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      vi
Preface: Why Who? and We Murder to Dissect      1
Introduction      7

1. One of Us: Doctor Who as Cosmic Spectacle      13
2. I Am He, and He Is Me: Why Doctor Who Is Good for You      32
3. Brave Hearts: The Identity Dance of Doctor and Companion      53
4. The Time Lord Manifesto: A Cautionary Guide to Gallifreyan Culture      75
5. Cranky Cyborgs: Daleks, Cybermen and the Future of Humanity      96
6. Intergalactic Culture Jam: The Doctor vs. the Mega-Corporation      118
7. Red Kangs Are Best: Language Games in the Whoniverse      136
8. Wrinkles in Time: Life, Death and Everything in Between      158

Chapter Notes      189
Bibliography      195
Index      201

• “interesting new insights”—Video Watchdog
• “an entertaining guide…enjoyable reading”—Science Fiction Studies
• “absorbing, easy to read volume”—Huntress Reviews