Offering a holistic approach to television criticism, this analytical companion to the popular show Fringe examines the drama's mythology and unveils its mysteries while exposing significant cultural issues addressed in each episode. With a strong basis in science fiction, Fringe has all of the archetypal characters and themes of the genre, from the covert mastermind and the mad scientist to dangerous advances in technology, parallel worlds, and man-made monsters. Along with many other post-9/11 television shows aired in the West, Fringe has demonstrated a society's collective paranoia about foreign invaders, on the one hand, and domestic corruption on the other. It also lays bare the fear of radical advances in technology and urges its viewers to ponder the ethical limitations of science. This guide explores how the show uses these elements to tap into a deeper understanding of the human experience. Less focused on individual episodes, this book is split into three parts, each discussing a broad element of the narrative experience of the first three seasons of this multilayered show.

This is an accessible exploration of the cult TV show "Lost", looking particularly at its fascinating use of novels, plays, stories, and other literary texts. From the moment that Watership Down made its appearance on screen in season one, speculation about "Lost"'s literary allusions has played an important role in the larger discussion of the show. Fans and critics alike have noted the many references, from biblical passages and children's stories to science fiction and classic novels. "Literary Lost" teases out the critical significance of these featured books, demonstrating how literature has served to enhance the meaning of the show. It provides a fuller understanding of "Lost" and reveals how television can be used as a tool for stimulating a deeper interest in literary texts. The first chapter features an exhaustive list of '"Lost" books', including the show's predecessor texts. Subsequent chapters are arranged thematically, covering topics from free will and the nature of time to parenthood and group dynamics. From Lewis Carroll's creations, which appear as recurring images and themes throughout, to Slaughterhouse-Five's lessons on the nature of time, "Literary Lost" will help readers unravel the show's novelistic plot while celebrating its astonishing layers and nuances of text.