Time Lords and Star Cops: British Science Fiction Television in the 1970s-80s

The 1970s and 1980s British science fiction television was full of Machiavellian protagonists and fatalistic endings, reflecting the emerging political landscape of Thatcherite Britain. This book analyzes the science fiction series of the period, comparing them to the abrupt shift in Britains political landscape.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

British science fiction television of the 1970s and 1980s is a rich tapestry of Machiavellian protagonists and fatalistic endings, offering a complex and thought-provoking exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas that shaped the emerging political landscape of Thatcherite Britain. This comprehensive book delves into the science fiction series of the era, including iconic classics such as Blakes 7, Doctor Who, and Sapphire & Steel, while also examining the profound transition from social-democracy to neoliberal economics and the reign of Margaret Thatcher. Through meticulous analysis, it sheds light on the abrupt shifts in themes and tone that these series often exhibited, drawing comparisons to the similarly seismic changes in Britains political landscape.

The 1970s and 1980s witnessed a remarkable era in British science fiction television, characterized by a proliferation of Machiavellian protagonists and tragic endings. This period presented a complex and nuanced world of moral and ethical dilemmas, perfectly aligned with the emerging political landscape of Thatcherite Britain. In this book, we delve into the science fiction series of this era, including iconic classics like Blakes 7, Doctor Who, and Sapphire & Steel. We also explore the profound transition from social-democracy to neoliberal economics and the reign of Margaret Thatcher. Through meticulous analysis, we shed light on the abrupt shifts in themes and tone that these series often exhibited, drawing comparisons to the similarly seismic changes in Britains political landscape.

The 1970s and 1980s were a transformative period in British science fiction television, marked by a surge of Machiavellian protagonists and fatalistic endings. This era presented a complex and multifaceted world of moral and ethical dilemmas, intricately intertwined with the emerging political landscape of Thatcherite Britain. In this comprehensive book, we examine the science fiction series of this era, including iconic classics such as Blakes 7, Doctor Who, and Sapphire & Steel. We also explore the profound transition from social-democracy to neoliberal economics and the reign of Margaret Thatcher. Through meticulous analysis, we shed light on the abrupt shifts in themes and tone that these series often exhibited, drawing comparisons to the similarly seismic changes in Britains political landscape.

The 1970s and 1980s were a pivotal period in British science fiction television, characterized by a proliferation of Machiavellian protagonists and tragic endings. This era presented a complex and multifaceted world of moral and ethical dilemmas, intricately intertwined with the emerging political landscape of Thatcherite Britain. In this comprehensive book, we delve into the science fiction series of this era, including iconic classics such as Blakes 7, Doctor Who, and Sapphire & Steel. We also explore the profound transition from social-democracy to neoliberal economics and the reign of Margaret Thatcher. Through meticulous analysis, we shed light on the abrupt shifts in themes and tone that these series often exhibited, drawing comparisons to the similarly seismic changes in Britains political landscape.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 223 x 147 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526163370