Normally I don't read much non fiction. I certainly don't read non fiction about fiction TV shows that I love. It's pointless, they tell you stuff you already know about shows you clearly are more interested in than the writer is. I gave it up years ago as a bad lot.
Then I was offered the chance to review a non fiction book by a guy whose fiction writing I love. In the name of full disclosure I should say I am a huge fan of Steve's fiction, you can check the other reviews, or buy his books, really you should. Regardless, I had no idea how I would find the non fiction and even knowing he's a bit of sci fi and fantasy fan I wasn't sure Savile could satisfactorily evoke everything I love about genre TV. Yeah well, I shalln't worry in future.
The book covers 50 years of sci fi, fantasy and plain weird TV shows, broken into sections around topics including "Rending Time and Space" with Dr Who, Stargate SG-1, Tru Calling and so on or "A New Kind of Hero"considering such shows as Wonder Woman, Xena, Buffy and Heroes. It's a nice intuitive format, it feels comfortable and familiar. Each show has been given thoughtful considered coverage, fitting a thorough breakdown of the show packed full of insight into a few pages. All wrapped up of course with Steve's usual humour and excellent writing. I was particularly interested in learning about the external forces that often impacted on the failure or success of a particular show and instances of fan action.
I've been dipping in and out of this book at fairly random points, revisiting shows from my childhood that I loved or being pulled back into shows I have enjoyed over the last few years. I'm also discovering some new (or very old) must watch shows. I find myself wanting to watch whole series again or several series of a show to submerge myself in that world again. It's infectious, Steve's in depth knowledge of the genres and a writer and a fan blends with his genuine enthusiasm for this sort of TV and a personal passion for many of the shows to provide an entertaining an endearing experience for the reader.
While most books banking on our passion for a certain TV show or covering the nostalgia of our youth are correctly marketed as novelty gifts to be recieved, giggled over and shelved as eternal dust collecters, Fantastic TV is an enthusiasts reference guide, to be enjoyed bit by bit, over and over again. It's the ideal read for any sci fi or fantasy TV fan with enough depth to inform and entertain in bite sized chunks covering every important show for 50 years. There are sections of this book I will read again and again, whenever I need a fix. I'm also really wishing I had bought some X Files box sets somewhere along the way. I kind of want some Mulder and Scully time right now.
7 comments:
Well they ARE out there. (Heheheheheheh!) The may even be "rounded up" bit by bit if you are so minded.
I love the old Twilight Zone and Thriller sets which I possess. The original Star Trek is also one of my treasures. I notice that Ramar Of The Jungle", another favorite from my childhood days, is also becoming available. (At least 44 of the 52 episodes are.)
Couldn't be happier. This rather ancient fan still loves the stuff which brought him up to the real stuff.
LOL! :-)
There have been some awesome shows over the years and although I never really got the Prisoner it has great sentimental value after a trip to the set with my dad.
I freely admit to having the best job in the world - I literally spent 7 months sitting on the couch watching tv making copious notes of course, so it felt like work...ahem.
Yes terribly hard on you i'm sure. :p
Now that's a book I just gotta have!
And would you like to borrow some of my XFiles DVDs?
Alex I suspect I can source the DVD's but you must must read this book.
:)
Alex, if you do, I'll be interested to hear your thoughts... FTV took something like 4 years from idea to print, butt-loads of research, we're talking real off the beaten path story-tracking-down time, but I got to talk to some fascinating and amazing guys like Kenny Johnson who was the brains behind the Bionic Man and V among other things, which was just fanboytastic.
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