The Stargate series is a military sci-fi TV series that debuted in 1997 as Stargate SG-1 and has two spin off series (Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe). While the series does a fairly good job of exploring the unknown and coming to understand what we on Earth are a part of among countless galaxies, I want to know what themes can be found underneath the general overall theme I mentioned.
Might be interesting to analyze the concepts of xenophobia and control as themes. The foundation premise of Stargate is that the entire universe was seeded with humans so that the Goa'uld would have host bodies. (Preferably, beautiful hosts.) When a Goa'uld takes a host body, the host is no longer in control of themselves and become an unwilling witness to the Goa'uld's acts. It's a powerful commentary on both the loss of control and fear of Other -- the thread could be expanded to look at the parallels of addiction or the more xenophobic idea that outside ideas will infect and destroy a person and turn them against loved ones. – Monique10 years ago
A great number of shows now include characters who are considered a legitimate "genius" within the context of their own canon. Big Bang Theory plays the trope for laughs, but most shows with geniuses are (crime) dramas. Frequently, too, the genius in question is a child prodigy (or as in the case of NUMB3RS, had been a prodigy) and often the genius has a wide range of specialties across multiple fields of study, and in some cases, possesses multiple, unrelated PhDs.
I'd love to see an analysis of the trope from the standpoint of how realistic the portrayals are, esp. w/regards to the socialization issues these characters so often have. Also, if the analysis could be done in loose chronological appearance, I'd be interested in seeing if there's been a sort of "grade inflation" with these characters — have they gotten younger and broader in ability in an effort for each canon's "genius" to out-genius other characters in a given genre?
Suggested shows: Big Bang Theory, NUMB3RS, Scorpion, Bones, Stargate, NCIS, Criminal Minds, Sherlock (possibly over-used), House…
An interesting side-note is that the main "genius" of Scorpion is a real person--although a lot of articles have been written questioning his claims of genius and accomplishments. – bookworm2g910 years ago
I see you listed Bones as a possible show to analyze. As a viewer of the show it is interesting to see how often people who are portrayed as "Geniuses" in TV shows are oblivious to things like pop culture. I would question if being so far removed from culture is actually possible nowadays due to internet etc.? – sukritab10 years ago
Analyzing the difference between how the current show Broad City depicts the everyday life of women and how an older show depicts the everyday life of women.
I assume by "an older show", you mean shows such as Sex and the City, Cougar Town or Desperate Housewives? Plus in what ways will you depict different in women's everyday lives? You would need to define this. – Ryan Errington10 years ago
The show "Jane the Virgin" has been praised for representing the Latin community, steering clear of certain stereotypes. However, there are still shows that (arguably) reflect stereotypes (Mike Chang and Tina Cohen-Chang from the show "Glee" and Gloria from "Modern Family." I'd like to read an article about other shows (recent or old) that steer clear from stereotypes (i.e. gender, racial).
I think this topic could also explore what we think of as "stereotypes" and feel we should be offend by when sometimes those stereotypes are actual true-to-life cultural differences. I know the new show 'Fresh Off the Boat' has been accused of stereotyping Chinese characters, but the show is taken from Eddie Huang's memoir and blog about growing up with immigrant Chinese parents. – Liz Watkins10 years ago
Analyze the tangible, yet thin, line between a Trope and a Stereotype. There seems to be a lot of reviewers in media who cannot tell the difference and I find it odd that people have yet to distinct the two, especially as it relates to modern TV shows in a post-Shonda Rhymes era of television. This can expand beyond television and maybe inspect how it fringes upon film and literature as well.
Do you have an idea as to which specific type of media you will be discussing this subject on? You've mentioned television, maybe you could cover cinema as well. – Ryan Errington10 years ago
I would like to read an in-depth psychological analysis of the characters in The Following. I have a layperson’s opinions but would like to read about it from someone educated in psychology. However, I suppose a layperson’s generalization would be an interesting approach.
It was the Summer of 2000 when Survivor first premiered, CBS took a chance with this series and boy did it pay off. It was the most watched show in 2001, and to this day still wins its time slot. While it has obviously lost many of its viewers over the year, it is undeniably a standout series that pioneered a new genre of television: reality TV.
People who are loyal fans know the game by now. They play along in their own way and use the show as a platform for discussion and strong opinion. Even though they put a twist on the show every season their is still the same old politics the human race seems to always play. – LaurenCarr10 years ago
It would be interesting to examine as well why the show is so popular, with such a loyal fan-base, but little love from award shows. – bookworm2g910 years ago
It might be useful to survey the current landscape of reality TV - what's popular now? What does Survivor's popularity tell us about viewers in the early 2000s, and what do the major reality shows of the past few years tell us about viewers today? – sambertschmann10 years ago
It would also be interesting to note how much longer Survivor can, in fact, survive (pun unfortunately cannot be avoided). As it was said, how is the landscape of reality tv different today? Can Survivor adapt in this current climate and keep its success going, or is it destined to fall and make room for the next big thing? – Giovanni Insignares10 years ago
