I've just stumbled across this (following fic from over on LJ) and wanted to stop and say how well thought out (and written) this meta is. Like you, I believe that it's possible to have fannish squee for a television show and still provide valuable critique. I completely agree with you on all point - particularly that in relation to portrayal of disability.
One thing which occurred to me in RTD's era was in the episode of 'Midnight'. I personally found it very problematic that Sky - who is initially portrayed as weak, irrational and clearly more scared of whatever's out there than the rest of them - is identified as a lesbian character. As the episode continued, the lack of moral compass that the rest demonstrated serves to counteract that impression to an extent, but it still sits uneasy with me. Do you have any particular thoughts on that episode?
Incidentally, if your MA dissertation is publicly available, I'd love to read it. I'm currently in the final year of my PhD (which explores social media) and hope to edge my way towards research around sexuality and specifically fans' responses to how it is portrayed on prime-time television.
no subject
One thing which occurred to me in RTD's era was in the episode of 'Midnight'. I personally found it very problematic that Sky - who is initially portrayed as weak, irrational and clearly more scared of whatever's out there than the rest of them - is identified as a lesbian character. As the episode continued, the lack of moral compass that the rest demonstrated serves to counteract that impression to an extent, but it still sits uneasy with me. Do you have any particular thoughts on that episode?
Incidentally, if your MA dissertation is publicly available, I'd love to read it. I'm currently in the final year of my PhD (which explores social media) and hope to edge my way towards research around sexuality and specifically fans' responses to how it is portrayed on prime-time television.