Supernatural Humanity And The Soul

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Throughout its run the television show Supernatural has delved into social, philosophical, literary, and theological themes - as well as issues related to gender, family, capitalism and post-modernism - that not only contextualize and add depth to the show's ongoing plot, but also reflect our era's intellectual concerns.

The contributors in this collection analyze the ways in which the series represents humanity, the human soul, and will. The show constantly plays with the line between human and monster, between justice and vigilantism, reflecting post-9/11 America's simultaneous acceptance of and unease with issues such as torture and pre-emptive violence.

This book both contextualizes Supernatural within the current pop cultural fascination/renaissance of the fantastic and traces its roots in folklore and Biblical narrative, in particular the overarching apocalyptic narrative based in (but also challenging) Judeo-Christian scripture. Review: For years, Supernatural has been one of television's most engaging and provocative series.

By analyzing the show's proficiency at deconstructing and reconstructing traditional concepts of theology, mythology, and gender within the context of postmodern popular culture, George and Hansen's critical anthology goes a long way toward explaining the series' resilience - making this volume a must read for any serious watcher of the Winchesters. - Mary Pharr, co-editor of Of Bread, Blood and The Hunger Games: Critical Essays on the Suzanne Collins Trilogy (2012) Supernatural, Humanity, and the Soul is an essential collection of important new pieces on Supernatural.

Together they deliver a nuanced theological, philosophical, and gender-based analysis that revels in the series' multi-layered complexity. At once engaging, illuminating, and thought-provoking, this book offers valuable new approaches to, and insights into, this popular series. It is a must for all seekers of knowledge about the weird and wonderful world of the Winchesters. - Simon Brown, Television and Film Scholar, Kingston University, UK Hansen and George take the readers on an illuminating journey through the social and political intricacies that underpin the success and longevity of Supernatural.

Offering fresh insight, the authors included in this anthology examine the show's preoccupation with what it means to be human in the twenty-first century. Written with the passion of a hunter and the scholarly rigor of the Men of Letters, this book is a must-read for enthusiasts, students, researchers, and future hunters. - Stacey Abbott, author of Angel: TV Milestone (2009) and co-editor of TV Goes to Hell: An Unofficial Road Map of Supernatural (2011)