Page 246 - A Handbook Genre Studies in Mass Media

MYTHIC APPROACH

What does this analysis reveal with regard to the nature of these
myths?

Genre Analysis: Mythic Approach

Galaxy Quest Teaches Us Why We Should “Never Give Up,
Never Surrender” Our Cultural Myths • by Debra Finkel

The 1999 film Galaxy Quest hilariously satirizes and yet ultimately
supports the modern sci-fi-based mythology that infuses the immensely
popular Star Trek/Star Wars genre. By examining the mythology that is
dissected, spoofed but still honored in this Dean Parisot–directed film,
it is possible to better understand the values, concerns, and preoccupa-
tions of the culture that is so evident among the “Trekkies” as well as the
legions of less overt sci-fi fans in the United States today.

The Film’s Plot Reflects Mythic Themes

The story begins at a convention for fans of Galaxy Quest, an out-of-
production cult TV program à la Star Trek. The series’ stars are aging, out-
of-work actors who make a living by cashing in on their earlier celebrity
via guest appearances at fan conventions and promotional events.
The action begins as actor Jason Nesmith, who portrays TV Galaxy
Quest star Commander Peter Quincy Taggart in the Star Trek Captain
Kirk tradition, is late once again for his appearance, ticking off the other
members of the cast. The other actors and their TV Galaxy Quest roles
include Alexander Dane (alias the Spock-like Dr. Lazarus), Gwen De-
Marco (Lt. Tawny Madison, whose basic functions on the TV series are
to repeat the computer and wear figure-revealing costumes), Fred Kwan
(Tech Sgt. Chen), and Guy Fleegman (who appeared only once on the
series as an extra referred to as “Crewman Guy”).
Nesmith is embarrassed when the group expresses anger at him,
and mortified when he later overhears a couple of the convention goers
deride him as a has-been loser. As Nesmith and his fellow performers
approach rock bottom, the plot takes a huge twist. The Thermians—a
humble group of endearing, technologically advanced aliens from the
planet Thermia—approach Jason and beg him to help them fight the
immensely evil, lobster-headed Sarris, who is attempting to wipe out
their entire civilization.

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