Supes, Inc.: Episodic Television Drama The Boys, Antiheroism and Society of Performance
Supes, Inc.: Episodic Television Drama The Boys, Antiheroism and Society of Performance

Summary/Abstract: In this study, we would like to address the issue of antiheroism in relation to the popular episodic television drama The Boys (Amazon Prime Video, since 2019). The television antiherois discussed quite frequently, but more often in a rather general manner than based on specific case studies. The study outlines the related terminological axis and then applies the individual theoretical frameworks to a specific episodic television drama that presents an axiologically and morally determined conflict between fictional characters of superheroines and superheroes and their counterparts, ordinary citizens, direct or indirect victims of amoral decisions made by people with superhuman abilities. As we believe, applying the given body of knowledge to the selected television drama via a case study allows us to explain the contemporary understanding of antiheroism in relation to fictional characters with superhuman abilities and, at the same time, outline the specific aspects of so-called society of performance on basis of theoretical reflection on the issue, followed by a qualitative content analysis of the episodic television drama The Boys focused on its selected narrative and discursive aspects.

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