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Thematics of counterterrorism: comparing 24 and MI-5/Spooks

2008; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 1; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/17539150802515012

1753-9153

Christian W. Erickson,

Media Studies and Communication

This paper examines terrorism and counterterrorism as they are manifest in the popular culture of the USA and UK, focusing on two contemporary televisual works, namely, 24 and the series named MI-5 when aired in the US or Spooks when broadcast in the UK. I compare similarities and differences in the representation of agents (individuals) and agencies (organisations) involved in counterterrorism, and how such representations impact upon the two democratic polities. I explore themes of legitimisation, normalisation, and subversion in these works.