The Revolution of the Apocalyptic Myth (original) (raw)

This paper critically examines J.J. Abrams’ post-apocalyptic television show Revolution from a mythic perspective. The television show’s plot displays a contrast between the traditional Christian apocalyptic myth and the myth of the “new wave apocalypse.” The “new wave apocalypse” is a catastrophe that is manmade rather than God sent and there is a belief that the apocalypse can be avoided. This mythic shift shows a hegemonic struggle between Christians who believe God caused the apocalypse because humans “created an electronic Tower of Babel,” and those who think that man created the apocalypse through his own devices (Secular Humanists). This power struggle is seen between religious and non-religious views throughout the show Revolution. This secular humanistic view argues that humankind is in control of its fate, and because of the hostility within the human race, the apocalypse is imminent, not because a higher power willed it to happen. This hegemonic struggle and evolution of the apocalyptic myth is reflected in Revolution as a result of the increase in atheism or non-religious views in American culture.