ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book elaborates on the structuring of antihero series through fictional reliefs and reality checks. It explains the rationalist theories of spectator engagement with fiction and the role morality plays in the American drama television series. Moral evaluation has been seen as foundational to the spectator engagement with fiction, it is postulated that the spectator works as an untiring moral monitor throughout their engagement with a story. One can say that antihero series use many of narrative techniques in order to secure the spectator's sympathy with the antihero. The morally murky waters of antihero series show that rationalist theories exaggerate how spectators rationally founded moral evaluation of stories. Allegiance denotes that level of engagement at which spectators respond sympathetically or antipathetically towards a character or group of characters.
