Ep 3. H. G. Wells

In Prophets of Science Fiction season 1 episode 3 titled H.G. Wells, the show explores the life and impact of the legendary British author H.G. Wells. Wells is credited with popularizing the genre of science fiction in the 19th and early 20th century, and his influence can be seen in modern science fiction stories, movies, and TV shows.

The episode starts with a brief overview of Wells' early life and education, including his time at the University of London. With the help of interviews, scholarly research, and analysis, the show delves into Wells' creative process and the themes that he explored in his writing.

One of the key themes that emerged in Wells' work is his preoccupation with the future. He often wrote about utopian and dystopian societies, and his novels like The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds showcased his interest in the possibility of time travel and extraterrestrial life. The show features clips from various adaptations of Wells' work, including the 1960 movie version of The Time Machine and the 2005 movie version of War of the Worlds, which demonstrate the continued popularity of his work.

The episode also delves into Wells' role as a social commentator. Wells was interested in politics and social theory, and his writing often tackled issues related to class, gender, and race. The show highlights some of Wells' most notable works in this vein, such as The Invisible Man and The Island of Dr. Moreau, and demonstrates how his concerns about the dangers of unchecked scientific progress are relevant even today.

In addition to exploring Wells' literary work, the episode also looks at his personal life. Wells was known to have a tumultuous romantic life, with multiple affairs and scandalous relationships. The show interviews scholars who speculate about the impact of these relationships on Wells' creative process, and how his personal life might have influenced his writing.

Prophets of Science Fiction season 1 episode 3 also highlights Wells' impact on contemporary science fiction writers. The show interviews authors like Neil Gaiman and George R.R. Martin, who discuss their admiration for Wells' work and how it has influenced their own writing. They also admire Wells' ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public through his storytelling.

Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive exploration of H.G. Wells' life and work, showing how his writing has shaped the genre of science fiction and continues to inspire contemporary writers. It showcases Wells' influence on popular culture and demonstrates why he remains one of science fiction's most important and enduring figures.