Against World Literature: On the Politics of Untranslatability

Abstract

This abstract examines Brett Martin's *: From The Sopranos and The Wire to Mad Men and Breaking Bad: Behind the Scenes of a Creative Revolution*, which explores the rise of complex male protagonists in contemporary television. Focusing on "The Third Golden Age" of cable television, Martin traces the evolution of these nuanced characters from the late 1990s through the 2010s. He argues that this era reimagined traditional masculine archetypes—such as the gangster, private detective, and superhero—by imbuing them with vulnerability, fear, and moral ambiguity. These "" challenge conventional notions of masculinity while reflecting broader societal shifts. Through detailed analyses of shows like *The Sopranos*, *Mad Men*, and *Breaking Bad*, Martin elucidates how these characters serve as both cultural barometers and catalysts for narrative innovation. The book not only critiques the patriarchal structures within media but also offers insights into the creative processes behind these groundbreaking series, positioning them at the intersection of high-concept theory and accessible journalism.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)