Title
Dragnet Ecology- "Just the Facts, Ma'am": The Privilege of Science in a Postmodern World
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title
BioScience
Publication Date
1-1-2001
Volume
51
First Page
475
Last Page
485
Abstract
When Dragnet protagonist Joe Friday investigates a crime, there is almost always someone “who done it,” and usually we know who it is in the first few minutes of the episode. In one episode concerning a retired actress who falls victim to a confidence trick, Sergeant Friday sweeps aside the irrelevant circumstantial details offered by the actress and solves the puzzle with characteristic ease. Friday's sidekick, Bill Gannon, responds to a different challenge and touchingly asks for the faded actress's autograph. “I didn't know you collected autographs,” says Joe, as they leave the scene. “I don't,” replies Bill. Dragnet is a modern version of a morality play, myths and all, the prevailing myth being that it may take time to apprehend the suspect, but eventually “just the facts” will inexorably solve the crime. But isn't Bill Gannon essential to this process?
Recommended Citation
Allen, T. F. H., J. A. Tainter, J. C. Pires, and T. W. Hoekstra. Dragnet Ecology—“Just the Facts, Ma’am”: The Privilege of Science in a Postmodern World. BioScience 51: 475- 485.
