An introduction to TV Drama: Blog task

An introduction to TV Drama: Blog task

1) What is serial television drama? Write your own definition.
 A serial is a television show which has a continuous plot that unfolds in sequential episode-by-episode fashion. Serials are, more often than not, shows that possess narrative complexity. They typically follow many story arcs.

2) List five of the TV dramas discussed in the history of the genre on page 1 of the factsheet. How has the genre evolved over time?
Doctor Who, The avengers (1961-1969), Danger Man (1962-1968), The Sweeney(1975-1978) and Minder(1979-1994), TV Dramas that are discussed. Genre has involved over time since TV dramas are starting a trend of featuring a cold opening. The is when the TV drama jumps directly into a story at the beginning of the show before the title sequence or opening credits are shown. This creates enigma codes for the audience and engages them into the show even more. This offers greater flexibility and provides easy to follow narratives, but at the cost of character progression and narrative complexity.

3) List the sub-genres of TV drama featured in the factsheet. Come up with your own example of an existing TV dramas to fit each category.
Police procedural(crime)- Luther , Medical- Holby City, Period(costume)- MadMen, Science-fiction/fantasy- The Flash , Family- Game Of Thrones, Teen- Riverdale
 
4) Why is setting so important for TV drama? 
dramas that tend to focus on a story of the week, invariably ‘cops and docs’, are generally based around a location. His allows the drama to develop over a long period of time, weathering the comings and goings of the cast member. Even heavily serialised dramas like Lost are defined by their location.



5) How do TV dramas typically use character? What audience pleasures can be linked to character in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!) 
As broadcasters seek to ensure that their most successful brands run for as long as possible it is necessary to populate them with a large cast of character. More often than not their presence in story of the week forces the guest characters to change and grow. This is especially true of medical dramas like House. Certain characters that fit the sub genre such as Teen Create vicarious pleasure, where the audience gain a emotional connection with the characters manly due to the characters scenario or favouritism. A typical user gratification for the sub genre teen is personal identity. Audience are able to relate to the character or its scenario.   


6) What is a multi-strand narrative? Give an example of a TV drama that features a multi-strand narrative.
A multi-strand narrative is where there are more central characters and will have multiple plots. An example of a  TV show that has a multi strand narrative is Doctor Who.
 
7) What is a cold opening?
when the TV drama jumps directly into a story at the beginning of the show before the title sequence or opening credits are shown.
 
8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?
In a linear narrative arc, the first episode may be the equilibrium( state of normality). As the season unravels more episodes, the narrative will be disrupted causing a disequilibrium in the story. This may be a kidnap or an introduction of a villain. Once the disequilibrium is solved, The next season will start of with a new equilibrium. Whereas in a multi-strand narrative, Todorov's Theory is inhabited in each episode. 

9) What is the typical form for TV dramas and how are the programmes typically distributed to an audience?

 TV shows are typically distributed in the length of a 'season'. In the UK, many serial dramas fill one-hour or a ‘commercial hour’ (about 50 minutes), with some dramas commissioned to span a two- hour slot. Sherlock was originally made as a 60-minute pilot but was later remounted as a 90-minute drama on the suggestion of the BBC in order to improve certain elements such as the look and pacing of the show.

10) How have subscription channels (such as HBO) and streaming services (such as Netflix and Amazon Prime) changed the form and content of TV dramas?
HBO, AMC and Showtime are not governed by the same considerations, hence their dramas allow for a lot more adult and challenging content. Netflix and Amazon Prime also often commission shorter runs (between six and thirteen episodes) and do not need to stick to rigid running times.


11) Choose a TV drama and do your own analysis of it using the SETTING / CHARACTERS / NARRATIVE / FORM headings as featured on page 3 of the factsheet.

 The TV show that i have chosen is The Flash 

Setting 
The Flash is set in a city called Central city where crime is dealt with every hour of the day. The setting is pretty much fixated in one area since its an enormous location. The flash also known as Barry explores the location with the audience while fighting crime. 
Character
The flash has an ensemble cast where there is many important main characters. The audience can create vicarious pleasure with numerous characters since they all have an important and  specific role in the show. However the main character who intrigues and engages the audience in the show is Barry Allen also known as the Flash.   
Narrative
The show follows a linear narrative arc where the disequilibrium is solved at the end of 23 episodes. The story arc is about a 24 year old man with supernatural powers who fights other evil supernatural people for the safety of the world and the people in it. With his speed and his team beside him, they fight crime that runs in the city mostly every hour of the day.


12) How might the TV drama genre evolve in future? 
Online programme makers are starting to create more short form content, leading to drama serials that run for much less than 60, or even, 30 minutes.  With BBC 3’s move to an online only platform, and the rise in the popularity of streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, the form and content of the serial drama is likely to evolve further.

As Hollywood concentrates on superheroes, special effects and high octane action, many film actors are turning to television to play ‘difficult’, this trend is likely to continue.