Television: 1990s Crime Drama- analysis of genre and representation

Understanding 1990s Crime Drama

The 1990s Crime Drama is a key aspect of the media landscape, combining elements of crime investigation with dramatic storytelling.
Single, specific crimes, often of a complex nature, are the focus in an episode or over an entire season.
The narrative structure usually follows a Problem-Solution format, exhibiting a clear flow from the discovery to the resolution of the crime.
Central characters in these dramas are complex protagonists, commonly a detective or investigator, with extraordinary intellectual abilities or deep personal flaws.

Genre Codes & Conventions

Visual Codes: A customary feature is the use of a dark, muted colour palette that helps in building a suspenseful atmosphere.
Manipulation of camera angles, such as close-ups and high-angle shots, provide crucial details and enrich the drama.
Audio Codes: Utilisation of music and sound effects aims to bolster the emotional narrative and maintain tension. Examples include police sirens, dialogue overlain with tense music, and poignant silences.
Narrative Codes: To captivate the audience, unexpected plot twists and cliffhangers are frequently included. While the narrative is typically linear, strategic use of flashbacks enables unveiling of relevant past occurrences.

Exploring Representations

The portrayal of protagonists as flawed but brilliant enhances the complexity of the characters. Their personal traumas or struggles are often given equal importance as their professional achievements.
The depiction of crime is largely as a complicated societal issue, with an emphasis on the deeper reasons behind criminal behaviour and the role of societal structures.
The period saw a surge in the representation of women and minority characters in leading roles in Crime Dramas, indicative of societal changes during the time.

The Contextual Impact

The popularity of 1990s Crime Drama coincided with growing public concern and awareness about crime rates, reflecting the contemporary real-world apprehensions.
The genre evolved in response to socio-cultural changes, for example, the push towards greater diversity and representation is seen in the increased number of diverse characters in these shows.

In summary, a comprehensive understanding of the genre codes and conventions of the 1990s Crime Drama provides valuable insights into the cultural, social, and political mindset of the era. One should explore the recurrent themes of societal issue representation, diversity within the genre, and the development of narrative techniques.