Television: 1990s Crime Drama- genre codes and conventions

Definition of 1990s Crime Drama

1990s Crime Drama is a genre of television programmes produced during the 1990s that combines elements of crime investigation and dramatic storytelling.

Characteristics of 1990s Crime Drama

These series often centre around a complex protagonist who is typically a detective or investigator. Exceptional intellectual abilities or personal flaws, such as addiction or a troubled past, often characterize these characters.
Crime dramas of this era usually showcase a single, intricate crime per episode or season. This crime is thoroughly examined and solved within the narrative.
The narrative structure of 1990s Crime Dramas often follows a Problem-Solution format, commencing with the discovery of a crime and ending with the resolution of the case.

Genre Codes & Conventions of 1990s Crime Drama

Visual Codes: These series frequently use a dark, muted colour palette to create a tense, suspenseful atmosphere. The use of close-ups and high-angle shots often reveal vital clues and intensify the drama.
Audio Codes: Music and sound effects are leveraged to increase tension and to provide emotional cues to the viewers. The sound of police sirens, dialogue overlaid with tense music, and sudden silence are common audio codes in this genre.
Narrative Codes: These shows often feature unexpected plot twists and cliffhangers to keep the audience engaged and guessing. They usually follow a clear linear narrative, with flashbacks occasionally used to reveal past events significant to the plot.

Representations in 1990s Crime Drama

1990s Crime Dramas often portray their protagonists as flawed but brilliant individuals. Their personal struggles are frequently highlighted alongside their professional achievements, creating complex, compelling characters.
The genre is known for its representation of crime as a complex social issue, often probing deeper into the criminal motivations and the societal structures that contribute to crime.
Throughout this era, there was a clear trend towards increased representation of women and minority characters in leading roles in crime dramas, reflecting shifts in societal attitudes.

Impact of Social/Cultural Context on 1990s Crime Drama

The rise of the 1990s Crime Drama genre coincided with increasing public awareness and concern over crime rates, mirroring real-world fears and anxieties in its narratives.
The social and cultural shifts towards increased diversity and representation in this period can be seen in the increasing prevalence of diverse characters in leading and supporting roles.

Remember, understanding the genre codes and conventions of 1990s Crime Drama offers valuable insights into the cultural, social, and political dynamics of the time. Themes such as the representation of social issues, diversity in television, and the evolution of narrative techniques should be explored.