Representations in TV drama - Hollyoaks

Representations in TV drama - Hollyoaks

• Hollyoaks
• Season 22
• Channel 4
• Duration 23:03
• Method of watching: Online
• Genre: Soap

Closed Narrative - A narrative that features a clear beginning, middle and end (equilibrium, disruption and new equilibrium). The narrative is linear and runs in a smooth straight line with no interruptions. For example this type of narrative structure can be found more in film

Open Narrative - A narrative which does not feature a clear cut  beginning, middle and end narrative structure and may feature ongoing cliffhangers to drive the Narrative further. As a result of this, these stories can go on for years for example this type of narrative structure can be seen in soap operas and comic books.


Summary
The episode of Hollyoaks that aired on the 15th of march followed the return of a character named Walker who seeked to gain revenge on other characters of the cast. As the episode progressed we the audience witnessed smaller storylines play out for example the escape of a woman named Max from the apartment of a character named kevin, the search for another character named Steve who was attacked by character Brendan Brody whos is also the one looking for him and finally a  more lighthearted story of character Will deciding to socialise more. The episode end on a cliffhanger with Walker catchng up with one of the characters who he seeks revenge on, Brendan and is holding a hostage at gunpoint; Brendan's father.

From what I've seen in some ways this episode follows soap genre conventions as it features dramatic conflicts which involve a lot of the cast, not only this but the episode features multiple narratives which is conventional to the soap opera genre.


Was the episode an open or closed narrative?
The episode was an open narrative as evidenced by its multi narrative features which in turn presented a more open story rather than a linear one of begining middle and end. The episode focused on mainly the conflict between Walker and Brendan but also focused on smaller storylines as well none of which were resolved in the episode.

Representation of Characters

Max - Female; presented as victim type role in the opening sequence of the episode as she relies on the other members of the cast to help her in her situation

Costume/appearance  - Purple track suit bottoms, pale skin, Messy Hair; This emphasises Max's victim role as her overall appearance connotes that perhaps she hasn't been able to take care of herself as evidenced by the dirty track suit and pale skin which may suggest that she is ill. This appearance has been devised to allow audiences to empathise with the character.One may say that as a result of Max's representation in the media text, the female gender has been represented as dependent.


Walker - Male; Presented as tough, intimidating and as the villain role

Costume/appearance/Props - Large Black coat, green scarf which obscures his face, Black gloves and Gun; The green scarf which covers Walkers face presents him as less human. In addition the use of the large black coat and black gloves present Walker as an intimidating figure as his form is exaggerated by these clothing choices which presents him as dangerous and tough. Furthermore Walker is the only character throughout the episode to feature a firearm as a result of this Walkers intimidating status is emphasised. One may say that as a result of Walkers representation in the media text, the male gender has been represented as tough.

Will - Male

Throughtout the media text we the audience see Will in a wheelchair. As a result of this being the only member of the cast in a Wheelchair, Will serves as Hollyoaks representation of the disabled. Will is represented as someone who is finding it hard to fit in as when we are introduced to him we find him in his house rejecting a text to attend a party. From this we the audience can establish the problems this character is facing quite possible the character is afraid of social interaction.  The character is alone in someways only interacting with this one person initially. This character who he interacts with is someone who Will depends on as evidenced by the parental/friend like tone of the conversation. This in turn may present those with disability as dependent on others and in someways social recluses 

•  The older cast of the episode are presented as friendly, welcoming and helpful one such example is Will's career who encourages him to attend a party.