Language and close-textual analysis:
1.0:00 - 6:40
- Narrative:
- Teachers are curious/concerned about Susan's home life / background
- start of disequilibrium
- Susan listening to pop music
- Characters:
- Susan Foreman - young girl
- Ian Chesterton - science teacher
- Barbara wright - history teacher
- Policeman
- Iconography:
- Chemicals
- Bunsen burners
- test tubes
- Radio cassette player
- Police box (solving crime)
- Settings:
- Junkyard
- High school
- Science classroom
2.06:40 - 10:00
- Narrative:
- Conversation about how strange Susan is
- Flash back
- Susan's random outbursts
- Characters:
- Ian Chesterton
- Barbara Wright
- Susan Foreman
- Iconography:
- Car
- Poorly lit streets of london
- lamp posts
- Settings:
- Junkyard
3.10:00 - 13:00
- Narrative:
- SF looks suspicious entering junkyard
- Teachers enter junkyard for Susan
- Teachers discover TARDIS
- Characters:
- SF
- Iconography:
- Shaky camerawork
- sound track links to mystery
- police box = TARDIS --- vibrating sound
- Settings:
- Junkyard
4.13:00 - 19:40
- Narrative:
- Teachers question doctor
- confrontational
- movement - rising tension
- Characters:
- SF
- Doctor subverts stereotype as he is anti-hero
- Teachers
- Iconography:
- Prop -TARDIS (police box)
- Settings:
- Inside TARDIS - bright,futuristic,
2) How does Todorov's theory of equilibrium apply to An Unearthly Child? Try and use the expanded version of Todorov's theory: Equilibrium - Disruption - Recognition - Reparation - New equilibrium.
Todorov's narrative theory is used in (Doctor who) in five different aspects.The equilibrium which is the familiar setting inside a school with two teachers discussing a students unusual behaviour.The disruption which is the student Susan behaving rather unusual in terms of intelligence and when she refuses the lift.The recognition which when the abandoned junkyard is established and the first appearance of the strange doctor (grandfather).The reparation which is the teachers trying to make sense of the tardis and convince Susan to leave.And finally the new equilibrium which is when the teachers,Susan and the doctor fly through time and space to an unearthly planet.
3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do each of the main characters in An Unearthly Child fit into? Alternatively, you may wish to discuss how characters do not fit Propp's character types.
The hero character type is shown through Charlie or April, as Charlie is being tasked with saving the Earth using the Cabinet of Souls, whereas April is on a quest to retrieve her heart. The Princess in this episode could be April since she is seemingly rescued by Ram. The Princess could also be April's heart since at the end of her quest she hopes to retrieve her heart. The villain in this episode is undoubtedly Corakinus since he directly attempts to stop April from reclaiming her heart, in trying to take it for himself. The Donor could be seen as Corakinus, as he provides April with all her powers. Ram is definitely seen as the False Hero as he jumps into the portal after April, even though it seems she has everything under control.
4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)
A few action codes seen throughout the episode include when April's Dad shows up at her car since it relates to a future conflict between the two characters. Additionally, the Blossoms multiplying and eating the flesh of the aliens suggest that they will become a threat later on. Finally, April cutting the tear open at the end of the episode imply a later confrontation in the show. A few enigma codes that can be seen in the episode include: What are the new Headteachers true intentions? Is Ms Quill going to be free and at what price? What will the Blossoms do? Will April win her battle?
5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience?
One binary opposition which is prominent in the episode would be Darkness against Light, which is portrayed through the contrast between the Shadow Realm and Planet Earth since the Shadow Realm is full of shadow and lacks light whereas Planet Earth is bright and full of colour. Another binary contrast in the show is Young against Old, most clearly shown through Ms Quill against Charlie. This opposition between Quill and Charlie also relates to another opposition, Master and Slave. A final opposition found in the show is Weak against Strong, April against Corakinus or Adults and Teenagers.
Representations:
1) How is gender represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted?
Many gender stereotypes are represented in Class, for example, females: Women are presented as strong and powerful in this show through empowered characters like April and Quill, which subverts the stereotype that women are weak. However, it could be argued that the show is also reinforcing this stereotype, as April's mother needs to be healed so she's seemingly under men also April's mother is still bothered by her ex-husband. The stereotype that men are always strong is both reinforced and subverted in the show. Ram is shown to be protective of April and a sporty character, which reinforces the stereotype, however, he is also seemingly defenceless against April and merely follows behind her into the tear.
2) How is age (e.g. teenagers; older people like teachers or parents) represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people?
The show subverts many stereotypes against youth, for example, that teenagers are weak. However, this is overseen through the powerful teenage characters like April, having to protect their older companions. The show also reinforces stereotypes against teenagers, one example is that Teenagers are impulsive, which is clearly demonstrated by Ram sudden decision to chase after April.
3) How is race and ethnicity represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?
Racial stereotypes are subverted in this show, with lead roles like Ram and Tanya as crucial characters in the show. It subverts the ideas that certain races, like Indians and BAME, are all uptight and untrusting since Ram/ Tanya are very open and trusting characters. Also, the show includes characters from East Europe who are openly gay, which both reinforces and subverts stereotypes that Eastern Europeans are all homophobic, as a lead role is gay, yet he is disowned by his family.
4) How is sexuality represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? How does this reflect the BBC's remit to represent modern Britain?
The show includes an openly gay relationship, which is not made to be different from any other relationship, massively subverting centuries of media which did not represent this group of people. This reflects BBC's remit since it shows how all realtionships are accepted and can be shown even on television, like Charlie and Matteusz' relationship.
5) How is disability represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Why are disabled people generally under-represented in the media and how does Class try to address this?
Disability in Class is represented as something that is entirely normal, yet it also destroys this, since April heals her mother's paralysis, undermining how her disability should be permanent but unimportant. Disability is often under-represented as many people who are disabled are seen as pitiful and weaker, therefore unnecessary to be seen on screen. the show tries to subvert this by including a strong-willed disabled character, but ultimately fail in this, since her disability is written off as something that must be healed for her to be "normal".
Audience
1) What were the viewing figures for Class and why do you think it did so badly?
On its debut, the show only gained a measly viewing of 0.28 million, only 5.1% of the total TV audience. It later gained only 250,000 more viewers on BBC iPlayer. The lack of clarity about the show's target audience and its strange airing time are possibly two of the key contributors to this show's horrible viewing figures.
2) What audience psychographic groups might particularly enjoy Class?
It could either be seen as enjoyable for the mainstream audience since it is linked to the Doctor Who universe, but it is also very violent and in a completely different age group than Doctor Who, so it could be seen as a show for niche audiences. The Explorer psychographic group may also enjoy this show since it's new and unique. Additionally, the Struggler psychographic group would enjoy this show due to its violent nature.
3) What audience pleasures are offered by Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Apply Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory to the episode. Make sure you provide specific examples from the episode to support your ideas.
Personal Identity:The show includes many relatable teenage characters, but it also includes older key characters, allowing a range of age groups to relate to and project themselves onto.
Personal Relationships:The show includes references to the Doctor Who universe, which Whovians would actively seek out and enjoy seeing, as well as characters whose stories can be very engaging, leading to people wanting to discover the outcomes for their favourite characters.
Diversion (Escapism):The show is set in an almost Fantasy world and includes many exciting and violent scenes, which are vital components of shows that are designed to entertain.
4) Thinking of the 3 Vs audience pleasures (Visceral, Vicarious and Voyeuristic pleasures), which of these can be applied to Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart?
Visceral Pleasure can undoubtedly be applied to this episode since the show includes a large amount of blood and violence. Also, this episode contains a sex scene, which also could provide adrenaline to the audience. Additionally, Vicarious pleasure could also be gained from this show since the characters are very relatable, so it is easy for the audience to project themselves onto the character and live the experiences in the show through those characters.
5) How did fans in the 'Whoniverse' (also known as 'Whovians') react to Class? Watch the fan reaction video (and read the YouTube comments) on the Class notes blogpost or check the comments in the extension articles below to help with this.
A majority of fans didn't enjoy the show due to its violent nature and inexperienced actors, however, a significant proportion of Whovians did enjoy the show, in particular, the references to the original series and how these characters interact with the Whoniverse. Personally, I think the show had a lot of potentials to be enjoyable as a spin-off to Doctor Who, but it's lack of developed acting was extremely off-putting and lets down what could have been a great show. The later, better refined, less violent episodes are much more enjoyable and promised a lot for the second season.
Industries:
1) What was the objective of BBC3 when it was launched?
To be a channel for young adults which could be relatable and easily accessible.
2) Why did BBC3 go online-only in February 2016?
The channel did not receive enough live viewers and to combat this made the channel online-only. Additionally, since how the target audience for BBC3 has changed how they consume media, the BBC opted for a more approachable and user-friendly option.
3) How does Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart meet the BBC's mission statement to 'inform, educate and entertain'?
The show is made in the majority for entertainment purposes, it has engaging storylines, relatable characters and exciting plot development, which adds to how entertaining the show is.
4) How did the distribution of Class contribute to the failure of the show with audiences?
Its inconsistent time slots, as well as its strange airing time, meant that a majority of audiences were not available to watch the show. Additionally, the target audience for the show no longer consume media traditionally, but through recordings and online providers, like Netflix, which meant less were available to watch the show on TV. Its shift to iPlayer worsened this, and most audiences chose other, better-acted options for viewing over this show, leading to its eventual failure.
5) What advertising and marketing was used to try and promote Class to an audience? Why do you think this wasn't very successful?
The show was associated very closely with Doctor Who in its promotional material, with the trailer for the show containing only the Doctor's voice. The show was also presented as extremely Sci-Fi, which led many audience members to feel mislead since they found out that the show is only loosely related to the Doctor Who universe and is less Sci-Fi more C-o-A, further disappointing fans.
Comparison: An Unearthly Child and Co-owner of a Lonely Heart:
1) How are the technical conventions different between 1963 Doctor Who and 2016 Class (e.g. camerawork, editing, sound and mise-en-scene)?
Class: Co-Owner of a Lonely Heart includes much more advanced technology and mise-en-scene than Doctor Who, which was aired in only black and white. Class consists of a much more realistic and well-developed graphics and lifelike props and costumes, contrasting the lack of such technology in Doctor Who. Doctor Who also contained many still or stationary shots, much unlike Class, which has continuously moving shots and a range of camera angles.
2) What similarities and differences are there between An Unearthly Child and Co-owner of a Lonely Heart in terms of the science-fiction genre?
Both shows include lead alien characters and continuously explore the concept of aliens, however Doctor Who contains many more conventional tropes of Sci-Fi, like the TARDIS, with bright white lights, unlike Class which has less of a Sci-Fi genre in favour of a Science Fantasy genre, with oranges and shadows which contrast Doctor Who.
3) What similarities and differences are there between An Unearthly Child and Co-owner of a Lonely Heart in terms of how they meet the BBC's remit to inform, educate and entertain?
Doctor, though in the little and few, includes actual fact and some genuine science as well as science concepts that are genuinely explored in reality, contrastingly, Class includes less factually based science and more entertainment-driven Science Fantasy. Both shows do offer entertainment for their audiences, however, with plenty of action and danger in every episode.
4) How are representations of people, places and groups similar or different in the two shows
Doctor, though in the little and few, includes actual fact and some genuine science as well as science concepts that are genuinely explored in reality, contrastingly, Class includes less factually based science and more entertainment-driven Science Fantasy. Both shows do offer entertainment for their audiences, however, with plenty of action and danger in every episode.
5) What similarities and differences can you find in terms of the audience pleasures for An Unearthly Child and Co-owner of a Lonely Heart?
While both shows present pleasures of Diversion, Personal Identity and Personal Relationships in their shows, with relatable characters, engaging storylines and action-filled episodes, Doctor Who provides some form of Surveillance for its audience, whereas Class does not.
