Media studies – TV
Narrative


Media Language - Page 15
EDUQUAS

Can you identify the various stages of the narrative in Episode 1 of Life on Mars?

Opening episode acts as teaser for the audience - narrative is restricted to Sam’s viewpoint.

TODOROVIAN STRUCTURE -

EQUILIBRIUM

Sam Tyler in present day. DCI. Girlfriend Maya – relationship problems. Busy, normal, rat race.

DISRUPTION

Maya’s abduction, the accident; awakens in 1972.

RECOGNITION

What year is this?

RESOLUTION

Attempts to resolve the disequilibrium – murder, investigation, meeting with Neil and rooftop.

EQUILIBRIUM

Is there closure? Revelation and arrest of killer at end.


Would we expect full closure in an episodic drama? Cliffhangers?

Is there causality? Can you identify cause/effect links?