Media Series - TV
Narrative


Media Language - Page 11
EDUQUAS

Can you identify the various stages of the narrative in Episode 1 of ‘Humans’?

EQUILIBRIUM

Opening scenes – Hawkins family set-up. Absent working mother (Laura)

DISRUPTION

“We’re going shopping”. Purchase of synth and introduction into household. Anita takes over domestic duties. Disrupts family routine

RECOGNITION

Perhaps signaled by Laura’s increasing concern about the relationship between Anita and Sophie, then the enigma of Anita taking Sophie out in the middle of the night. Cliffhangers

RESOLUTION

No

EQUILIBRIUM

Not here yet – narrative is episodic

Would we expect full closure in an episodic drama?

No

Are there non-linear elements within the episode?

Yes – flashback to synths hiding out in the forest and Anita’s flashbacks to the car in the water and holding someone

Are there obvious cause/effect links set up through e.g. Barthesian action codes?

Yes – Anita looking at the moon, Joe’s look at the 18+ program, Leo’s search, references to Elster, Odi’s malfunction, police team and relationships etc.