LFTVD ST Essay 2

The serial I am analyzing is Stranger Things and my set piece is episode 1. The drama follows specific long from TV drama (LFTVD) conventions which are imperative parts to make the programme interesting and exciting to watch. The series is set in the 80s and takes on a non-linear format with a fragmented narrative. The story line is based on the disappearance of Will and also has a multi-strand narrative which is important because it allows the audience to be constantly invested and immersed within the show, something that was the aim for The Duffer Brothers as well as to fit the conventions of a long form TV drama. The show includes many different narratives and an eclectic group of characters which allow the show to have many plot twists and, in turn, many different meanings and representations that are highlighted.

Stranger Things employs a fragmented narrative because right from the start we witness multiple parallel plot lines such as the laboratory, Eleven and the boys. We also see a non-chronological narrative strand in the flashback to Joyce and Will's conversation in Castle Byers. The fragmented narrative creates enigmas or questions for the audience, who have to work to figure out the connection, therefore ensuring greater audience engagement. We, as the audience, are immediately introduced to the genre of thriller through the scene of the scientist running through the laboratory. The diagetic sound of the alarm bell rings throughout the lab, alongside the flashing lights which appear to be a common aspect of the series, both introducing panic and an intense atmosphere to the show. A birdseye shot is then used to signify a being in more power or more dangerous than we have seen before. The shot shows the scientist looking up at the creature, along with the diagetic noise that it makes, and the audience are thrown into the sci-fi genre.

Stranger Things introduces the audience to many different genres. This is a key part to gaining loyal viewers as well as attracting a wide demographic as a few genres can be targeted as oppose to just one, for example, Stranger Things includes sci-fi, crime, fantasy and romance. An example of the romance genre is the love story between Steve and Nancy. The episode begins with archetypes of the popular, sporty character of Steve and the vulnerable, sweet and innocent character of Nancy, a relationship that appears to have intertextuality of many 80s teen romance films such as Sixteen candles. This typical relationship is enjoyable and classic for the audience to watch, whether they are young viewers similarly aged to the characters themselves or older viewers who have grown to love this narrative. In the scene with Steve and Nancy in her bedroom, the stereotype of Nancy is reinforced by the mise en scene of her bedroom. The pastel pink colours and décor of women and quilted patterns complement Nancy's personality well and greatly contrast the personality of her love interest Steve, making this narrative an immersive one as the audience invest themselves into the show to find out how their relationship grows. A jump cut is used to show the proximity between the characters. As Steve moves closer, the audience are made aware of the advances in intimacy within their relationship as it blossoms.