2. Introduction
TV Drama can be defined as a series of episodes
consisting of a dramatic storyline. This drama generally
derives from a combination of scripted narrative and
characters, in addition to technical aspects – for example,
lighting, or audio. Producers often create stories with which
the audience are able to identify, this heightening the sense
of tension and allowing the audience, to a certain degree,
to understand and relate to the dramatic events occurring
on-screen.
3. The Fosters
The Fosters is an American TV
Drama, which premiered on Freeform
in 2013. The series – produced
by Bradley Bredeweg and Peter
Paige – tells the story of a young girl
(Maia Mitchell) who is placed in a
foster home with two mothers (Teri
Polo and Sherri Saum), and their
biological/adopted children. Best
defined as a teen drama, The Fosters
tackles issues of adolescence and
familial tensions, as well as wider
scale problems within society – for
example, the foster care system
4. Characters
The characters within The Fosters are not only the primary cause of most dramatic events,
however are also the main point of audience engagement and empathy. The series is
relatively unconventional in its representation of two interracial female parents, both
challenging stereotypes whilst also increasing awareness surrounding relevant issues (this
linking to the ‘surveillance’ aspect of the uses and gratifications theory). Furthermore, the
representation of young people is generally positive, likely due to the target audience being of
the same age group (thus prompting audience identification). The characters – particularly the
protagonist, Callie – are shown to face difficult situations despite their age, this creating a
representation of bravery and strength, as opposed to the stereotype of immaturity and
naivety commonly associated with the demographic. The fact that a large majority of young
people within the series are either adopted or in the foster care system alters the dynamic of
interaction between characters, and the actions they carry out - for example, the protagonist
grows to become an activist surrounding foster care reform.
Some aspects of character, however, are
represented in a conventional manner. For
example, it is stereotypical of young people to be
reckless, and to be involved in dramatic
romances. After being taken into the family, the
protagonist (Callie) has a secret affair with her
foster brother – this conforming to the stereotype
of their demographic, whilst also being
conventional to genre through the establishment
of drama.
5. Mise en Scene/Iconography
The Fosters is intentionally scripted to prompt audience identification. The
setting is typically American, with the family living in a large house, and the
children attending a conventionally American high school (as is emphasised
through the inclusion of flags outside the school). Furthermore, the
costumes and props worn and used by the characters – particularly those
within their teenage years – are conventional of their age group, and as a
result identifiable with young viewers. An example of this is the common
inclusion of phones or laptops on screen, as well as decorations within
character bedrooms which link to their individual interests and passions.
6. Themes/Issues
The Fosters represents a vast number of themes/issues, as listed below:
O Familial tension – there are often disputes between siblings, or between children
and parents. These range from minor to major incidents, allowing them to remain
honest and realistic in their portrayal of family life. This issue, however, is
represented in a manner which is unique to the dynamic of the family – for
example, issues surrounding adoption would not be relevant to a family consisting
of only parents and biological children
O Racism/Homophobia – as previously mentioned, the household is run by an
interracial couple, made up of two women. This brings alongside it issues of
prejudice and discrimination, which tackles problems within the wider society, as
well as the impact this has on family life.
O Adolescence – the majority of the cast is made up of young people, allowing the
series to remain identifiable to its target audience and be of the ‘teen drama’ sub-
genre. Issues such as teenage romance, identity, and parental tensions are
represented, all of which build drama whilst also prompting audience identification.
7. Technical Aspects
Lighting is generally altered in accordance with tone. For example, the
opening of the first episode displays low-key lighting during shots of the
protagonist is juvenile detention (as shown below), which then changes to
high-key lighting when displaying her soon-to-be foster mother waiting
outside. Similarly, camerawork is also used in order to communicate aspects
of narrative and character. This is commonly seen in romantic scenes,
wherein camera angles provide an insight into character emotion (for
example, through the use of a close-up shot), and also build tension (which
is conventional to the genre). An example of this can be seen in the image
below, wherein a combination of camerawork and focus manipulation allow
the characters to be seen ‘through’ a fence, giving the impression that they
are being watched.
8. Narrative
The Fosters currently has four seasons, all of which follow the same
general storyline. The narrative is generally linear, however often
includes non-linear flashbacks in order to establish character and create
links to present-time personality traits or actions – for example, clips of
the children in their previous foster homes. The gradual reveal of a
characters past allows for the introduction and interlinking of new,
dramatic plot twists, intended to keep the audience engaged and build up
a sense of suspense (which is conventional to the genre).
A multi-strand style is also
followed, allowing the
perspective of various
characters to be shown.
This engages viewers
through the use of
dramatic irony, whilst
further providing a more
diverse and particularistic
insight into each
character.
