This document discusses the representation of disability in the TV drama Pretty Little Liars. It focuses on the character Jenna, who is blind. Stereotypes of disabled people often portray them as unable to participate normally, as burdens, or as objects of curiosity or violence. The analysis shows how Jenna is initially presented through camera techniques and music as a somewhat dangerous figure who causes fear, rebelling against stereotypes of disability making her weak. Later shots show her vulnerability as she uses her cane as a barrier between herself and the other characters. Non-diegetic music builds tension between Jenna and the other girls in the scene.

1. What are the issues that surround the representation of different groups in
TV Drama?
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Chosen TV Drama: Pretty Little Liars
Pretty Little Liars is a dramatized, American television programme based in a small town in
America. The main setting for this programme is the high school in which all of the main
characters attend. The story is based around 4 girls; Hanna, Aria, Emily and Spencer. Over
the seasons’ we see their whole world get turned upside down.
However, the character that I will be talking about is a young, blind girl named Jenna. Jenna
because blind when one of the girls’ friends set off a firework in a shed whilst she was still
inside, this left her blind.
Disability is something that is rarely represented in a television drama; however when it is a
person who has some form of disability tends to be made inferior compared to the rest of
the characters in the programme. This could be down to sensitivity of the topic or that it is
inappropriate and not needed as a part of the story line.
People with disabilities are often seen as the following:
Unable to participate in everyday life
The enemy
Laughable
Pitiable or pathetic
An object of curiosity or violence
As a burden
And many more!
Many people who have disabilities are able to carry out things as those without disabilities
would be able to. For example just because Jenna is unable to see does not mean that she is
unable to sense that someone is there and hold a conversation with them. Below I will now
talk about how some of these stereotypes are expressed in this television drama.
When Jenna enters the scene and descends down the corridor, (0:49) non-diegetic sound is
edited over the top of the scene revealing an almost dangerous and tense vibe to the
audience suggesting that this character that has just appeared is somewhat dangerous,
maybe not to herself, but to others also. We start with a wide mid shot where we not only
get to see the harsh facial expressions of Jenna, but also of those who are around her. Many
people tend to stop and stare at her as she walks past, unaware of the commotion that she
seems to be causing. The worried looks on the face of those her, including two of the main
characters Aria and Emily evokes a sense of fear of this character which can be channelled
through the dark clothing, glasses and hair that she possesses. The darkness of these props
signifies that this character has something to hide and is not somebody who should be
messed with.

2. A few seconds later at 0:53, a close up shot is used to highlight the terrified look that Hanna
expresses on her face suggesting that her and Jenna do not get on and that Jenna is
someone who rebels against the “norm” of a person who has a disability being weak and
pathetic; someone who is unable to fend for themselves.
Later on at 1:14, a tilt shot is used to highlight that Jenna is in a new room. It reveals her
facial expressions and also introduces the setting and her surroundings; including the
entrance of the four main characters Hanna, Aria, Emily and Spencer. The introduction of
these characters is completed using an over the shoulder shot which is effective as we are
still able to see the facial expressions of Jenna as the girls enter. When Jenna realises who
has entered the room she uses her white stick as a metaphorical barrier which stands
between her and the girls. This is the first time in the small clip in which we see her
vulnerable side which is very rare as she comes across as an extremely strong character.
When the girls start talking to one another, non-diegetic sound is added over the top to
increase the tension between the two parties of people. Non-diegetic music is usually added
to a scene when there is a silence or the producers are trying to build tension within a scene
where the outcome is that the audience feel like they are on the edge of their seats.