The evolution of crime drama genres in television and society

Genre

Over the decades, genres have become increasingly popular. Simply put, a genre is when you are taking certain elements, within the way the shows are presented and changing them, to determine the theme of the television show. In this particular case, a crime drama would involve: the elements of crime / punishment and how they are changing with society. Evidence of these kinds of genre themes can be seen, by looking at the history of the genre. Where, most crime dramas began in many different books and magazines (before radio / television). Then, over the years this format would evolve when the basic layout would be implemented on the radio and television crime dramas. During this time, the standard format would often follow the various views and attitudes of society. With many of the early shows between the 1930's to the 1960's involving: the police doing all of the investigating and the crimes often happening to upper middle class families, usually involving a white male. (Cheatwood, 2010) Then, as the views and attitudes of society would change, so would the overall format. As the different shows would follow the same basic theme, yet they would embrace some new types of techniques. A good example of this can be seen with the crime drama CSI, where it would focus on the same theme, only with an emphasis on the technology and forensics. (Duetsch, 2008) This is significant, because it shows how the format of the shows, are constantly evolving, to adapt to the changes that are occurring in opinions and tastes. However, when you look beneath the surface, it is clear, that the ways these shows are presented and the way various crimes are investigated / prosecuted can be vastly different. To understand how the overall role of crime drama is evolving requires: looking at how the various formats have been presented (by showing a realistic view), the changes in the different formats over the years and how these changes are a reflection upon society itself. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as to how the crime drama is continuing to evolve, to reflect the changes in society and the world we live in.

Hypothesis / Research Questions

Obviously, the changes within society over the last several years and the way technology is being implemented in the field of criminology, has meant that the overall theme of crime dramas will continue to change. These changes are designed to instill realism, with the key elements of drama. At which point, the viewer would assume that this is a similar to how the criminal justice system operates. Yet in reality, the criminal justice system is slow and the process of investigating different crimes is often cumbersome as well as boring. To add the elements of excitement, many crime dramas will often incorporate certain aspects that are realistic, with fantasy. To test this hypothesis, an examination will be conducted by looking at: how the different formats are presented (by showing a realistic view), the changes in the different formats over the years and how these changes are a reflection upon society itself. This will answer the different questions of the research objectives to include:

1. In what ways have these shows changed, to reflect the transformation in viewer demographics?

2. How these shows are reflecting the changes in technology and tastes within society?

3. How these shows are different from the actual events or people they loosely depict?

Once these different questions have been answered, it will provide an understanding as to how these shows, are reflecting the views of society and the world at large.

Findings

The basic foundation for modern day television genres were established in popular magazines and on the radio. However, it was not until the end of World War II that the basic format would be developed. This was: to make the depiction of the different events seem as realistic as possible, by showing a variety of police investigative procedures and techniques. At the same time, they would inject elements of judicial realism, to give the plot that added feel of reality. Where, many different story lines would often focus on the inner workings of criminal investigations and their relationship with the alleged perpetrators. Where, shows such as Dragnet were known for their gritty touch of realism with the classic elements of drama. This is significant, because it highlights how these shows were able to maintain the same basic format, while having numerous mediums to deliver the story. As a result, the different elements of realism combined with drama, would continue to serve as the standard techniques used in these shows throughout the decades. This highlights a realistic view of society, by underscoring the hunger of the general public to see anything that is as close to reality as possible, while continuing to remain entertaining. (Duetsch, 2008)

However, as time went by, the overall format of these kinds of shows would continue to evolve. Where, as the views of society would change, so would the overall focus of the television shows. In some cases these changes are based upon technological advancement in investigative techniques (such as CSI). While at other times, the overall changes would be an attempt to highlight subtle changes in the demographic or the story line itself. These changes could be using a particular type of character to depict a certain person (such as the victim) or they could be used to add elements of sensationalism to the plot. A good example of this can be seen in a study that was conducted jointly, by Mississippi State University and the University of Northern Iowa. Where, they studied the different themes in some of the most popular crime dramas to include: CSI, Without a Trace and Law & Order SVU. What they found is that the favorability of the different characters is painted in various ways. With the victims, having a sense of personal responsibility for what happened to them; while, the offenders are often portrayed in more negative light. (Rader, 2009) In most cases, the victims are more often, females and are usually attacked by complete strangers. This is different from real life, where most crimes are committed against the victim, by someone they know. (Duetsch, 2008) At the same time, these shows will often focus on teams working and using different technology to solve a variety of crimes. Where, most programs will start out the same, by placing the viewer at the scene of the crime and then solving them, with little to no information. This common format is continually utilized on a variety of shows ranging from: Law and Order to CSI. The above information is significant, because it highlights how the overall role of the crime drama is evolving. While still focusing on the basic in workings of an investigation, as the writers have included the elements of: technology and science, as a part of these different shows. This is adding more realism to the program, while changing the format to reflect the interests and tastes of society. At the same time, it has evolved from the basic format, by focusing more on team work and taking the viewer directly to the scene of the crime. These elements have allowed the basic format to remain the same, while adapting to the changes in the tastes and interests of society. (Duetsch, 2008)

Another aspect that cannot be overlooked in the layout of the crime drama is: the ripped from the headlines format that are often utilized. This is when the writer for the television shows, will often use: the actual events that occurred in real life and change them for the show. Over the last several years, this basic format has proven to be very popular, with a number of different television programs. Where, this adds to the elements of realism and drama, helping to make the underlying plot more interesting. Yet, when you look beyond this fact, the use of these different lay outs have meant, that the truth can be stretched. (Collins, 2009) In some cases, real life criminals will often attempt to imitate what they saw on a television program or movies. A good example of this can be seen with the North Hollywood shootout in 1997. Where, the perpetrators were mirroring the techniques that they saw in the movie Heat. This was a 1995 film showing Robert De Niro as the main character. In one scene, they are a robbing bank and are met by the police as they coming out. A gun battle emerges between the robbers and law enforcement quickly ensues. At which point, the criminals outmaneuver the police and get away. In the case of the North Hollywood shootout, the criminal were met by the police and they began to engaging in the same kind of shootout, they saw in movie Heat. While the criminals did not get away, the fact that the attempted to use the same kind of tactics that they saw in the crime drama are obvious. (Sapprkuhl, 2010) This is significant, because it shows how the ripped from the headlines format has become increasingly popular in addressing the interests of the general public. Yet, it has also served as tutorial for criminals, where they will often distort fiction with reality. As a result, this highlights how the overall formats of the crime drama has continued to evolve, while reflecting the various interests and tastes of society at large.

The above information underscores, how the crime drama has continued to change as time went by. Where, it embraces the basic format of showing the inner workings of an investigation and the judicial process. However, over the years the layout of these kinds of genres has continued to evolve. Recently, the common themes have changed, where the victims are shown to be taking personal responsibility for being victimized. At the same time, these people are often depicted as females, who are attacked by complete strangers. This is important, because it shows how the underlying characters have changed, with the victim no longer being from an upper middle class family. Instead, they are now more than likely to be women, who are accepting responsibility for what happened. That being said, the format deviates slightly from the real world, as most crimes occur to a variety of people by people they know. Then, many different shows will often use technology and the ripped from the headlines format, to create that realistic feeling. This is important, because the reality-based layout, is attempting to address changes in the interests of the public, which have a fascination with anything that appears to be realistic. As a result, this highlights how the overall formats of the crime drama will embrace the same basic layout, while adapting to the changes that are taking place in society and the world around us.

Limitations of the Research

The research took a limited focus by: examining how the different formats are presented (by showing a realistic view), the changes in the different formats over the years and how these changes are a reflection upon society itself. Where, they would answer certain aspects that were an important part of the crime drama. However, when you look further, the overall scope of the study was limited by: not focusing on key demographics, finding specific changes that have occurred in the crime drama, not examining how the genre has evolved from the early days, by looking at a variety of formats and comparing them with what is being utilized. This information is important, because it highlights how a general aspect of the crime drama was identified by: the research and analysis that was conducted. Yet, when you look beyond the different generalities, it is clear that there are a number of variables that is causing the layout of this particular genre to change. In order to have a full understanding of what is taking place requires: looking at how these specific changes occurred, what was successful / unsuccessful and how they have changed the world entertainment. If these different variables could be examined in future research, it will provide a number of insights, as to the underlying trends that are occurring in the genre and what the crime drama in future will more than likely look like.

Conclusions

Clearly, the crime drama is continuing to evolve with the changes that are taking place in society. Where, these genres would often depict the inner workings of an investigation and the personalities behind them. As shows such as Dragnet would establish the basic layout, for the how the underlying story will be told each week. While, this basic theme has remained the same, the changes in the attitudes and tastes of society, have meant that more television shows would evolve. The most notable changes included: the way the different characters were presented, the use of science / technology and the ripped from the headlines format. These are important, because they would underscore the changes in the views of society and the viewing demographic. Where, more people were interested in watching crime dramas that would depict what was happening in the real world. While, having that touch of excitement to: keep the viewers on the edge of their seats. This is because the viewing demographic has become interested in voyeuristic type of viewing. Where, they want to comfortably watch realistic or loosely based on fact events occurring. At the same time, these shows have served as a mini tutorial for criminals (such as the North Hollywood shootout).These different viewpoints are significant, because they show how society and the world have changed. As more people are interested in seeing events unfolding that are as realistic as possible, while highlighting the values of society. As a result, this type of genre is a reflection of the good as well as bad in society and the world that we live in. With these shows, depicting events that are a reflection of: ourselves and who we will become. It is through examining the genre in this light that provides the greatest insights, as to how these programs are evolving, to reflect the changing attitudes and ideas of the viewing demographic.