The noun 'Tardis', taken from the Oxford Dictionary website. The noun becoming an official word and being published in dictionaries displays the global power which the BBC holds by broadcasting Doctor Who. It shows the immense loyalty which the fans and viewers hold to the show. Originally, the show was made for children hence why, Susan Foreman, a 15 year old girl is in the cast but now it has a become a worldwide sensation watched by all.
|
Susan Foreman is a 15 year old girl who time travels through space with her grandfather. In 1963, an old man travelling with a young girl would have been vastly inappropriate therefore Susan Foreman was cast as the Doctor's granddaughter. She is a relatable character for teenagers that watch the show. However, it is very distinguishable, even in the first episode of the series, that the girl is overtly intelligent and questions many ideas. She is a sort of translator for the naive audience of the 1960's so they can understand sci-fi elements of the narrative. She also explains the Doctor's outbursts to Ian and Barbara. This is also another form of exposition. Susan is somewhat of a mediator since she brings the human world and a more alienated world together.
|
Barbara Wright and Ian Chesterton are middle classed teachers to whom the Doctor explains everything to so the audience understands as well and are able to relate to them. This is known as exposition. When they are told absurd and unrealistic things, their reactions can be relatable for the audience since things are new to them as well. Barbara and Ian have distinct gender roles and offer advice to the Doctor due to their knowledge on science and history. Since Susan has had no parental guidance, Ian and Barbara can be seen as taking on a mother and father role for Susan because of her vulnerability and naivety. Gender stereotypes from the 1960's have been applied to Ian and Barbara since Ian is quite physical and violent whereas Barbara is quite caring, sympathetic and loving. |
Doctor Who represents the newly emerging age of technology, a new world full of discoveries. He is a time lord from the planet Gallifrey. Whenever he travels in time, the Doctor always has human companions which act as surrogates that ask questions in order for the Doctor to provide relevant exposition for easy understanding amongst the audience. The Doctor is associated with extraterrestrials and is seen as a time lord which travels between different dimensions and time frames to make the world a better place. By portraying the Doctor's character like this, the show is already representing the countless technological advancements which were taking place in the early 60's. His character generates curiosity amongst the audience about things which are yet to be discovered.
|
Narrative of 'Co-owner of a Lonely Heart'
In Class, the narrative structure in each episode is built upon the idea of a multi-strand narrative. A multi-strand narrative features a range of plots gradually building up along each episode. Therefore, in each episode, there are key narratives which are focused on. It is used in an attempt to make the series more appealing to a wider audience because if a viewer doesn't like the romantic side of the episode, there would still be a plot based on action and another one based on drama. For example, in episode 4 'Co-owner of a Lonely Heart', the two main narratives being focused on are April's and Corakinus' but then the recap focuses on the action filled battle which lead to April sharing a heart with the Shadow Kin. Finally, many smaller plots run alongside such as the invasion of predatory flowers, Quill discussing her freedom with the Headteacher, Charlie and his boyfriend, Tanya protecting Quill and so many more which all lead into the next episode. |
Intertextuality in Class
What is intertextuality?
The clip on the left shows the appearance by the Doctor in the first episode. As in Doctor Who, the doctor in Class is also portrayed as the savior, the one who pulls them out of the conflict. Also, below are two pictures from both series' showing how much Class resembles to the original show, with the same school and name! The name of the school appeared on the first and 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who so would be considered as 'insider knowledge' to fans of the original show. |
|