Theory and Framework

Applying Todorov's theory to a whole season (homelands)

Introduction Recipe 

1. Explain the theory to demonstrate you know the theory 
2. explain your argument relating how to apply the theory to the case study
3.  say which case study you are going to write about

A star essay

1. S.P.A.G
2. theory
3. terminology
4. context - political and cultural

Paragraph one formula

1. discuss how the equilibrium can be applied to the tv drama you have studied
2.  use lots of texts references to show you have watched and revised the tv show
3. show counter arguments
4. also discuss how each episode could have the theory applied to it
5. link back to how helpful it is to apply the theory to the case study
6. discuss the equilibrium

paragraph 2

1. discuss how todorov's theory of disruption can be linked to the first episode of the case studies
2. discuss the pattern of disruption throughout season one
3. link back to question and discuss how the theory can be linked to both TV and film
4. own options

Paragraph 3 

1.  talk about resolutions / attempted resolutions
2. how does this differ from films (Todorov's intended meaning for the theory)
3. talk about there is no resolution = no equilibrium 

Conclusion

1. show knowledge of theory
2. argue both for and against the helpfulness of applying the theory to a TV drama
3. explains on how parts of the theory can or can't be applied to the case study
4. own opinions on point 3
5. link back to the question.

Evaluate the relevance of Todorov's theory of narratology to long form television drama.

In 1969 Todorov came up with a theory that all narratives are based on three key parts, an equilibrium, a disruption and a resolution. Todorov intended for this theory to be applied to films, however this theory is partly applicable to long form television drama as well. the U.S. television drama 'Homelands' partly follows this theory. Applying the theory to TV dramas can help to revile  the complex structures that help make to make them either a complete success or a complete failure. however the theory was intended to be used for films. I will now explore how useful this theory can be when applied to TV dramas.

In Todorov's theory it is said that all narratives start with an equilibrium. the TV drama Homelands does not follow this theory. At the very start of episode one season one we are introduced to one of the main characters of the show, Carrie Mathison. When we are introduced to her character she is frantically trying to negotiate the release of a political prisoner from a prison in Baghdad. she isn't successful  when applying Todorov's theory to the series this starting point would be classed as a disruption. As the episode continues the narrative of the show jumps eight years to the future showing us that events in Baghdad where a past memory to the character. The show the settles into what would be classed an equilibrium within the episode. this is short lived however, as within the same episode we discover  that a U.S. marine, Sargent Nicholas Brody, has been found in a terrorist compound after having gone missing eight years ago. this revelation within the episode sets up the narrative for the series as a whole. Todorov's theory is helpful when analysing the first episode of homelands as it helps to work put what aspects of the narrative are the key players. For example, by using Todorov's theory we can decipher that the events set in Baghdad where a disruption, instead of an equilibrium. the equilibrium of the episode has been strangely placed in comparison to Todorov's theory. Having a disruption before an equilibrium helps to make the show more engaging for the audience and helps to connote the genre of the show itself. 'Homelands' is a crime thriller tv drama, this is connoted by having a disruption at the very start of the episode. This early disruption helps to show that there will be many plot lines and chaos within the narrative of the show.