Media Theory Revision Guide
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Life on Mars
Transformation and ideology
Todorov
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Sam’s desire to return to his year 2000 life is ideologically significant. The show's disequilibrium is constructed through Sam's decent into the racist, homophobic and sexist world of his 1970's past - a world that is symbolically represented by Gene Hunt’s (potentially) villainous leadership.
In true Todorovian style, Sam’s quest to defeat Gene positions the audience to agree, ideologically speaking, with the hero’s more accepting worldview. What is truly interesting about the Life on Mars/Ashes to Ashes overarching story arc is the way that Gene comes to supplant Sam as the hero of the story.
Todorov might suggest this offers the true new equilibrium of the show in that DCI Hunt effects an attitudinal transformation - transitioning from the shows's hyper-masculine antagonist to become more aligned to the 'new man' stereotype prevalent in 1990's drama. His acceptance of this new set of ideologies, moreoever, provides the audience with a transformation template that they can similarly deploy.
Narrative transformation
Todorov argues that heroes often transform their outlooks or attitudes to others in order to complete story quests. These changes model behaviours/outlooks that audiences are encouraged to copy.
Media terminology used
New equilibrium
The third act of Todorov's narrative ideal. The stage where the hero restores narrative balance and the the hero's quest is completed.
Ideology
Refers to the unwritten rules that govern how we act or that define socially acceptable behaviours. The media plays a crucial role in shaping and communicating these invisible rules.