Life On Mars

Question 1

Producers

Answer 1

BBC

Question 2

BBC Remit

Answer 2

BBC = PSB funded by public license fees
Remit = 'Inform educate entertain'

Question 3

Scheduling

Answer 3

9PM, prime time post watershed slot = can show more adult scenes

Sandwiched between two successful existing shows to retain audiences.

Question 4

Marketing

Answer 4

Retro style to target older audiences
References in the show to older times (nostalgia)
BBC released soundtrack to appeal to fans of 70s music
Merchandise + spin off book

Question 5

Success

Answer 5

2 series in the UK building a cult fan base
Show was remade for new countries, (Hesmondhalgh’s theory of minimal risk)
A spin off called Ashes to ashes was made.

Question 6

Post Colonialism (Gilroy)

Answer 6

• 2006, Maya Roy was the only ethnic minority, she can be seen as a representation of the of progression and social change in society
• 1973, no ethnic minorities due to prominent racism in this time, the police are represented as highly misogynistic to women.

Question 7

Binary Opposites

Answer 7

Male Vs Female
Police Vs Criminal
2006 Vs 1973

Question 8

Representation - Gene Hunt

Answer 8

Fulfills the negative stereotype of the hyper masculinity, egocentric male due to his aggressive and violent manner.

Question 9

Representation - Maya as emotional and weak

Answer 9

• Maya reacts emotionally to Sam dismissing her from the case
• She thinks emotionally rather than logically by going back to the crime scene alone resulting in her abduction
• Also her being abducted by a man portrays her as weak

Question 10

Representation - Masculine Settings

Answer 10

Pubs, Police Stations. Women are objectified in both these settings.

Question 11

Gauntletts Theories in Life On Mars

Answer 11

Representations of men/women in the show could promote sexist views on men and woman in real life.

Question 12

Life On Mars - bell hooks

Answer 12

• The mistreatment Annie receives is purely because of gender
• The absence and marginalisation of women is clear from phrases like “Trot along now sweetheart” being used at Annie
• These attitudes of the police conform to bell hooks theory

Question 13

Audience Response

Answer 13

• 8.3 average IMDb rating
• International Emmy for best drama series
• 9 wins and 30 nominations
• Series 2 nominated for Most Popular Drama series