Have you ever wondered why the writers of television shows try to fit as much drama and conflict within a relationship as they can into one episode? A perfect example would be the OC. Whether the fight or issues are between the parents Sandy and Kirsten or the son Seth and his girlfriend summer, or the adopted boy, Ryan and his girlfriend or love interest at the time, or even Kirsten’s friend Julie and her man.
The more relationships the more drama possibilities, the more drama, the more likely the viewer will be able to relate to at least one of the relationships and their issues. Personally I think that my relationship would relate more to Seth and Summer drama. For example, they are both teenagers and Seth had to pursue Summer and win over her affection. When I was in junior high I dated a guy for awhile and we had a really bad breakup. After that I was really closed off to any committed relationship in general. Jeremy, my current boyfriend, was really interested in me and I liked him but I was not ready to have a relationship, He never gave up and one valentines day he left a teddy bear and a note on my car at 6 in the morning before my dance practice telling me he would never give up on me. Needless to say, we have been dating for about 5 years, but valentines day will be our 2 year (official committed) anniversary. So I can relate to I guess the “chase” of their relationship.
Another example of Seth and Summer I can relate to is one of their breakups when Summer dates a nice guy named Zach but after while realizes she still has feelings for Seth. Although I was not officially dating Jeremy at the time, we took a break from each other and I started dating a guy named Danny. We were dating for about 2 months when little things started to remind me of Jeremy. I realized I still had feelings for Jeremy and I broke things off with Danny. Then eventually Jeremy and I started dating again.
I guess personally I can not relate to any of the other relationships in the show, because I am young and I have nothing in common with the “bad boy” Ryan and either of his girlfriends Marissa or Taylor. I still can relate to Seth and Summer, and I still have hope that one day I can relate to
13 comments:
This was very well put. From having watched the first and second seasons of the O.C. I can really see the different parts that can be pulled out. Very nice view and personality you are bring to the way you are writing.
I really liked how you questioned why the writers of tv shows like to put a lot of drama into the story lines. I think this is a general thing that a lot of people wonder about, and your explanation is a very good one in my opinion. I usually can identify myself with different relationships in tv shows, which is why I like to watch them. And, if there are a lot of different types of relationships and lots of drama going on, there is more of a chance that the viewer can identify and maybe have a personal interest in the show. Maybe talk about how different scenarios relate to different types of relationships or different kinds of people.
I have never watched the O.C. in my life but I like that you explored your topic by use of a personal situation. I like your opening question and I think a lot of related research could be done. For example, in research about the news, they've found that in the past couple of decades the coverage of hard news has greatly declined. In its place, there has been a great increase in the amount of 'sensational' news because the drama draws a greater number of viewers. If your interested in using any of this research, I can tell you where to find it.
Who would have thought that you guys would be together for such a long time! Do you think TV does a good job of portraying love? Do you think love was portrayed just as accurately in movies like Casablanca during the forties?
I think you're definitely right about tv shows trying to cram their one hour with as much drama as possible, because that is essentially what keeps the story intense. And with the Seth and Summer drama, I think a lot of couples are in a somewhat similar relationship to them, they have to fight for each other, they have to work at the relationship, but they still have fun and get along most of the time. The whole Ryan-Marissa intensely dramatic relationship seems more tv-made up than Seth and Summer's, so I think that it is harder for a lot of people to relate to. I used to be a huge fan of The OC and think that its really relative to our courtship topic!
I like how you mentioned that it seems like tv shows try to fit as much love drama as possible into one short segment. It makes me wonder how much this affects actual relationships and whether these shows might make some people feel that they must have similar drama in their own relationships.
Interesting point about the many different relationships and problems so that they can relate to all people. I can't say I can relate to any of those relationships but as a viewer I liked watching the show because I was glad it wasn't happening to me. Almost like a step away from reality...
It's very interesting to see how many parallels you can draw from just one series. I'd like to see you broaden the topic and possibly explore some overlaying truths about the dating scene.
TV definetely demonstrates a lot about our behaviors and why we do the things we do. What about talking about what makes a show successful? It is rare these days that a sitcom makes it all the way through the year...as reality TV has taken over the world. Maybe research why sitcoms are on the decline? and are reality shows really that "real"?
I liked how you could relate your own personal life to an actual TV series, very interesting, yet cool to know you're not the only one out there going through tough times.
The initial question was well put, but you must understand that while tv shows like the OC and Real World attempt to put as much drama into one segment as possible because they realize exactly how much drama exists inside each relationship. Look at your own for example (you used the case yourself) how much drama exists between you and your boyfriend, now judging by your perspective on the situation he is the one that initiates the drama type situations. He is probibly the cute, sweet, and lovable guy that also has a sort of jealous side that causes all sorts of constraints and leads to an amount of drama and frusturation that far exceeds what is portrayed in a tv show. So, then my question to you is that are tv shows overportraying reality or just augmenting typical relationship drama and turmoil into a short length all drama episode that people can connect with because they feel like they can relate to sense their relationship isn't nearly as dramatic or tumoltious or that they (being the couple) are just like the tv actors, and therefore don't see their relationship as overdramatic.
First of all, the OC is totally my favorite show. Or at least it used to be, it kind of sucks this season...sadly. But I enjoyed your post! Why do they have to put so much drama into one episode? I'm always thinking, all of this stuff would never happen all at once. No one's life sucks that bad. But yeah, I like how you kind of brought out the fact that that stuff isn't reality yet writers use common problems to relate and draw in viewrs
Oh how I love The OC and Kirsten and Sandy! I think TV in general and The OC is a great topic because there are so many different types of relationships shown. Like you said, TV keeps viewers hooked with the drama and they squeeze so many possible things to discuss for this assignment just into one episode. I like how you included your personal story, it really adds to your ethos and shows how you relate to this topic.
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