🥹TV Genres Unit 11 – Genre Subversions: Challenging Conventions

What's Genre Subversion?

• Genre subversion involves breaking or challenging the established conventions and tropes of a specific genre
• Subverting genre expectations can create fresh, unexpected, and thought-provoking stories that stand out from the crowd
• Writers and directors deliberately twist or undermine familiar genre elements to surprise and engage the audience
• Genre subversion can range from subtle tweaks to radical departures from the norm
• Subverting genres allows creators to comment on, critique, or parody the conventions and clichés associated with a particular genre
• By defying expectations, genre subversion encourages viewers to question their assumptions and look at familiar stories in a new light
• Examples of genre subversion include:
  • A romantic comedy where the leads don't end up together (500 Days of Summer)
  • A superhero movie that deconstructs the concept of heroism (Watchmen)

Classic Genre Rules

• Each genre has its own set of conventions, tropes, and expectations that have been established over time
• These conventions help define the genre and create a sense of familiarity for the audience
• For example, in a typical sitcom:
  • The story is usually set in a limited number of locations (apartments, workplaces)
  • The characters often face humorous, everyday problems that are resolved by the end of the episode
  • There is a laugh track or live studio audience
• In a classic western, common elements include:
  • A hero with a mysterious past
  • A showdown between the hero and the villain
  • A setting in the American Old West
• Genres also have their own visual and audio cues, such as the use of dark, shadowy lighting in film noir or the inclusion of a wise, older mentor figure in many fantasy stories
• Understanding these classic genre rules is essential for writers and directors who want to subvert them effectively

Why Mess with Genres?

• Subverting genres allows creators to break free from the constraints of traditional storytelling and explore new creative possibilities
• By challenging genre conventions, writers and directors can create stories that feel fresh, original, and unpredictable
• Genre subversion can be used to address social, political, or cultural issues in a unique and thought-provoking way
• Twisting genre expectations can help a TV show or movie stand out in a crowded market and attract audiences looking for something different
• Subverting genres can also be a way for creators to put their own unique stamp on a familiar story or genre
• Genre subversion allows for a deeper exploration of characters and themes by breaking away from the limitations imposed by strict adherence to genre conventions
• By defying expectations, genre subversion can create a more engaging and memorable viewing experience for the audience

Famous Genre-Benders

• The Twilight Zone (1959-1964): This anthology series subverted multiple genres, including science fiction, horror, and fantasy, often with unexpected twists and social commentary
• Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017): David Lynch's surreal crime drama subverted the conventions of the detective genre, blending mystery, horror, and dark humor in a unique and unsettling way
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003): Joss Whedon's series subverted the horror genre by making the blonde teenage girl, typically a victim in horror stories, the powerful hero who fights against supernatural threats
• The Sopranos (1999-2007): This groundbreaking series subverted the mafia genre by focusing on the personal life and mental health struggles of a mob boss, Tony Soprano
• Westworld (2016-present): This science fiction series subverts the Western genre by setting the story in a futuristic theme park populated by artificial beings, blurring the lines between human and machine
• Russian Doll (2019-present): This comedy-drama subverts the time loop genre by having the protagonist repeatedly die and relive the same night, using the premise to explore deeper themes of trauma, self-discovery, and human connection

Techniques for Subverting Expectations

• Blending genres: Combining elements from different genres to create a unique and unexpected story (Firefly: space Western)
• Role reversal: Subverting traditional character roles or archetypes (e.g., making the villain the protagonist or the hero the antagonist)
• Deconstruction: Taking apart genre tropes and conventions to examine or critique them (Watchmen, a superhero story that questions the morality and motivations of costumed vigilantes)
• Meta-commentary: Incorporating self-aware or self-referential elements that comment on the genre itself (Community, a sitcom that often parodied and deconstructed sitcom tropes)
• Unexpected endings: Defying the typical resolution or conclusion expected in a particular genre (The Sopranos' ambiguous final scene)
• Subverting character arcs: Having characters develop in ways that challenge genre expectations (Walter White's transformation from protagonist to antagonist in Breaking Bad)
• Playing with tone: Mixing tones or shifting between them in unexpected ways (Fargo, a crime drama that balances dark humor and violence)
• Challenging moral conventions: Presenting morally ambiguous or complex characters and situations that defy the clear-cut morality often associated with certain genres (The Shield, a police drama featuring corrupt cops as the main characters)

Impact on Viewers and Critics

• Genre subversion can lead to a more engaging and intellectually stimulating viewing experience for the audience
• Subverting expectations can create a sense of surprise, shock, or delight in viewers, making the story more memorable and impactful
• Critics often praise TV shows and movies that successfully subvert genres for their originality, creativity, and ability to challenge conventions
• Genre subversion can spark discussions and debates among viewers and critics about the nature of storytelling, the role of genres, and the possibilities for innovation in television and film
• Subverting genres can also help a TV show or movie stand out in a crowded market and attract attention from audiences and critics alike
• However, genre subversion can also be polarizing, as some viewers may feel alienated or frustrated by the departure from familiar conventions
• Unsuccessful attempts at genre subversion can come across as gimmicky, contrived, or self-indulgent, leading to negative reviews and audience reactions
• Ultimately, the impact of genre subversion depends on the skill and vision of the creators, as well as the receptiveness of the audience to new and unconventional storytelling approaches

Evolution of TV Genres

• As society, culture, and technology evolve, so do the genres and conventions of television storytelling
• New subgenres emerge as creators combine and remix elements from existing genres to create fresh and innovative stories (e.g., the rise of the "dramedy" in the 1980s and 1990s, blending drama and comedy)
• Changing social norms and values influence the way genres are portrayed and subverted (e.g., the increasing representation of diverse characters and perspectives in various genres)
• Technological advancements, such as streaming platforms and high-definition cameras, have opened up new possibilities for genre experimentation and subversion (e.g., the rise of long-form, serialized storytelling on streaming platforms)
• The success of groundbreaking genre-bending shows can inspire other creators to push the boundaries of their respective genres (e.g., the influence of The Sopranos on subsequent prestige dramas)
• As audiences become more familiar with genre conventions, creators must continually find new ways to subvert expectations and keep viewers engaged
• The cyclical nature of genre popularity and subversion: as a subverted genre becomes more mainstream, new subversions emerge to challenge the new status quo
• The ongoing evolution of TV genres demonstrates the importance of genre subversion in keeping the medium fresh, relevant, and innovative

Creating Your Own Genre Twist

• Start by identifying the key conventions and tropes of the genre you want to subvert
• Consider which elements you want to challenge, undermine, or reinterpret in your story
• Develop characters that defy the typical archetypes associated with the genre (e.g., a reluctant, morally ambiguous hero in a traditional adventure story)
• Blend elements from different genres to create a unique and unexpected combination (e.g., a romantic comedy set in a post-apocalyptic world)
• Subvert the expected plot structure or resolution of the genre (e.g., a mystery where the crime is never fully solved)
• Use the genre subversion to comment on or critique social, political, or cultural issues relevant to your story and audience
• Play with tone and style to create a distinct atmosphere that sets your story apart from others in the genre (e.g., a gritty, realistic take on a typically glamorous or idealized genre)
• Continuously challenge yourself to find new ways to surprise and engage your audience while staying true to the core themes and emotions of your story
• Remember that successful genre subversion requires a deep understanding and appreciation of the genre itself, as well as the skill and creativity to twist it in meaningful and impactful ways