11.1 Techniques for subverting genre expectations
4 min read•july 30, 2024
Genre subversion in TV shakes up our expectations. By deconstructing familiar elements, blending genres, and casting against type, shows challenge us to see things differently. These techniques can breathe new life into tired formulas.
Subverting conventions isn't just about shock value. It can spark social critique, give voice to untold stories, and expand the boundaries of storytelling. When done well, it invites us to question assumptions and see genres in a whole new light.
Subverting Genre Conventions in Television
Methods of Subversion
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- Deconstruction takes apart familiar elements of a genre to expose underlying assumptions, biases or artificiality of conventions
- Challenges audience to question genre
- Reveals hidden structures, patterns and limitations that underlie a genre
- Invites audiences to question assumptions and messages embedded in the genre
- and satire imitate and exaggerate style and conventions of a genre for comedic effect
- Often mock or critique the genre
- Subversive humor points out absurdities or cliches
- Most effective when they have a clear critical target and make a thoughtful point beyond simple jokes
- Humor should punch up, not down
- Genre-blending mixes and combines elements of multiple genres together in unconventional ways
- Goes against the "purity" of a genre
- Creates unique and unpredictable stories through hybridization
- Most successful when mashup feels organic and synergistic, not gimmicky or disconnected (sci-fi Western, horror comedy)
- Combinations should be meaningful, not random
- Unconventional casting selects actors who go against physical, cultural, or gender stereotypes typically associated with character
- Challenges assumptions about what types of characters belong in certain genres
- Powerful when it opens up new layers of subtext and theme based on actor's identity
- Should be purposeful casting, not blind to race, gender, etc.
- Reimagining a genre through an alternative perspective subverts expectations by filtering the genre through a drastically different lens
- Examples: setting a Western in space, telling a detective noir through a child's eyes
- Effective when they commit to authenticity of new lens and explore it fully and respectfully
- Fails if alternative perspective is just a surface-level gimmick
Understanding Subversion
- Most impactful subversions understand and appreciate the genre they are subverting
- Superficial subversion is less meaningful than knowledgeable engagement with genre
- Genre conventions are common themes, plot elements, character archetypes, settings, and stylistic techniques that define and distinguish different genres
- Subverting conventions means deliberately breaking or twisting them
- Subversion shocks and surprises audiences by deliberately going against expectations
- Jolt captures attention and provokes audiences to engage more deeply with the material
- Playing against expectations creates opportunities for plot twists, new takes on archetypes, novel interpretations of generic symbols and aesthetics
- Refreshes genres with original ideas
Meaning Through Subverted Expectations
Social Critique
- Subversion can critique problematic elements of a genre by exaggerating or inverting those elements
- Targets issues like gender stereotyping, glorification of violence, or cliched storytelling
- Advocates for change through social commentary
- Reimagining genre from alternative, marginalized perspectives gives voice to untold stories and histories
- Inclusion expands representation and reshapes the genre
- Challenges erasure of certain narratives in conventional genre stories
Expanding Genre Boundaries
- Subversive genre-blending generates new emotional experiences and complex themes
- Juxtaposes conflicting tones, styles and expectations of different genres
- Expands boundaries and possibilities of genre storytelling
- Breaking conventions reveals hidden structures and limitations of a genre
- Exposed artifice invites audiences to question assumptions and messages embedded in genre
- Opens up space for original ideas and novel interpretations to refresh genres
Effectiveness of Subversive Techniques
Accessibility Challenges
- Deconstruction can be too subtle or abstract for mainstream audiences
- Requires framing to help viewers recognize the meta-commentary
- Cerebral technique that may have niche appeal
- Avant-garde subversions may win over critics and fans who crave novelty
- But risk alienating mainstream viewers who have rigid expectations
- Balancing edginess with accessibility is challenging
Superficiality and Gimmicks
- Failed attempts at subversion can come across as cheap gimmicks
- Parodies that fall flat or "stunt" casting generate controversy
- Undermines credibility of the show
- Alternative perspectives fail if they are just surface-level gimmicks
- Must commit to authentically exploring new lens fully and respectfully
- Subversion for its own sake is hollow
- Most meaningful subversions have insightful commentary on genre and real-world issues it reflects
Risks and Rewards of Subversion
Creative Opportunities and Constraints
- Subverting conventions can be liberating for showrunners and writers
- Allows breaking out of cliches and formulas to tell new kinds of stories
- But straying too far from convention can make a show hard to market
- Successful subversions can become influential touchstones that reshape a genre
- Establish a show as groundbreaking classic
- But copycats can dilute that impact into a new formula
Audience Reactions
- Some fans and traditionalists may feel betrayed when a beloved genre is radically subverted
- Creators may be accused of disrespecting the genre
- But subversion can also reenergize a genre for new generations
- Subversions may have niche audience and critical appeal
- But risk alienating mainstream viewers who crave familiarity
- Balancing novelty with accessibility is key
Key Terms to Review (18)
Archetypes: Archetypes are universally recognized symbols, themes, or characters that recur across different stories and genres, serving as foundational elements in storytelling. These archetypal figures help to convey familiar ideas and emotions, making narratives relatable and accessible. They play a crucial role in the development of subgenres and variations, influence classification systems as genres evolve, and can be creatively subverted to challenge audience expectations.
Audience familiarity: Audience familiarity refers to the level of recognition and understanding that viewers have regarding the conventions, themes, and tropes associated with specific genres of television. This familiarity allows audiences to predict narrative developments and character behaviors based on their prior experiences with similar shows, influencing how they engage with new content and the expectations they bring to it.
Breaking Bad: Breaking Bad is a critically acclaimed drama series that aired from 2008 to 2013, following the transformation of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer. The show exemplifies how drama series can evolve over time to address complex themes such as morality, identity, and the consequences of choices, reflecting changing audience expectations and societal issues.
David Lynch: David Lynch is an influential American filmmaker and television creator known for his distinctive surreal style, blending elements of mystery, horror, and dark humor. His work often subverts genre expectations by presenting familiar tropes in unconventional ways, creating an atmosphere that challenges viewers’ perceptions of reality and narrative structure.
Disruption: Disruption refers to the intentional break from established norms or conventions within a genre, creating unexpected twists that challenge audience expectations. It serves as a catalyst for innovation, allowing creators to redefine genre boundaries and introduce fresh narratives that engage viewers in new ways. By disrupting traditional storytelling techniques, narratives can provoke thought and elicit stronger emotional responses from the audience.
Dramedy: A dramedy is a television genre that blends elements of drama and comedy, creating a narrative that balances humor with serious themes. This hybrid genre often reflects the complexities of real life, allowing for both poignant and humorous moments, and it has become a popular format in contemporary TV.
Genre bending: Genre bending refers to the blending or merging of elements from different genres to create a unique narrative experience that defies traditional classification. This technique challenges audience expectations and expands the boundaries of storytelling by incorporating characteristics from multiple genres, allowing for more diverse and innovative narratives.
Genre expectations: Genre expectations refer to the audience's preconceived notions and anticipations about the elements and storytelling conventions associated with a particular genre. These expectations are shaped by cultural norms, previous experiences with similar content, and the established conventions within specific genres. Understanding genre expectations is crucial for creators to meet, subvert, or blend these conventions effectively in their work.
Genre hybridization: Genre hybridization refers to the blending of different genres to create new forms of storytelling, where elements of multiple genres are combined to appeal to diverse audience preferences. This fusion allows for innovative narrative structures, unique character developments, and the ability to subvert traditional genre expectations, enhancing both creative expression and commercial viability.
Narrative twists: Narrative twists are unexpected developments in a story that change the direction of the plot or reveal new information, often surprising both the characters and the audience. These twists can subvert genre expectations by challenging traditional storytelling conventions, leading to a more engaging and thought-provoking experience for viewers. When executed well, narrative twists can redefine a story's meaning and keep audiences invested until the very end.
Parody: Parody is a comedic technique that imitates the style or content of a particular work, genre, or cultural phenomenon, often exaggerating its features for humorous effect. It serves to both entertain and critique by highlighting the absurdities or clichés within the original source. This technique plays a vital role in analyzing and reflecting on different sitcom styles, cultural impacts, structural elements, and genre expectations.
Pastiche: Pastiche is a creative work that imitates the style or character of other works, often blending elements from multiple genres to create something new and unique. This technique celebrates the original pieces it draws from while also allowing for innovation, making it a popular method in contemporary storytelling and genre blending.
Reinvention: Reinvention refers to the process of creatively transforming or reinterpreting existing ideas, formats, or conventions within a specific genre to create something fresh and unexpected. This concept is crucial for creators who wish to engage audiences by challenging traditional genre norms and introducing new narratives or stylistic elements.
Satirical comedy: Satirical comedy is a genre that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock social, political, or cultural issues. It often challenges the status quo by highlighting absurdities and flaws in society, prompting audiences to reflect on serious topics while being entertained. This type of comedy frequently subverts traditional genre expectations by blending humor with pointed commentary, allowing for both laughter and critical thought.
Subversive storytelling: Subversive storytelling is a narrative technique that challenges and undermines traditional genre conventions and expectations, often to provoke thought or convey deeper social commentary. This approach can create unexpected twists, present characters that defy stereotypes, or subvert plotlines to reflect a more complex reality. By doing so, it encourages audiences to question established norms and engage with the material on a critical level.
The Good Place: The Good Place is a unique television series that blends elements of comedy, fantasy, and philosophical inquiry, focusing on themes of morality, ethics, and what it means to be good. This show innovatively combines the traditional sitcom format with deeper existential questions, resulting in a refreshing take on the genre that reflects modern storytelling trends.
Tropes: Tropes are recurring themes, motifs, or conventions that appear across different works within a genre. They serve as shorthand for familiar concepts and expectations, helping creators to convey ideas quickly and audiences to understand narratives based on established patterns. Tropes are integral to understanding subgenres and variations, classification systems, and techniques for subverting expectations in storytelling.
Vince Gilligan: Vince Gilligan is a television writer, producer, and director best known for creating the critically acclaimed series 'Breaking Bad' and its spin-off 'Better Call Saul'. His work often subverts genre expectations by blending elements of drama, crime, and dark humor, challenging the traditional storytelling techniques associated with these genres.