Media studies – TV
Narrative


Media Language Page 16
WJEC

Can you identify the various stages of the narrative in Episode 1 of Hinterland?


TODOROVIAN STRUCTURE -

EQUILIBRIUM

Mathias arrives, new job in Aberystwyth

DISRUPTION

Called to investigate disappearance of Helen Jenkins

RECOGNITION

Children’s home and Devil’s Bridge revelations

RESOLUTION

Attempts to resolve the disequilibrium – the case

EQUILIBRIUM

Is there full closure? Revelations at end? All mysteries solved – or are they?

Would we expect full closure in an episodic drama? Cliffhangers?

Are all these stages completely realised in Episode 1? Why?

We would not expect complete closure because of the serial nature of the narrative. Some story arcs, e.g. Mathias’ backstory, his wife and daughter; Prosser and his role, will continue over a number of episodes. The narrative relies on enigmas to maintain a repeat audience

Is there causality? Can you identify cause/effect links?

Hints: Maecenas placerat, dolor vel fringilla fermentum, nisl justo hendrerit arcu, nec fermentum leo justo varius lorem. Vestibulum convallis euismod dui eu feugiat. Vestibulum massa magna, luctus at arcu eu, commodo consequat lacus. Aenean scelerisque felis vitae pellentesque iaculis.