Television Criticism
Writing Assignment 2
Due March 5
Serial Drama
This assignment should be titled "The Yin and Yang of _____" (insert the name of the show you are using). Select any serial drama, preferably one of the top 20 highest rated shows.*
The first paragraph reads as follows:
Any causal observer is likely to think that that [SHOW TITLE] owes its success to [insert obvious things here]. What really makes the show work, however, is none of that. It's the juxtaposition of two characters, opposite in every way, who together create a dynamic that makes [SHOW] so interesting and produces the ratings it gets.
Your mission: select two characters in the cast and explain why the should be considered "opposites" and what the combination of the two produces that makes the show work. You will be at an advantage if you pick a show you already are familiar with (as is the reader) and one that you probably enjoy.
Pick two unrelated characters for your essay (don't use a couple or siblings). You are invited to be creative in how you frame their "oppositeness" and what motivations or characteristics you attribute to them.
Expectations for all writing assignment
Tip: Outline your essay first to make sure your organization is good.
*Obvious
possibilities include ER, House, Grey's Anatomy, CSI, CSI: