Class: Co-Owner of a Lonely Heart

Language

1) Write an NCIS analysis for the episode - using notes from the screening in class. Make specific, detailed reference to moments in the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots and movement, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

Co-owner of a Lonely Heart

Narrative: The episode starts with the shadow king trying to anchor his heart to stop him sharing it with April; this ultimately fails, causing his and April's connection to grow even stronger. April with her enhanced powers becomes increasingly aggressive, leading to her destroying her locker. Ram sees this and recommends they miss last period to calm her down. While in Ram's car, April's Dad confronts them, leading to April attacking her father with swords that she summoned during this angered rage. After her father runs away, Ram takes April home, and they both talk in her room. After a while they have sex and April's mother walks in on this. Justifiably angered, her mother has a conversation with both Ram and April, only to find out about her Father's earlier confrontation with April. Ram leaves and, while chasing after Ram, April bumps into her father. After being so closely connected to Corakinus, April lashes out in a rage of fury, brandishing swords as she threatens her father Ram, and soon after the other teens, all witness this happen. April then stops her seemingly frenzied attack and turns her attention to her mother, who she then heals of her paralysis, before quickly being found by Corakinus. After being discovered, April decides to bring the fight to him, and cuts open a tear to the Shadow Realm, and after stepping inside, a shocked Ram swiftly follows. While April was out on her 'adventure' Matteusz found out about the truth of the Box of Souls and confronts Charlie about it. After confronting him about it, their relationship builds tension, which is further disrupted by Tanya who is angered about how Charlie treats Quinn as a slave. While Charlie and Matteusz' drama goes on, the new Headteacher is attempting to gain Quill's assistance with the issue of the man-eating blossoms in exchange for her freedom. ALL of this occurs in the span of ONE EPISODE?!

Character: 

April: April is presented as a capable, powerful and emotional teenager. She shares her heart with Corakinus and is in a relationship with Ram.

Ram: Ram is presented as fearful, protective and weak. He is in a relationship with April.

April's Mum: April's Mother is presented as weak, reliant and protective. She needs a wheelchair due to her husband's failed attempted suicide.

April's Dad: April's Father is presented as weak, cowardly and unreliable. He attempted suicide, which ultimately failed, maiming his wife in the process.

Charlie: Charlie is presented as curious, devoted and powerful. He is the prince of, and the last of, the Rhodians, and he is in a relationship with Matteusz. 

Matteusz: Matteusz is presented as caring, sceptical and pacifistic. Matteusz was abandoned by his homophobic family and now lives with Charlie and Quill. He is in a relationship with Charlie.

Tanya: Tanya is presented as independent, moral and intelligent. She is three years younger than her peers and is super smart.

Quill: Quill is presented as authoritative, independent and aggressive. She is the last remaining of her species, the Quill and she is a prisoner to Charlie

Headteacher: The Headteacher is presented as manipulative, intelligent and mysterious. She is the new headteacher of the school (after her predecessor was killed by an alien).

Corakinus: Corakinus is presented as authoritative, merciless and dangerous. He is the king of his species, the Shadow Kin and he shares a heart with April.

Iconography: Throughout the episode, many things allude to the Sci-Fi genre. The blades that April and Corakinus wield are dark and have an orange glow about them, which is a convention of the Sci-Fi kind. Also, when in the shadow realm, there is predominant orange lighting, which further enforces the Sci-Fi aspect of the show. Additionally, the falsely innocuous blossoms littered throughout the episode allude to Mystery and by extension Science Fiction.

Setting: The episode spans over many settings which enforce a Sci-Fi / Coming-of-Age genre to the show. The school is one of the main settings we see in this episode, and this setting suggests a C-o-A show as schools are a standard convention of the genre. A large portion of the episode occurs in and around April's home which indicates a domestic life, further emphasising the C-o-A genre. Additionally, there are many scenes which occur within the Shadow Realm, which is a setting that undoubtedly alludes to the Sci-Fi genre of the show as well as elements of the Fantasy genre.

2) How does Todorov's theory of equilibrium apply to Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Try and use the expanded version of Todorov's theory: Equilibrium - Disruption - Recognition - Reparation - New equilibrium.

The episode starts in equilibrium with students in their lessons, April's heart still shared between Corakinus and herself and the episode begins with the usual recap scene. This equilibrium is disrupted by April's strange behaviour at school and well as her aggressive confrontation with her father. This is recognised by the swords that she wields as well as her father scrambling away. There is however reparation when her father returns and tries to make amends for his sins as well as when April heals her mother's paralysis. We are left on the new equilibrium of April within the Shadow Realm with Ram, and the other characters on Earth. 

3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do each of the main characters in Class fit into? Alternatively, you may wish to discuss how characters do not meet Propp's character types.

The hero character type is shown through Charlie or April, as Charlie is being tasked with saving the Earth using the Cabinet of Souls, whereas April is on a quest to retrieve her heart. It could also be argued that Andrea (Quill) is the hero as she is attempting to find a solution to the issue of the Blossoms. The Princess in this episode could be seen as April since she is seemingly rescued by Ram. The Princess could also be April's heart since at the end of her quest she hopes to retrieve her heart. The villain in this episode is undoubtedly Corakinus since he directly attempts to stop April from reclaiming her heart, in trying to take it for himself. The Donor could be seen as Corakinus, as he provides April with all her powers. Ram is definitely the False Hero as he jumps into the portal after April, even though it seems she has everything under control.

4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

A few action codes that can be found throughout the episode include when April's Dad shows up at her car since it alludes to a future conflict between the two characters. Additionally, the Blossoms multiplying suggest that they will become a threat later on. Finally, April cutting the tear open at the end of the episode imply a later confrontation in the show. A few enigma codes that can be seen in the episode include: What are the new Headteachers true intentions? Is Ms Quill going to be free and at what price? What will the Blossoms do? Will April win her battle?

5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience?

One binary opposition which is exceptionally prominent in the episode is Darkness against Light, which is portrayed through the contrast between the Shadow Realm and Planet Earth since the Shadow Realm is full of shadow and lacks light (hence SHADOW Realm) whereas Planet Earth is bright and full of colour. Another fundamental binary contrast in the show is Young against Old, most clearly shown through Ms Quill against Charlie. This opposition between Quill and Charlie also alludes to another opposition, Master and Slave. A final opposition found in the show is Weak against Strong, April against Corakinus or Adults and Teenagers.

Representation

1) How is gender represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted?

Many gender stereotypes are represented in Class, for example, females: Women are presented as strong and powerful in this show through empowered characters like April and Quill, which subverts the stereotype that women are weak. However, it could be argued that the show is also enforcing this stereotype, as April's mother needs to be healed and the women are seemingly under men: Quill to Charlie and April's mother is still bothered by her ex-husband. The stereotype that men are always strong is both reinforced and subverted in the show. Ram is shown to be protective of April and a sporty character, which reestablishes the stereotype, however, he is also seemingly defenceless against April and merely follows behind her into the tear.

2) How is age (e.g. teenagers; older people like teachers or parents) represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people?

The show subverts many stereotypes against youth, for example, that teenagers are weak. This is overturned through the powerful teenage characters like April, having to protect their older counterparts. However the show also reinforces stereotypes against teenagers, one example is that Teenagers are impulsive, which is clearly demonstrated by Ram sudden decision to chase after April.

3) How is race and ethnicity represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?

Race and stereotypes against it are subverted in this show, with lead roles like Ram and Tanya as crucial characters in the show. It subverts the ideas that certain races, like Indians, are all uptight and untrusting since Ram is a very open and trusting character. Also, the show includes characters from East Europe who are openly gay, which both reinforces and subverts stereotypes that Eastern Europeans are all homophobic, as a lead role is gay, yet he is disowned by his family.

4) How is sexuality represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? How does this reflect the BBC's remit to represent modern Britain?

The show includes an openly gay relationship, which is not made to be different from any other relationship, massively subverting centuries of media which did not represent this group of people. This reflects BBC's remit since it shows how all realtionships are accepted and can be shown even on television, like Charlie and Matteusz' relationship.

5) How is disability represented in Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Why are disabled people generally under-represented in the media and how does Class try to address this?

Disability in Class is represented as something that is entirely normal, yet it also destroys this, since April heals her mother's paralysis, undermining how her disability should be permanent but unimportant. Disability is often under-represented as many people who are disabled are seen as pitiful and weaker, therefore unnecessary to be seen on screen. the show tries to subvert this by including a strong-willed disabled character, but ultimately fail in this, since her disability is written off as something that must be healed for her to be "normal".

Audience

1) What were the viewing figures for Class and why do you think it did so poorly?

On its debut, the show only gained a measly viewing of 0.28 million, only 5.1% of the total TV audience. It later gained only 250,000 more viewers on BBC iPlayer. The lack of clarity about the show's target audience and its strange airing time are possibly two of the key contributors to this show's horrible viewing figures.

2) What audience psychographic groups might particularly enjoy Class?

It could either be seen as enjoyable for the mainstream audience since it is linked to the Doctor Who universe, but it is also very violent and in a completely different age group than Doctor Who, so it could be seen as a show for niche audiences. The Explorer psychographic group may also enjoy this show since it's new and unique. Additionally, the Struggler psychographic group would enjoy this show due to its violent nature.

3) What audience pleasures are offered by Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart? Apply Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory to the episode. Make sure you provide specific examples from the episode to support your ideas.

Diversion: The show is set in an almost Fantasy world and includes many exciting and violent scenes, which are vital components of shows that are designed to entertain.

Personal Relationships: The show includes references to the Doctor Who universe, which Whovians would actively seek out and enjoy seeing, as well as characters whose stories can be very engaging, leading to people wanting to discover the outcomes for their favourite characters.

Personal Identity: The show includes many relatable teenage characters, but it also includes older key characters, allowing a range of age groups to relate to and project themselves onto.

4) Thinking of the 3 Vs audience pleasures (Visceral, Vicarious and Voyeuristic pleasures), which of these can be applied to Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart?

Visceral Pleasure can undoubtedly be applied to this episode since the show includes a large amount of blood and violence. Also, this episode contains a sex scene, which also could provide adrenaline to the audience. Additionally, Vicarious pleasure could also be gained from this show since the characters are very relatable, so it is easy for the audience to project themselves onto the character and live the experiences in the show through those characters.

5) How did fans in the 'Whoniverse' (also known as 'Whovians') react to Class? Watch the fan reaction video (and read the YouTube comments) on the Class notes blog post or check the comments in the extension articles below to help with this.

A majority of fans didn't enjoy the show due to its violent nature and inexperienced actors, however, a significant proportion of Whovians did enjoy the show, in particular, the references to the original series and how these characters interact with the Whoniverse. Personally, as a fellow Whovian, I think the show had a lot of potentials to be enjoyable as a spin-off to Doctor Who, but it's lack of developed acting and unnecessary gore if extremely off-putting and lets down what could have been a great show. The later, better refined, less violent episodes are much more enjoyable and promised a lot for the second season, but sadly the show will not continue.

Industry

1) What was the objective of BBC3 when it was launched?

To be a channel for young adults which could be relatable and easily accessible.

2) Why did BBC3 go online-only in February 2013? 

The channel did not receive enough live viewers and to combat this made the channel online-only. Additionally, since how the target audience for BBC3 has changed how they consume media, the BBC opted for a more approachable and user-friendly option.

3) How does Class - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart meet the BBC's mission statement to 'inform, educate and entertain'?

The show is made in the majority for entertainment purposes, it has engaging storylines, relatable characters and exciting plot development, which adds to how entertaining the show is.

4) How did the distribution of Class contribute to the failure of the show with audiences?

Its inconsistent time slots, as well as its strange airing time, meant that a majority of audiences were not available to watch the show. Additionally, the target audience for the show no longer consume media traditionally, but through recordings and online providers, like Netflix, which meant less were available to watch the show on TV. Its shift to iPlayer worsened this, and most audiences chose other, better-acted options for viewing over this show, leading to its eventual failure.

5) What advertising and marketing were used to try and promote Class to an audience? Why do you think this wasn't very successful?

The show was associated very closely with Doctor Who in its promotional material, with the trailer for the show containing only the Doctor's voice. The show was also presented as extremely Sci-Fi, which led many audience members to feel mislead since they found out that the show is only loosely related to the Doctor Who universe and is less Sci-Fi more C-o-A, further disappointing fans.

Comparison

1) How are the technical conventions different between 1963 Doctor Who and 2016 Class (e.g. camerawork, editing, sound and mise-en-scene)?

Class: Co-Owner of a Lonely Heart includes much more advanced technology and mise-en-scene than Doctor Who, which was aired in only black and white. Class consists of a much more realistic and well-developed graphics and lifelike props and costumes, contrasting the lack of such technology in Doctor Who. Doctor Who also contained many still or stationary shots, much unlike Class, which has continuously moving shots and a range of camera angles.

2) What similarities and differences are there between An Unearthly Child and Co-owner of a Lonely Heart regarding the science-fiction genre?

Both shows include lead alien characters and continuously explore the concept of aliens, however Doctor Who contains many more conventional tropes of Sci-Fi, like the TARDIS, with bright white lights, unlike Class which has less of a Sci-Fi genre in favour of a Science Fantasy genre, with oranges and shadows which almost directly contrast Doctor Who.

3) What similarities and differences are there between An Unearthly Child and Co-owner of a Lonely Heart regarding how they meet the BBC's remit to inform, educate and entertain?

Doctor, though in the little and few, includes actual fact and some genuine science as well as science concepts that are genuinely explored in reality, contrastingly, Class includes less factually based science and more entertainment-driven Science Fantasy. Both shows do offer entertainment for their respective audiences, however, with plenty of action and danger in every episode.

4) How are representations of people, places and groups similar or different in the two shows?

While Doctor Who included a mainly middle class, educated, all-white cast and characters, Class include a racially diverse, approachable cast and characters, of all classes and sexualities. However, both shows do contain some form of dominant female and male characters.

5) What similarities and differences can you find concerning the audience pleasures for An Unearthly Child and Co-owner of a Lonely Heart?

While both shows present pleasures of Diversion, Personal Identity and Personal Relationships in their shows, with relatable characters, engaging storylines and action-filled episodes, Doctor Who provides a small degree of Surveillance for its audience, whereas Class does not.

Written By Aishwarya Odedra