Media Student Breaks Down Trending TV Shows

Media student Maisy Rogers breaks down trending TV shows from a media perspective, reviewing shows House of the Dragon, Bridgerton and The Boys. 

House of the Dragon

Genre- Fantasy, drama, adventure

Overview - House of the Dragon is a fantasy drama television series. It is a prequel to HBO's series Game of Thrones. Based on George R.R. Martin's book Fire & Blood, the show explores the history of House Targaryen, set 173 years before the birth of Daenerys; the character set in Game of Thrones.

It centres around the internal conflicts within House Targaryen, highlighting the power struggles, political intrigue, and familial betrayals that lead to the civil war.

Media elements

Complex narrative structure – House of Dragon has a complex and multi-layered narrative structure. The series is in chronological order with multiple flashback within, to show events or different characters. It is told through multiple characters who we follow throughout, with many character arcs. 

Costume Design – The costumes in House of the Dragon play a crucial role in differentiating characters, houses, and social statuses. The costumes often symbolize the characters' development and their current status or mood. For example, Alison Hightower’s dress colour reflects her emotions and political stance. The costumes draw heavily from various historical periods, including medieval and Renaissance Europe.

Production- Filming primarily takes place in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Portugal. The production team uses technology and visual effects, particularly in the depiction of dragons, which play a central role in the narrative.

Character development - House of the Dragon features a diverse cast of characters central to the story of the Targaryen civil war.

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen begins as a young, determined heir to the throne, facing challenges due to her gender. Throughout the series, she matures into a strong, assertive leader despite growing opposition and personal losses.

Prince Daemon Targaryen is a rebellious and ambitious figure. His actions, driven by both personal ambition and genuine care for his family, reflect his internal conflicts. His relationship with his brother broken as he tried to please him.

Queen Alicent Hightower starts as a supportive wife and mother but grows into a key political player. She becomes more assertive and willing to engage in the dangerous game of power politics to secure her children's future.

House of the Dragon successfully captures the drama that made Game of Thrones so successful while offering fresh and compelling narratives centered on the Targaryen dynasty. The rich character development, stunning visuals, and political plots make it a must-watch for fans of the fantasy genre. 

Bridgerton

Genre-Period drama, historical romance.

Overview - Bridgerton is a popular period drama series created by Chris Van Dusen for Netflix. Based on Julia Quinn's novels, the show is set in Regency-era London and revolves around the lives of the Bridgerton family, who are navigating the complexities of high society. The first season focuses on the eldest daughter, Daphne Bridgerton, as she makes her debut in London’s competitive marriage market. The second season shows Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest Bridgerton sibling, as he embarks on his own journey to find a wife, Kate Sharma. The third, and newest season shifts the spotlight to Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. Penelope, who has long harboured feelings for Colin, faces personal and social challenges as she navigates her own desires and the expectations placed upon her.

Media elements

Narrative structure- While there is an overarching narrative that spans each season, each episode tends to have its own plot. This contributes to the plot and character development before the season finale.

Narration- The series is narrated by Lady Whistledown, an anonymous gossip columnist whose writings influence and reflect the characters. This narration adds context, commentary and foreshadowing.

Costume design- The costumes are inspired by Regency-era fashion but are given a modern flair to appeal to contemporary audiences. This includes brighter colours, unique patterns, and slightly exaggerated silhouettes. Colour plays a significant part in the costume design. The Bridgerton family often wears elegant pastel colours, symbolizing their high status and refined taste. In contrast, the Featheringtons are known for their bold, vibrant, and sometimes gaudy outfits, reflecting their social climbing aspirations.

Character development and arcs- Each main character has a well-defined arc that evolves over the course of the season. These arcs involve personal growth, romantic developments, and the navigation of societal expectations.

Production- The series uses elaborate sets that recreate the early 19th-century London. Filming locations include historic buildings and estates in England, such as Wilton House, Castle Howard, and Ranger's House, which serve as the backdrop for various scenes. The soundtrack of "Bridgerton" is a blend of classical music and pop songs reimagined as orchestral arrangements.

Overall, Bridgerton is a captivating period drama, that uses the glamour of the regency period to create engaging and captivating plot lines. The show's production is exceptional, featuring lavish costumes, stunning set designs, and a vibrant soundtrack.

The Boys

Genre- Fantasy, drama, comedy.

Overview - The Boys is a gritty and subversive superhero television series based on the comic book of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. Created by Eric Kripke, the show premiered on Amazon Prime Video. 

The series is set in a world where superheroes, known as Supes, are managed by a powerful corporation called Vought International. These heroes, while publicly celebrated, are often corrupt, reckless, and morally compromised.

Narrative structure- The storyline of The Boys is complex and interwoven, following multiple characters and plotlines. It balances character-driven drama with overarching conspiracies and conflicts, maintaining a fast-paced and unpredictable narrative.

Production - The show has high production values, with impressive special effects, detailed set designs, and a dynamic soundtrack. The creative team, including Eric Kripke and producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, brings a distinctive vision that sets the series apart from other superhero media.

Tone and Style - The series is known for its dark and satirical tone, blending intense action with black comedy. It features graphic violence, explicit content, and a willingness to tackle controversial and provocative subjects.

Costuming

Superhero Uniforms - The costumes of the superheroes, especially those in The Seven, are designed to mimic the iconic look of traditional superhero attire while incorporating unique, often exaggerated elements. For example, Homelander’s costume is reminiscent of classic American superheroes like Superman, with a red, white, and blue colour scheme.

The Boys' Attire - In contrast to the flashy  superhero costumes, the members of The Boys wear more practical clothing that fits their roles as vigilantes. Billy Butcher typically wears dark, rugged clothing, including leather jackets and trench coats.

Overall, the costume design in The Boys is an integral part of the show's storytelling, enhancing character development, visual appeal, and thematic depth. The thoughtful and creative approach to costuming helps to set the series apart and reinforce its unique perspective on the superhero genre.

 Character development

Character development in The Boys is a central component of the series, with each main character undergoing significant transformations over the course of the show. 

Overall, The Boys uses traditional superhero tropes with its dark humour, intense action, and social commentary. The show's compelling character development, particularly the complex arcs of Billy Butcher, Hughie Campbell, and Homelander, coupled with high production values and bold storytelling makes it a must watch show.

In conclusion, whether you're drawn to the epic fantasy and political intrigue of "House of the Dragon", the romantic escapades and vibrant style of "Bridgerton", or the dark satire and gritty realism of "The Boys", each series offers a unique and compelling viewing experience. These shows highlight the power of storytelling across different genres, each with rich character development, stunning production, and immersive narratives that captivate their audiences.