TV drama 5 min analysis.

I analysed the 13th episode of season 3 Rizzoli and isles: virtual love.

The first minute of the show sees the crime being committed. It represents the wrong side of the law as a man in a hazard suit is seen murdered by an unseen character. The victim seems to recognise the killer and allows the audience to interpret the idea that it may be the ones closest to you that can hurt you the most. Through the use of low key lighting and off camera space the element of mystery and suspense which is necessary in a crime drama is portrayed. The low key lighting allows potential evidence to be noticed by the audience and it also highlights the yellow on his suit. This could represent how his happiness is about to end.

The next couple of minutes switch to Boston PD where the 2 main characters are getting coffee and talking about Rizzoli’s mothers’ new love interest. This represents how women in this line of work tend to stick together as they know what it takes to hold a certain essence of authority in such a typically male run job. The natural lighting used in this scene portrays the time of day to the audience as around 11 am. The positioning of the camera gives the audience the impression that they are involved in the conversation which is exaggerated by the content of the conversation. They are discussing Rizzoli’s mother who is positioned behind a counter about 6 meters away. This is highlighted by the use of deep space because it expresses the distance between them.

In the fifth minute, 3 teenagers are introduced to the scene which are told they cannot be mentored by main characters. One of the boys replies, “Good, I don’t wanna be taught by some girl detective”. The camera cuts to a close up of Jane’s face where the audience can see her thoughts coming into action. She turns, camera still at a close up, and changes her mind. This represents women who are constantly compared to the men in their field. She does this to assert her authority over the teens as she is called out on a case.