Practice Question: Misfits

How does the first episode of misfits establish the main characters and the genre of the series?

Many Reviews of the series, state that the genre of the series is mixed between teen drama, sci-fi and superhero styles, but how do we know this for sure? The audience are given a clear understanding of both genre and representation in the first episode. This then acts as a ‘fishing hook’ catching them and reeling them into the rest of the series.

The opening sequence is that of six small clips of the main characters preparing for another day of community service. These six shots not only give first impressions, but they are vital to outline representation of the characters. The shots are played in slow motion, each in the same style, allowing the audience to decide on their first impressions, based on the characters appearance, or attitude to preparing for the day. Use of camera angles also contribute to making this impression; for example, in the first of the six segments we see a female character (soon to be introduced as Alisha) the camera does a slow upwards pan of her body, making the audience feel as if we are looking her up and down. The director has chosen this technique to represent her as a ‘sexy’ stereotype. Another example of representation in the opening sequence is that of Kelly. We see a stereotypical ‘chav’ scraping her hair back. The key link in the opening sequence and even in the first half of the episode is Stereotypical representation. To emphasise this point, the first time the characters speak, when they are briefed by the social worker, they are again portrayed as their stereotypes; for example Kelly uses typical ‘chav’ slang.

One character however, seems to stand out from the group, and seems to take the role of group leader in the audience’s eye. Nathan doesn’t seem to fit under a certain stereo type and falls more under the category of prototype. In many media texts, no matter how original a character is, consumers still feel the need to categorise them in any way that they can. This may be linked to the idea that the consumers like to be well informed and omniscient; and as a result are able to predict what will happen in the narrative. Therefore Nathan is categorised under his nationality ‘curly haired Irish smart alec’ (The Herald).

Critics who have reviewed the episode, all commented on the use of stereotypes, and almost use the stereotypes themselves in their own description of the characters; ‘foul mouthed young criminals’ and ‘ a slutty one, a chavvy one, a violent one, an angry one, a weird one and an Irish one who talks too much’ the use of stereotypes makes it seem like the critics are being harsh and deconstructive of the episode and characters, however, when you read deeper into the reviews and into the narrative, we see how the stereotypes were used as a starting point to construct and to originate new personality traits deeper within the characters. Overman (writer) distorts and develops the original stereotype character forms, and plays on the stereotype weaknesses and strengths in their newly exposed personalities.

Overman chooses to cultivate the characters by inflicting a destiny on the characters. Being caught in a storm, they receive super powers, which they soon discover and cannot seem to restrain. Each power reflects a trait of the stereotypical representation that the bearer obtains. For example, Kelly is a very opinionated based character. Within the group she is probably easiest classed under a specific stereotype and therefore is easiest to be judged. As a link or reference to this, the power she receives is the ability to hear people’s thoughts. Curtis is a character living in regret after he was forced to give up his athletic career due to a period of drug abuse. Again his power reflects this and enables him to turn back time whenever he regrets something that has happened, and allows him to do things differently. Simon is a social outcast, and due to his slightly uncanny nature, is often avoided or ignored. Resultant to this, he has the ability to turn invisible when he is being ignored. And finally as we see in the opening sequence, Alisha, portrayed as a ‘sexy party girl’. The power she receives directly relates to her stereotype my making anyone who touches her skin fill with lust.

Not only do all of the powers reflect the stereotypical qualities of each character, but they are the cause of imitate change in the characters. They are a learning curve for the stereotypes to learn who they really are, and is some cases (such as Alisha and Kelly’s) learn to control and be thoughtful of how they come across and treat people.

In Terms of the genre, it is a collaboration of many different styles. It is also cleverly written so it isn’t too predictable. The first impressions, give the consumers the idea that its going to be a stereotypical text, with stereotypical characters. Acting as a kind of teen drama. This is a risky image to broadcast, as it may deter certain audiences, certainly of certain social groups or opinions. Because of this, the narrative gets straight to the point, and within minutes, the group are in the middle of a huge storm, with hailstones the size of cars start to fall, destroying everything in their path. This adds a sci-fi feel to the text. As a result of the storm, the group are struck by lightning and receive their magical powers; again another genre is added, this time of a ‘superhero’ style film. Finally ; the power that the social worker receives is somewhat aggressive and results in the brutal murder of Gary, and the attempted murder of Kelly and then the rest of the group; adding a horror genre edge to the text.

Overman states in an interview with total sci-fi, that his intention was to take ideas from other genres; “British take on the superhero show”. He chooses extremes with greater outcomes. For example, in spider man; Peter Parker, is a good kid, who lacks in popularity, therefore the stereotypical outcome of the situation is that when he receives super powers, he saves everyone, becomes a hero, gets popular, and gets the girl and everything turns out to be a ‘happy ever after’ However, Overman chooses characters who are viewed as bad citizens, who are doing community service and distinct young offenders in their bright orange overalls. He creates a situation where “they would be seen as criminals rather than heroes”.

Critics also comment on the text and outline it as not just one genre, but in fact a fusion of many genres. All critics however seem to agree on the same genres; Tim Dowling from ‘the guardian’ states that misfits “borrow liberally” from the ‘horror genre’ with references also to superheroes and killer zombie styles. He makes an interesting comment on the idea of the superhero genre which links the text and particular genre to other texts of the same genre; he states “These new superheroes do not find their powers remotely redemptive” like in most superhero texts the characters have to learn how to deal with their powers and use them correctly, therefore linking this critic comment to the idea that receiving the powers is a learning curve for the group.

Gerard O’Donovan also mentions in his opinion and based on evidence that the text is a calibration of a “nineties teenage horror film” and a “comedy zombie movie”, and Pat Stacey from ‘The Herald’ (Eire) comments on the group as “this fantastic four + one less than fantastic other” again making a direct reference to a superhero movie.

On balance, many reviews not only seem to agree on the genres, characters and styles, but also agree that this daring attempt at a teen drama clashed with sci-fi, horror and comedy, has worked even to the extent where it is a huge success. Down to the enterprising ideas of Howard Overman.