Scandal as an American Drama Television Series - Report Example

TV Show Analysis Introduction of “Scandal” "Scandal" is an American drama television series created by Shonda Rhimes with Kerry Washington in the lead role. The plot is a crisis manager, Olivia Pope, who along with his company at solving the complex problems of wealthy clients as well as employees of the White House, where she worked before Olivia. The idea of the series was based on the life and career of Judy Smith, the former head of the press center of George Bush Sr. , who is one of the producers of the project. The series won favorable reviews from critics, but had no success in the ratings in the first season and was on the verge of closing, although remained stable audience. The show which premiered on September 27. Thanks to the critically acclaimed story lines. The second season ratings were significantly higher and the winter 2013 series was the most watched drama on a ten broadcast television. On May 10, 2013 Channel extended series for a third season, which started on October 3. (Johnson, p.64) In 2013, the "scandal" has become one of the most talked about in the press and successful programs in the ratings on broadcast television. In July 2013, with only 29 episodes of "Scandal" was sold in syndication, cable channel BET, which in turn starts broadcasting the first two seasons from August 10, followed by eight days after the premiere on ABC will show episodes third season. At the 65th ceremony primetime "Emmy" Kerry Washington was nominated in the best actress category for the drama , won the award for Best Guest Actor in a Drama TV series ". Washington was also nominated for a SAG Award USA ,"Golden Globe" in a TV series drama for the best actress in 2014. (Johnson, p.64) Cultural Theory on Scandal Microscopic interpretive The main plot of this American drama television series twists around specialist PR Olivia Pope. Besides the main character once created its crisis agency, in order to help customers meet senior financial problems until they came to public review. You would think the first time he saw Olivia and her brilliant team, it is very successful and happy people enough, however, solving the most complex and sensitive problems of their clients, they have completely forgotten about his own life, which gradually began to fall into hell. (Johnson, p.64) Therefore, without having to dedicate at least a little time of their lives, and spending all the time only to work, the problem is not long to wait, so every employee of this great team plunged into a solution of any of its own accidents (Sander, 55). But some perennial problems which are solved by the main character does not do this show less interesting, because many will find something similar with their lives, and therefore, this film can, in part, to help solve everyday conflicts that are associated with living together. Gradually it becomes apparent that her staffs, who specialize in establishing the lives of others, cannot correct errors of the closest people. Concept The concept of real-world experience lay Judy Smith, the former head of the press center of George HW Bush. Smith left the White House in the early nineties and opened a private firm to address the complex problems of the rich and influential people. According to statements of most Smith, her company is private and does not even have an office or site on the Internet, and she comes to the customers, and they do not to it. In 2009, Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers first met Judy Smith, and in the process, and the idea to create a show about her life. (Johnson, 64) Although Smiths career and character and were transferred to the series, none of its real cases has not been shown. Rhimes stated that "Smith is the mastermind behind the show, but not Olivia Pope Judy". Smith eventually became a co-executive producer of the show and its creative consultant. In the pre-trial series was described as a procedural drama, but without the police and legal component, which has lost popularity in recent years. (Abt and Mustazza, 25) The main heroine Olivia Pope crisis manager and works as Smith left the White House. The largest difference from Olivia Smith is that the heroine is not just working for the president, but was his mistress. In addition to Olivia in her company operates a number of persons, and in the development of the series turns out circumstances under which they came to her. Filming In November 2010 it was announced that Shonda Rhimes is developing a new project on the work of crisis management for the channel ABC. A few weeks later the channel ordered shooting the pilot episode, the first in the 2011-2012 seasons. Production studio took Shonda Rhimes ShondaLand involving ABC Studios, as well as two previous project producer “Grey’s Anatomy "and" Private Practice”. (Abt and Mustazza, 25) Rhimes and Betsy Beers became executive producers, Judy Smith and co-executive producer on the project. Filming the pilot episode took place in March 2011 in Los Angeles, California, directed by Paul McGuigan and written script Rimes. In May 2011, the channel ordered the shooting of the first season to broadcast in the middle of the season. The first season consisted of seven episodes and began acting in the late summer. (Johnson, 64) Kerry Washington starred as Olivia Pope The third season will be divided into two parts, the first twelve episodes will be shown before the New Year, after which the show will go on hiatus until February 27, 2014. "Scandal", along with four other soap dramas channel "Nashville", "Revenge", "Once in a fairy tale" and "Greys Anatomy ", goes so in the 2013-14 TV seasons new broadcasting format, two blocks, broadcasted almost without interruption. (Abt and Mustazza, P.25) Casting Casting for regular role began in early 2011. Kerry Washington became the first actor cast in the approved show February 8, 2011. Washington plays the role of Olivia Pope, the main character of the project, which is described as legendary, unprincipled, insightful and fearless woman. This is the first TV project in the career of the actress, who starred in such films as previously. In the early development of the project it was the main favorite for the role of Shonda Rhimes strong African-American women, which is rare on television (Crothers, 56). Fulfilling this role, Washington, made history by becoming the first black actress in the last 38 years, which plays a major role in a drama series on American television. (Johnson, 64) Simultaneously, Washington has joined the cast of Columbus Short as Harrison Wright, stylish lawyer working at Olivia. After Henry Ian Cusick and Katie Lowes joined starring Stephen Finch and Quinn Perkins, two other team members Olivia, and a couple weeks later, Guillermo Diaz got the role of Huck to the pilot . On February 25, it was announced that Tony Goldwyn will play the role of President of the United States Thomas Fitzgerald Grant-third. On March 4, Stenchfild Darby and Jeff Perry are the latest actors who joined the pilot roles Abby Whelan, colleagues and friends of Olivia and Cyrus Bina, Head of the Administration of U.S. President. Several actors have joined the series in recurring roles. (Johnson, 64) In the first season it was Lisa Vale as Amanda Tanner, around which the unfolding storyline of the first season, and Joshua Malina played prosecutor David Rosen. Kate Burton played conservative Vice President of the United States Sally Langston. In the second season, Gregg Henry played the role of domineering sponsor presidential campaign Hollis Doyle, and Debra Mooney - Supreme Court Justice Vern Thornton. (Johnson, 64) 2) Critical Theory on Scandal Macroscopic interpretative The girl is embroiled in political intrigue after she was entrusted to operate the U.S. president. Her family was taken hostage, and now she must save them. When the most influential people in Washington are an international conspiracy, a mysterious puppeteer begins to control all, including the President of the United States. Sitka four senators talk about living together in a rented house in Washington. Judging by the synopsis of this season, in the television grid along with an alien invasion, production dramas, epics and zombie vampire sagas settled stories about the inhabitants of the White House. Two years ago, ABC TV channel ordered screenwriter, director and producer of "Greys Anatomy," Shonda Rhimes eight episodes of the new show "Scandal." The idea of ​​the show originated on the basis of real stories Judy Smith, the former head of the press center of George Bush. Smith left the White House in the early 1990s and opened a private firm that helps solve the serious issues the rich and influential. Thats the main character of "Scandal", Olivia Pope engaged in crisis management, after she left the White House, where I helped win the presidential election to her lover Thomas Fitzgerald Grant-third. The entire first season Olivia rake implications of their work in the White House resolves relations with the former employer and the scandalous affair of his pregnant mistress. (Stanley, n.p.) The second season of 22 episodes were given: electoral fraud, three shots at the president, killing the chief judge, sex at funerals, corpses in bed, "mole" in the White House, blackmail and global conspiracies that would envy Moriarty. The latest series is ended with nearly eliminated all the misfortunes in the White House, Olivia go for a run, and at the door she meets a crowd of journalists. About her affair with the president became known throughout the country - cliffhanger that will make viewers wait for autumn look. Daytime drama transferred from luxurious suburbs of Los Angeles to Washington, provided enormous television ratings and once again made the U.S. the envy of the freedom of speech. In what other country shows the basic plot can be built on the fact that the president took office not by choice but by a dreadful conspiracy to six people, and the head of the presidential administration solves problems with the help of professional killers. (Stanley, n.p.) 3) Textual Theory on Scandal In essence, the "scandal" unique political show, combining pieces of the best shows in recent years from "The West Wing" to "Lie to Me" and "contractions." Maybe, the review came out not very enlightening, but, honestly, for seven series was made so many turns, so many unexpected, holding in suspense moments that after watching the eyes diverge: about what to write. In the end you can write one: the series is uniquely recommended for viewing every fan of action-packed pictures, because this is the most action-packed on-screen time share just rolls! (Stanley, n.p.) The creators of "Scandal" went further. In fact, of the seven episodes of the first season, problem solving "dignitaries" given only four series. The basic line is different, the refrain running through the whole story: scandal with Presidents of the United States of America, which are woven not only the employees of the firm itself, but the first people of the state, scheming with such violent swiftness that surprised: how similar show unusual for American television usually try not to affect the political elite. (Johnson, p.64) "Scandal" is a real breath of fresh air in some stagnation in the development of television. First of all, praise screenwriters: storyline designed and calibrated to the smallest detail! At sea, the mass of secrets, each will find its solution is the answer. In a sea of intrigue, each will be developed. Every word inadvertently thrown into the conversation, in the future may be the starting point of the next scene branches. In particular, supply of puzzles and secrets, which show, by far, is famous, became one detail: a lot of them (Muñoz, 100). Conclusion Many actors previously starred in other projects Shonda Rhimes. Among them were Stenchfild Darby, Katie Lowes, Joshua Malina, Bellamy Young, Tony Goldwyn, Debra Mooney, Gregg Henry and Lisa Vale, appeared in different years with guest roles on "Greys Anatomy" or "Private Practice" and Jeff Perry Kate Burton and Scott Foley, who had a significant role in "Greys Anatomy." (Stanley, n.p.) The plot: Team Olivia Pope peculiar cleaning dirty secrets of Washington dignitaries, clearing them from the inevitable impending problems. Sometimes circumventing the law, sometimes just ignoring moral code, a team of lawyers, a former prosecutor and, in fact, a specialist in public relations, seeks justice, even where it would not always found or endorsed Themis. The shows creators are on assignment audience: so as not to confuse us into the wilds of the nuances of the existing team, the story will follow a brand new employee of the office, which, as we will talk about the intricacies of the work and personally introduce everyone and everything such as characters, customers and so on. Already in the tenth minute show we think that we all understand: a team makes "bumps" to solve problems. Synopsis of this show would come out decent, lasted a couple of seasons and going to retire eventually, like a "Lie to Me", which parallels quite simply not possible not to. (Johnson, 64) Work Cited Stanley, Alessandra, " Washington Spin Doctor, Heal Thyself ‘Scandal,’ ABC Political Drama With Kerry Washington." , 4th April, 2012. Web. 4 Mar 2014. . Abt, Vicki, and Leonard Mustazza. Coming after Oprah: Cultural fallout in the age of the TV talk show. Popular Press, 1997.Pp, 25-35 Crothers, Lane. Globalization and American popular culture. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2012.Pp.55-60 Muñoz, Alfonso Ceballos, Ramón Espejo Romero, and Bernardo Muñoz Martínez, eds. Violence in American Drama: Essays on Its Staging, Meanings and Effects. McFarland, 2011.Pp.100-233 Johnson, Dominic. "Scandal." Contemporary Theatre Review 23.1 (2013): 64-68. Sander, Johanna. "The television series Community and Sitcom: A case study aimed at the genre of contemporary American Sitcom television series." (2012).pp 55 Read More