Focus on a Soap Opera - Eastenders

What types of characters are presented?

In Eastenders there is a variety of characters ,there are several cultures and ethnicity's presented.In Eastenders there is a lot stereotypes for example the homosexual guy christian who is presentedas being quite feminine when that in fact is not how all gay guys act.In Eastenders there is a definite social hieracy as there are several dominant characters who have the power to tell the characters with a lower status what to do for example Ian Beale treats everyone as if they are below him,and he is notorious for being a pompous businessman.

What settings are frequently used?

'The Queen Vic' is the main setting used as it is the local pub it is the one place you see most of the characters together.'Masala Queen' is also a frequent setting it is the Masood's and the Beale's catering company kitchens.Also the cafe ,the laundrette and the mini -mart are frequent settings used in the soap.Most of the domestic action takes place in the house or apartment of the person it concerns.

What issues are raised?

In this episode the issue of infertility was raised,as Jane cannot conceive but wants to have children with her husband ,the situation is very emotional for the character which may have an effect on those who are in a similar position.There is also a issue of a question of sexuality. Syeed who is confused about his sexuality kisses Christian who is gay, they have been having a fling for a while despite Syeed being engaged to a woman.This is controversial topic as usually homosexuality is shown from the offset,it is unexpected for someone straight to turn gay especially on a TV soap.

How many story lines take place in the episode?

There are five story lines that took place within the episode but only three were pursued.The one that was the most interesting was Syeed and Christian being caught in the alley way by someone anonymous who witnessed their passionate kiss.The audience know the person is anonymous and the point of view shot was used to display this.

What is the nature of the story lines?

Most of the story lines are presented as going from light hearted fun to a saddening end.And all the story lines are left on cliffhangers to engage the audience ,this ensures they watch the next episode to find out what happened.

Is music used?
The title sequence at the beginning is accompanied by the Eastenders theme song ,and there is also occasional quiet diegetic music to create an atmosphere in the locations such as the pub and cafe.The absence of Non-diegetic gives us as sense of verisimilitude because in real life we do not have music accompanying the dramas in our lives.

What types of shots are predominantly used and why are they used?

The most frequent shots used in Eastenders are close ups ,mid shots and over the shoulder shots.The over the shoulder is used when presenting another character,when Peggy is the pub and she is talking to Joel about the customers this shot is used.The close up shot is used quite frequently alongside the mid shot to show character's reactions.There is an occasional two shot used for example Christian and his boyfriend are presented in a mid shot this is to show the intimacy between them.The only point of view shot that is used is at the end by the mysterious person who witnesses the kiss between Syeed and Christian.

How does the programme achieve verisimilitude?

The programme achieves in giving the audience a sense of realism with the use of asynchronous sound .When something dramatic happens the background noises (ambient sounds) are still present and heard.The use if these sounds make the programme seem real because in everyday life you are certain to hear a car or bus pass by it's a part of reality.

What pleasures do the audience get from watching this programme?

One of the most satisfying pleasures viewers get from watching the soap is the use of dramatic irony the audience know things that the characters are unaware of ,so awaiting in suspense for it to be revealed keeps the viewer interested and entertained when it is finally revealed.Also at times the soap can be quite amusing ,there are humorous elements which makes watching it fun .The light hearted fun that is displayed is mirrored by real life so it puts us as an audience in their shoes and makes it possible for us to laugh at ourselves.