When comparing the crime dramas that your group has chosen, be sure to include similarities and differences, under the following headings.

• Plot structure, typical patterns or twists, the relationship between plot structure and placement of commercials
  
  
• Treatment of themes: realistic, farcical, superficial, complex, sensitive.
  
  
• Technical aspects - camera work, lighting, special effects, stunt work.
  
  
• Editing - what is the pace of the action within the show?
  
  
• Sound - sound effects, music, silence.
  
  
• Sets, costumes, props (cars)
  
  
• Values - what values were imbedded in the shows? Did the commercials reflect these values?
  
  
• Advertisements - list the advertisers; identify the target audience; describe and analyze the ad's appeal (visual, auditory, humorous).
  
  
• Characters - describe the major characters; identify stereotypes (social, cultural, racial, gender-related).
  
  
• Mass appeal techniques - jolts per minute, choice of characters, choice of actors, issues, events, music.
  
  
• Time slot - time (prime time?) and day of shows, program competition, programs on before and after, the rating of shows from Nielson, Television Trends, or the daily newspaper (ratings are published four times a year).
  

Related Lesson

Comparing Crime Dramas