Stranger things:

What are the formal codes and conventions of Long-Form TV Drama? 
A long form TV drama follows Todorovs theory of narrative. this is the idea that the series starts with a state of equilibrium at the outlet. There is then a disruption of the equilibrium by some action. Next, is a recognition that there has been a disruption. Then moving too an attempt to repair the disruption, and finally a reinstatement of the equilibrium. There also tends to be some form of main plot that is built up throughout the series, accompanied by many mini plots. This plot usually has a problem that needs to be solved maybe with a bad person. 

How similar or different are the formal conventions used in Stranger Things? 
 With stranger things, it follows the usual conventions as there is a problem to be solved, but we see there are multiple narratives throughout which collect together to form the whole plot. Also, stranger things is a mix of a sci fi genre and a horror.  This mix is more uncommon, because there usually tends to be a set genre which it stays as. On the other hand, a main point is that this show is displayed on Netflix, so technically doesn’t follow the usual TV drama genre as it isn’t shown on a Tv channel. 





How does this help to develop the genre and the way in which audiences respond (positively or negatively) to long form TV dramas? The genres of the set texts for example, Stranger Things as a Science Fiction/Horror hybrid genre drama or Deutschland 83 as a Spy Thriller genre drama.









What codes and conventions are used to help audiences recognise their genre? 
Usually different genres will have specific conventions that appear each time. These are all very recognisable to people who watch, which allows them to decided which genre they prefer. For example, with sci fi, the genre tends to have a future setting and include things like ufos and aliens. Neale's theory of 'repetition and difference' states that genre is a repetition with an undenying pattern of variables, and this different is absolutely essential in the economy of genre. He also stated that genre can be defined by two things. Firstly, how much it conforms to its genres individual conventions and stereotypes, hence a film must match the conventions to be part of a genre. 



What similarities and/or differences are there between the genres in Stranger Things? How do these help to popularise the form?

Stranger Things displays the genres of sci-fi mixed with some horror. This is because the setting is very common as it’s nothing in the future so relates more to a horror film, though the monster in it is of an alien form as opposed to a ghost or something.



How is the episode, and the way the events unfold within it, structured?

The episode starts fairly naturally, introducing the main characters and setting the scene. From here, we have the equilibrium disruption occur where the boy gets taken and there is then an attempt to resolve it. So far, it follows a rather conventional structure, though usually the very start tends to introduce the problem which needs to be solved.