Cameron Cook in ‘Rivals’ 2024: Racism in the Television Industry

TW: Racism and Sexual Assault Disney Plus’ 2024 series ‘Rivals’ follows the lives and lusts of an elite group of countryside dwellers in Rutshire. The series, based on Jilly Cooper’s novel of the same name, has been well received by critics and fed everybody’s current craving for escapist soapy melodrama. I did not realise though,Continue reading “Cameron Cook in ‘Rivals’ 2024: Racism in the Television Industry”

Panjabi Representation in ‘Eastenders’: The Panesars

When EastEnders announced that they were introducing a Sikh Panjabi family in 2019 I will admit that I was surprised. Usually, Asian characters and/or families on screen were either Hindu or Muslim. When I was younger, if I did not fit into the category of Hindu or Muslim then people would be at a loss,Continue reading “Panjabi Representation in ‘Eastenders’: The Panesars”

‘Bridgerton’ and South Asian Representation

I’ll be honest – the only reason that I watched the second season of Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’ was to see the story of the Sharma’s. I was not as mesmerised by the first season as other people were and found it to be a bit too romanticised. I described it as period drama that lacked theContinue reading “‘Bridgerton’ and South Asian Representation”

‘Bates Motel’ TV Series: An Analysis

‘Bates Motel’ ran for five seasons from 2013 to 2017, and centred around the trials and tribulations of Norma and Norman Bates. Both characters appear in Robert Bloch’s 1959 novel ‘Psycho,’ and Hitchock’s acclaimed horror film of the same name the following year. The series starts with Norma and Norman moving to White Pine Bay,Continue reading “‘Bates Motel’ TV Series: An Analysis”

The ‘Femme Fatale’ on Screen

The French phrase ‘Femme Fatale’ translates to ‘fatal woman,’ and describes an archetype that originates from the classic film noir of the 1940s and 50s. This stock character usually brings about the destruction of the protagonist, usually male, and manages to reject traditional ideals of femininity while she does. There have been many iterations ofContinue reading “The ‘Femme Fatale’ on Screen”

Historical Fiction: Can it make sense?

On the surface ‘historical fiction’ appears to be a contradictory term. ‘Historical’ clearly refers to events within the past, ‘fiction’ refers to ideas that are based upon the imagination. In theory these two ideas should not go together… so how do they? And what are the consequences? Hilary Mantel, author of ‘Wolf Hall,’ notes thatContinue reading “Historical Fiction: Can it make sense?”

Harry and Meghan: History Repeating Itself?

Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah aired in the UK on Monday and was viewed by 12 million people. In the aftermath of its airing, Piers Morgan resigned and many media outlets have spoken in defence of their work and decried the couple. The couple candidly discussed Buckingham Palace, mental health and claimed that theyContinue reading “Harry and Meghan: History Repeating Itself?”

Diana in ‘The Crown’ Season Four: An Analysis

TW: Eating disorders The fourth season of the ‘The Crown’ on Netflix has caused quite a stir, with royal biographers and insiders criticising the depiction of the royal family. Both Lady Diana Spencer and Margaret Thatcher made their entrance in its most recent season, to rave reviews. In particular, the spotlight was placed on theContinue reading “Diana in ‘The Crown’ Season Four: An Analysis”

Why is Princess Diana still remembered today?

Diana, Princess of Wales is a figure that seems to be ever-present. She comes back into the public imagination on the advent of any royal ceremony, be that the wedding of her former husband or both of her children. It is difficult to think of a royal that has had a similar impact, one thatContinue reading “Why is Princess Diana still remembered today?”

Henry VIII and Donald Trump: More alike than not?

Henry VIII and Donald Trump are probably two of the most famous men in history… but don’t tell them that or we’ll never hear the end of it. On the surface, I didn’t think they would have much in common, but there was more there than I thought. Beginnings Both are second sons, so wereContinue reading “Henry VIII and Donald Trump: More alike than not?”