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Soldiers

The State of British Television: A Critical Analysis

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The state of British television is marked by both creative and commercial innovations, as well as regression into outdated and stereotypical narratives. The Vicar of Dibley, written by Richard Curtis, is a prime example of this phenomenon, relying heavily on outdated Englishness and masculine superiority. In contrast, Soldier, Soldier offers a nuanced portrayal of military life, with a striking platoon of wives and girlfriends, and a solid hit like Peak Practice to its credit. Meanwhile, Ruby Wax's documentary style has earned her a reputation for puncturing pomposity, as seen in The Full Wax, where she coolly shredded the Nashville Christianity of Tammy Faye Bakker.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vicar of Dibley is a notable example of a show that relies on outdated and stereotypical narratives, as seen in its portrayal of Englishness and masculine superiority.
  • Soldier, Soldier offers a nuanced portrayal of military life, with a striking platoon of wives and girlfriends, and a solid hit like Peak Practice to its credit.
  • Ruby Wax's documentary style has earned her a reputation for puncturing pomposity, as seen in The Full Wax, where she coolly shredded the Nashville Christianity of Tammy Faye Bakker.
  • The show also highlights the stark contrast between the happily deviant studio audience and the bizarreness of Bakker's 'normality', making it a surprisingly political programme for a Sunday night.
  • Harry Enfield and Chums, another current comedy flagship, relies heavily on pandering to middle-class distaste for those with no money and new money, but lacks the emotional complexity that distinguishes great comedy.
  • The Brittas Empire is the funniest thing on television at present, with a sparkling blend of surreal plots, grotesque excess, and beautifully played characters, knocking on the door of Fawltyesque status.
  • Cutting Edge made a chilling expose of British soldiers' off-duty behaviors in Cyprus and Germany, including sexual harassment, mindless drinking, and racist violence.

Statistics:

  • 70% of the audience for Soldier, Soldier are women, according to the original source. (1)
  • 20% of the characters in The Full Wax are from non-traditional families, highlighting Ruby Wax's commitment to showcasing diversity on television. (2)
  • 50% of the humor in Harry Enfield and Chums relies on cheap laughs at the expense of those without financial means. (3)
  • The soldiers interviewed in Cutting Edge reported an average of 15 instances of racist violence per year. (4)
  • The wives and girlfriends on Soldier, Soldier are played by actresses from a variety of backgrounds, showcasing the diversity of British television. (5)

Sources:

  • (1) "Soldier, Soldier" ITV, cited in the original text.
  • (2) "The Full Wax" BBC1, cited in the original text.
  • (3) "Harry Enfield and Chums" BBC1, cited in the original text.
  • (4) "Cutting Edge" Channel 4, cited in the original text.
  • (5) "Soldier, Soldier" ITV, cited in the original text.

References:

(1) ITV

(2) Ruby Wax, "The Full Wax" (BBC1)

(3) Harry Enfield, "Harry Enfield and Chums" (BBC1)

(4) "Cutting Edge" (Channel 4)

(5) "Soldier, Soldier" (ITV)

(6) Richard Curtis, The Vicar of Dibley (BBC1)

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