Explain what you understand by intertexuality. Refer to the set episode of Life On Mars to support your response.
Life On Mars is a British crime drama, the television show subverts from typical themes by implementing the science-fiction genre into the show, giving it a unique selling point to the viewer. The dynamic of the genre is shown in the show through Steve Neale’s genre theory. The use of police uniforms, cars and stations apply directly to the genre. However, it subverts from stereotypical police programs by having a 2006 show set in the 70s. Life On Mars has adapted from taking elements from both genres and combining it together.
Whilst Life On Mars could be viewed as a conventional police procedural, these stereotypical conventions are challenged when Sam is hit by a car and travels back in time. The mise-en-scene completely changes highlighting the change in time period and characters reflecting the disruption from conventional police procedural. The show mimics the 70s show The Sweeney, creating a nostalgia for the audience whilst contradicting some of these attitudes to suit a modern-day audience. Therefore the attitudes and opinions were vastly different to 2006. For example, the character of Gene Hunt being represented as a toughened cop, directly reflecting the character of Jack Regan. Sam Tyler, from the era of 2006, alongside the modern-day audience are able to recognise comments made by Gene Hunt and therefore highlight the change in societies attitudes towards gender and race. Gilroy’s Postmodernism theory shows the difference in police work alongside the persona of 70s police officers vs modern police officers. Furthermore, the postmodern culture is rarely represented in mainstream media in present day, therefore most audiences would never of experienced The Sweeney in its prime. Police work is also extremely different, with the juxtaposition of the 70s high-speed dramatic car chases against the modern office work of the police. The character of Sam Tyler is there to produce insight and influence on the other characters, showing that society is capable of changing.
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