TV drama characters

Reinforcing and challenging gender stereotypes 

The female characters in skins are viewed via the male gaze which are seen as promiscuous. The character profile of Effy Stoneham enhances this idea by her provocative nature and revealing clothes. However, Effy takes enjoyment by playing 'hard to get' and makes Freddie McClair and James Cook both fall for her. This connotes the typical side of Effy as she dominates the relationships and isn't portrayed as a stereotypical weak female; although the weakness could be debatable as at the end of series four she broke down and went mad.

Throughout the whole of the series the idea that a girl needs to look perfect and also dress provocatively to become noticed is referenced a lot. If a girl dresses any different, it almost goes against the norm. The character Naomi Campbell is critised a lot by Cook - which she retaliates to - as she is portrayed as a counter type to females as she covers up.

The gender of males is portrayed as domineering and only being interested in females attention if it contains sexual references. However, the character JJ is counter typical due to him viewing girls on their personality and not acknowledging sexual references; he almost looks out casted by Cook and Freddie due to them talking about girls and porn. JJ is only really interested in education and the science he is taking at college.

In this picture of Effy, you can see that the outfit she is wearing is highly provocative and revealing as you can see her bra, which is subjective for men to act upon. The picture below is of Naomi Campbell, it shows the type of clothes how she would dress and how different it is to Effy as it is very simple and nothing that would be considered alluring.

What issues of representation can be seen in River?

Emotionally unwell:

It is clear to see in episode 1 - 3 that DI John River is emotionally stunted; he struggles to express his mental state. It is a valid judgement to make that River was in love with his deceased partner DS Jackie Stevenson (Stevie). However, he never let himself close enough to her to admit how he felt, or still feels, even after her death. 

Rivers colleagues make it compulsory for him to go and visit the psychiatrist for emotional help. River is reluctant at first but starts to show ease towards the idea of needing help. 

It is easy to see how unhappy DI River is during these three episodes, in the third episode he breaks down and begins to cry heavily. This makes the audience sympathies for him; for his beloved loss and utter unhappiness that he feels.