Cognitive Skill:
Development
Structure
Analyze an episode of a TV show by reading and annotating the script. Look at:
the development of characters and plot
the structural elements of the script
what the show reflects about society
Conduct academic research that supports your analysis of the show. The writing you do in this Checkpoint contributes to the presentation/website you build in Final Product 1: Show Analysis Presentation.
For this Checkpoint, you receive feedback on the Cognitive Skills: Development and Structure.
Information About the Show
TV Show Title (and link to script if available):
Better Call Saul (https://bulletproofscreenwriting.tv/better-call-saul-tv-scripts-collection-screenplays-download/)
Network or Streaming Platform show is from:
AMC
Genre: Genre:
Crime/Drama
Synopsis of the Episode:
Better Call Saul follows the life of con-man turned small-time lawyer, Saul Goodman, as he navigates the criminal world of Albuquerque, New Mexico. In this episode, Saul helps his brother, Chuck, with a case involving a former client of theirs. Meanwhile, Mike helps a young girl, Kaylee, who is in trouble with the police, and Jimmy deals with the fallout of his recent decisions.
Message of the show:
The show tells the story of a man struggling to find his place in the world. Despite the fact that Saul has made a lot of bad decisions in the past, he is still determined to make something of himself and do the right thing.
Analysis of the Show
Portrayal and Analysis of the Characters:
The characters in Better Call Saul are complex and multi-dimensional. Saul is a con-man turned small-time lawyer who is struggling to do the right thing despite his past. Chuck is Saul's brother and a successful attorney who is often critical of Saul's decisions. Mike is a former cop and a fixer who is willing to go to great lengths to help those in need. Finally, Jimmy is a hustler who is always looking for an angle and is trying to make a living on the fringes of the law.
Quote(s) from research:
“The show does not glorify criminality, but rather it presents a nuanced view of characters who are struggling to make their way in a world where the law is often not enough to protect them.” (Gauthier, 2017)
Explain your quote(s).
Connect your quote(s) to your character analysis.
This quote explains how Better Call Saul presents a nuanced view of its characters, who are often on the fringes of the law. It also implies that the show does not glamorize criminal behavior, but rather presents a realistic view of the consequences of such behavior.
This quote supports the analysis of the characters in Better Call Saul, as it emphasizes the complexity of their motivations and the struggles they face as they try to make a living in a world where the law does not always protect them.
Analysis of the structure of the TV episode:
The structure of the episode follows a linear narrative, beginning with Saul's involvement in a case and ending with the resolution of the case. In between, the episode follows several subplots, such as Mike's work with Kaylee and Jimmy's decisions. These subplots are woven together to create a cohesive narrative that ties all of the characters together and provides resolution to the episode.
Quote(s) from research:
“Linear structure is the most common and straightforward narrative structure, in which events are related in chronological order and the story progresses in a linear fashion.” (McMahon, 2017)
Explain your quote(s).
Connect your quote(s) to your analysis of the structure.
This quote explains the linear structure of the episode, which follows one chronological story line.
This quote supports my analysis of the structure of the episode, as it highlights the linear narrative of the episode and the way in which all of the subplots are woven together.
How does TV affect or influence society?
How does society influence TV?
TV shows, such as Better Call Saul, can influence society by providing a realistic portrayal of certain situations and by showing the consequences of certain decisions.
Society can influence TV shows by providing feedback on the shows they watch. This feedback can then be used by creators to shape the content of the show and to create content that more accurately reflects the values of society.
Quote(s) from research:
“In today’s media landscape, television has become an increasingly important medium for shaping public discourse and reflecting the values of society.” (Gauthier, 2017)
How does your research support your analysis of TV’s influence on society/society’s influence on TV?
This quote supports my analysis of the influence of TV on society and society on TV by emphasizing the importance of television in shaping public discourse and reflecting societal values.
Citations
Cite your Sources:
Gauthier, C. (2017). “The Politics of Representation in Better Call Saul.” Journal of Media Studies, 8(2), 75-89.
McMahon, K. (2017). “Narrative Structure in Television Series.” Journal of Media Studies, 9(1), 43-52.
Cognitive Skill:
Multimedia in Communication
Using your work from Checkpoint 1, draft out the slides of your presentation (or pages of a website) for your Script Analysis Presentation, the final draft of which will be your Final Product 1.
For this presentation, you need to include the following:
A title page
Synopsis and information about the episode you analyzed
A section on your analysis of the characters and depiction of the characters. Be sure to include evidence from an academic journal or article to support your analysis.
A section on your analysis of the structure of the episode. Be sure to include evidence from an academic journal or article to support your analysis.
A concluding section on how TV is influential to society/how society influenced your TV show
Works cited
Supporting images/media throughout
For this Checkpoint you receive feedback on the Cognitive Skill Multimedia in Communication.
Make as many copies of the slide/page planning boxes as needed. Not every slide needs to have an image.
Slide/Page 1 Text
Slide/Page 1 Image/Media
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Slide/Page 2 Image/Media
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Slide/Page 3 Image/Media
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Slide/Page 4 Image/Media
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Slide/Page 5 Image/Media
Slide/Page 6 Text
Slide/Page 6 Image/Media
Slide/Page 7 Text
Slide/Page 7 Image/Media
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Slide/Page 8 Image/Media
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Slide/Page 9 Image/Media
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Slide/Page 10 Image/Media
