I’d like to explore the differences in characterization and dialogue between Homicde ep. 3 “Night of the Living Dead” and a more successful (in terms of ratings and longevity) show, Law and Order. I think Homicide’s characters are presented in such an intimate, but conflicting way, with a very realistic touch to the way the characters speak with one another. By comparing it to the way “cops” talk to each other on Law and Order, perhaps I can account for Homicide’s decline, or at least touch on why some people just weren’t enticed by it.
The scene I’d like to use runs from…
7:00 – “Maintenance guy said….”
10:00 “Her shift comes on about the time that we’re leaving…”
This scene is great for its use of ensemble cast, overlapping story arcs (including a runner), multiple conversations taking place at the same time, and most importantly each characters own motives within the conversation (making the conversation feel very eclectic, and to me, more real). I’ll also talk about how the camera enables such a conversation to take place, where the same conversation on a show like Law and Order would be impossible.