Media Coursework Introduction.

An exploration of the generic similarities and differences between CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and BBC: Silent Witness.

Sherlock Holmes enforced the importance of forensic science in the early 20^th Century through a series of fictional stories and early films. However, over the last 20 years Crime Scene TV Dramas have developed an outstanding popularity receiving up to 20 million viewers. The focus of forensic science has expanded, directing the appeal more on the involvement on finding the suspect than the Police Force. It has increased in importance because violence is a harmful issue in our society and accusing the wrong suspect causes dramatic affect on the trust in our community and country.

The first text I will be studying is the hit US TV Drama, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. This programme explores the depth and explanation of forensic science & demonstrates the use of technology in a large range of crimes. It has been a highly popular American drama since 2000 and I will be comparing this to my second text, BBC: Silent Witness. Broadcasting from 1996, this programme perceives a crime scene in a mysterious and dark light not overdramatizing the situation.

I will be evaluating the two texts and will consider what is similar within the genres and what is diverse. I will find out whether having dissimilar characters has an affect or what country it is set in.