Because of the popularity and development of digital technology and internet-distributed television, the last few years have seen a dramatic change in the production, distribution and consumption of television. There has been a gradual shift from linear to non-linear viewing. At the same time, because the production of television is no longer constrained by the many traditional rules and ways of television production, as Goddard and Hogg (2018) indicated that ‘these new models of television, with their appeals to ever more niche and activated users, at least allow for a potentially more queer manifestation of television.” Streaming platforms have reduced their focus on the theme that relates to heterosexuality, toxic masculinity or ‘difficult men’ when producing television series, paying their attention to queer television instead. Streaming platforms then not only create an opportunity for mass audiences to learn and know more about the niche LGBTQ+ group, but also create a space for those niche LGBTQ+ audiences to explore and consume queer and trans television.

In my opinion, <Killing Eve> is a TV series that is well worth discussing, especially at a time when the way television series is produced has changed. The TV series breaks the rules of the norm in various ways, making for a new viewing experience for audiences. Audiences mention the innovative way in which the show subverts so many genre conventions. <Killing Eve> not only challenges heterosexuality, but also offers new ideas for the production of queer TV series. For example, Eve is a bored, whip-smart security services employee whose desk job does not fulfil her spy dreams, while Villanelle is a skilled assassin who cherishes the perks that come with her violent work. Although their professions may seem very unfamiliar to the audience, the overall tone/style of <Killing Eve> is not serious, and there is some interesting dialogue and scene setting throughout. The audience will watch these two tough women, who are equally enamoured with each other, will engage in an epic game of cat and mouse.

Bibliography

Goddard, M. & Hogg, C. (2018)  ‘Introduction: Trans TV as concept and intervention into contemporary television’. Critical Studies in Television. Vol. 13 (4), p470-474. DOI: 10.1177/1749602018798217

Yuqian Hu (33648024)

First Published on 25/11/2022