Imitating Life?

I note with curiosity this story about a drop-in scene being filmed for an episode of EastEnders to be broadcast on Friday, after the UK’s general election result is known.

With my media v. psychology hat on, I’m interested in the motive for such topical referencing within a fictional TV programme, which otherwise makes very few concessions to life in the real world. I remember reading about Coronation Street, and about how the average rate of crime, violent death, incest, illness, etc. is far higher than the average rate for a real street in the real world – the condensing of human life into such a small specimen loses its sene of conviction when viewed in this way.

In writing that, I’m reminded of the idea that the therapy room is often considered to be a microcosm of the world outside, and that the relationship between therapist and client is similarly representative (on a smaller scale) of the relationship that client has with those outside in ‘real life’. I’ve never been entirely comfortable with this postulation, although I understand and acknowledge the point being made, and agree with it to a certain extent.

But – as a non-soap watcher I’m perhaps at a disadvantage – I’m still not sure what the significance is of fusing the realities of life and ‘art’ (for want of a better description of EastEnders). My immediate concern is that such suggestions of parallel realities might serve to lend a greater weight of authenticity to other content – are the creators of EastEnders wanting us to identify their characters as real people, losing the sense of their fictionality (is that a word?)? Because that would be a frightening prospect for how they may then seek to manipulate or influence viewers’ sympathies and opinions (and on a bigger scale their thoughts, actions and feelings – even voting preferences) by suggesting their characters are more than ciphers to fictional plot devices.

Hmmm. I’m growing increasingly uneasy about this idea. My admittedly quite cynical mind is already questioning how this level of imitation life might be impacting on those who do live in the real world – ie. us. Perhaps I’d be more/less worried if I actually watched the show.

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