We've all been there — engrossed in the latest gripping TV drama, only to be jerked back or forth through time with a plot-illuminating flashback. Referred to as 'the art of back story,' the use of flashbacks in modern TV is becoming prevalent. But is this storytelling method being overused, and if so, does this lack the originality once celebrated in earlier TV productions?
The Use of Flashbacks in Modern TV: A Supplement or a Crutch?
A flashback, in essence, is a narrative technique that allows the writers to show an event or series of events that took place before the current storyline. It’s a means of infusing backstory, presenting character's past events, or shedding light on character's motivations. These can provide a welcomed depth, a twist or a surprise in an otherwise linear plotline. But has this notion been taken too far?
In modern television shows, flashbacks have become as common as the ubiquitous advertisement breaks. From the fantasy world of "Game of Thrones" to the crime-ridden streets of "Breaking Bad," flashbacks are employed with reckless abandon, not just to tell a back story but, at times, to fill in plot holes or beef up weak storyline.
The question, therefore, isn't about the use of flashbacks in itself, but rather its overuse. Are TV writers now over-reliant on this storytelling device? Whereas flashbacks were once sparingly used to great effect, they now seem to be a crutch adopted by writers to paddle through tricky narrative waters with relative comfort.
Storytelling Techniques in Television: A Broad Spectrum or a Narrow Beam?
Storytelling is at the heart of successful television shows. It's a complex art that engages the audience, drives the plot forward, and tugs at emotional strings. The use of various storytelling techniques in television shows have evolved radically over the years, with flashbacks being only a fraction of this vast toolkit.
In the early days of TV, tales were told predominantly in chronological order — there was a beginning, a middle, and then an end. The adoption of flashbacks, fast-forwards, and non-linear storytelling was rare and, when used, became the talk of the town — as was made evident by the once ground-breaking "Lost". Now, however, manipulating storytelling through time seems to be more of the norm than the exception, in turn producing an unintended homogeneity across different TV genres.
Are Flashbacks Effective in TV Shows?: The Double-Edged Sword of Storytelling
When used with a deft hand, flashbacks can be one of the most effective storytelling techniques in television. They offer a chance for the viewer to better understand the motivations of a character or to reveal an unseen chapter that provides a new perspective on the overall plot.
Series like "Orange is the New Black" use flashbacks to etch out the past of each character, reveal their depth, diversifying the monotonous prison environment with a snapshot into their varied pasts. However, this method becomes ineffective when overdone, veering off course from the primary narrative, leaving the viewers to grapple with Disney movie-esque channels of backstories all at once.
Thus, the effectiveness of flashbacks, like any other technique, truly depends on the execution and the intention of the creators. Being a powerful tool, it's the writer's responsibility to use it judiciously to enhance rather than detract from the central narrative.
A Trip Down Memory Lane or a Glimpse into the Future?
Flashbacks and flashforwards have long been tools to imbed additional layers of storytelling into the narrative fabric of television shows. They transport us to a time before or after the current events, revealing character backgrounds or foreshadowing potential futures.
However, with many recent TV shows heavily emphasising these storytelling techniques, it raises a question. Are writers leaning too heavily on them instead pacing and developing the story organically? Are our screens being filled with endless reminders and prophecies instead of present action?
Are We Confusing Storytelling with Time Travel?
When used appropriately, a good flashback or flashforward sequences can change our entire perspective of a character, imbue the storyline with deeper meaning or create suspense that keeps us at the edge of our seats. Think "Lost" or "Breaking Bad". However, when overused, these devices can convolute the narrative, causing scenes to lose their impact and viewers to lose track of the central plot.
Writers often use flashbacks as a way to develop characters' backstories. It's an effective way to subtly provide character information without stating anything outright. Unfortunately, when over-utilised, it risks making plot feel like an afterthought and cheapens in-the-moment character interactions.
Similarly, flashforwards can increase suspense and foreshadow future events. But it also risks creating a storytelling environment where the viewers are always mentally living in the future. By constantly pushing forward, viewers can become disconnected from the events unfolding in the present, undermining the very basis of serialised storytelling.
Striking the Right Balance
Meanwhile, some shows have managed to use these time-travel devices sparingly and effectively. For instance, the HBO miniseries "Chernobyl" utilised a single, stark flashforward at the beginning to emphasise the gravity of the looming disaster. This singular peek into the future established significant plot tension that was carried through the entire series.
The take-away is that flashbacks and flashforwards can be highly effective when used judiciously within the confines of the actual narrative. Ultimately, a balance needs to be struck where enough information is given to the viewers without sacrificing the richness of present narratives. When done right, these storytelling techniques can serve as cherries on top rather than the entire cake.
Final Thoughts on the Time Loom
While flashbacks and flashforwards are comfortable crutches for TV writers, relying too much on these narrative tools can potentially dilute the story’s effect. As viewers continue to evolve, TV shows would do well to realise that less is often more. Skilled storytelling is about knowing when to reveal and when to hold back. And the art of the reveal doesn’t always have to come from the past or the future, but often from the present, which is often overlooked in the labyrinth of time leaps.