TV Crime Drama - Conventions and Sub Genres

Enigma Codes
A mystery; e.g. who the villain is, who did the murder

Red Herrings
A false lead, when you think it's someone but it's not, makes viewer think its someone that its not. e.g. when someone who gets arrested, when it wasn't there - takes them down the wrong path

Inexperienced Sidekick
Someone who helps that is inexperienced. e.g. PC Jake Vickers from cuffs, new police officer 

Cliffhanger
Where an episode is left on the edge, makes viewer want to know what happens, viewer thinks of possible scenarios or outcomes that can happen. e.g. end of Eastenders episodes

Chase
a tv crime drama usually involves a police chase in a robbery. e.g. Kidnapped (2017)

Character teamwork
the audience get pleasured when a certain team or partnerships succeeds. e.g. Pretty little liars

Protagonist 
Main character usually the hero has a defect. e.g. Bodyguard from Bodyguard - drinking






Example of sub genre
Gangester
tv drama that focuses on the lives of gangs
e.g The wire

Police Soap
A never ending police soap opera
e.g the Bill

Cold case
A case where there is no leads focusing on the lives of the police officer that is never ending
e.g Cold case

Court room
A crime where it involves lawyers and courtrooms
e.g Suits

Detective dramas
Detectives investigating big crimes
e.g Broadchurch

Serial Killer
Based on the main character who is a serial killer
e.g Bates motel

Prison
A crime drama set in a prison
e.g Orange is the new black

Investigate detective and sidekick
Focuses on detective and sidekick who are often the main characters
e.g Cuffs

Criminal 
Focuses on a group of criminals who commit crimes and often get away with it
e.g How to get away with murder