The Rise of Small-Town Settings in Contemporary Television Drama
This Emmy season marks a distinct pivot in television narrative, moving away from bustling urban landscapes like Las Vegas, Chicago, and New York. Instead, the spotlight shines on smaller, often remote towns and their unique, frequently unsettling, disputes. These series delve into localized conflicts and otherworldly occurrences, capturing the intricate fabric of life beyond major cities. Creators and producers behind these popular shows highlight the intriguing aspects of focusing on peripheral areas, noting that "people are inherently weird" and that tragedy often strikes individuals from all walks of life, not just the affluent or powerful.
This shift to small-town settings enriches storytelling by grounding narratives in specific, often isolated, environments. From the Montana wilderness in 'The Madison' to the fictional New Mexico retirement village in 'The Boroughs,' these locales become characters themselves, shaping the lives and struggles of their inhabitants. The challenges of filming in these diverse settings, whether battling harsh weather or recreating fictional communities, contribute significantly to the authenticity and visual language of each series, allowing for deeper exploration of human experiences like grief, survival, and unexpected community bonds.
The Allure of Remote Locales: A New Era for TV Narratives
The current television landscape is experiencing a fascinating evolution, with a noticeable preference for narratives set in small towns and remote regions, moving beyond the familiar backdrop of major cities. This trend allows creators to explore unconventional disputes and unique character dynamics that flourish away from urban complexities. Shows like 'The Madison,' set in Montana's Madison River Valley, utilize the stunning yet challenging natural environment to underscore themes of loss and resilience. Director Christina Alexandra Voros notes how the landscape itself became a formidable character, integral to conveying the broken yet unbreakable spirit of the Clyburn family. Similarly, 'The Boroughs' constructs an entire fictional town in New Mexico, focusing on the quirky isolation that fosters both community and conflict, as residents confront unusual threats.
This deliberate choice of setting offers a rich tapestry for storytelling, where geographical isolation and distinct local cultures play pivotal roles in shaping plots and character development. In 'Paradise,' the transition from an underground bunker to an aboveground world in Colorado symbolizes a shift from trauma to a renewed sense of community and kindness among survivors. Meanwhile, 'It: Welcome to Derry' revisits Stephen King's fictional Maine town, emphasizing the historical and social upheavals of 1962, which are exploited by the malevolent Pennywise. These series demonstrate how small-town backdrops can amplify themes of human nature, fear, and the search for belonging, proving that compelling drama can be found far from the urban sprawl. The inherent 'weirdness' of people, as one creator puts it, truly shines in these intimate, localized settings.
Crafting Authentic Characters and Communities in Distinct Settings
The focus on smaller communities enables television series to delve into the intricacies of human behavior and societal structures with a granular precision often missed in broader urban narratives. In 'Your Friends & Neighbors,' the affluent Westmont Village in New York becomes a microcosm for examining wealth, class, and unexpected crises, with creator Jonathan Tropper highlighting the challenge of portraying relatable, three-dimensional characters despite their privileged lifestyles. Similarly, 'DTF St. Louis' utilizes ordinary suburban settings like community pools and baseball fields to create an unsettling tension, showcasing how dangerous impulses can emerge within seemingly settled lives. Filming in these specific locales is crucial for authenticity, as actors can immerse themselves in the local atmosphere, absorbing nuances that translate into more believable performances.
The deliberate choice of location also fosters unique creative opportunities for set design and character portrayal. 'The 'Burbs,' filmed on Universal Studios' Colonial Street, creates a familiar yet eccentric suburban world, populating it with diverse characters who form a community despite their differences. In 'Landman,' the rugged oil fields of West Texas and New Mexico are not just backdrops but integral elements shaping the blue-collar characters' tough realities, emphasizing their resilience and the dangerous nature of their work. Even in the fictional New England setting of 'Widow's Bay,' the sense of an isolated island allows for a blend of cozy familiarity and eerie superstition, where the landscape and local beliefs intertwine to create a distinct comedic-horror atmosphere. This trend underscores a commitment to character-driven storytelling, where the setting is not just scenery but a fundamental force in the narrative.
