bell hooks insinuated that race and class as well as sex determine the extent to which individuals are exploited, discriminated against or oppressed. This is evident in The Returned, reinforcing patriarchal values and hierarchies.
The Returned actively plays a role in exploiting their female characters with the use of underpass. Indeed, the attacks that occur in series one is only on women (shown with both Lucy and Julie), as well as it being synonymous for violence and something that the characters, especially women, must avoid. Evidently, the theory of bell hooks plays a significant role with the underpass by how women are oppressed, reinforcing the patriarchal values and hierarchies prominent in society. It is apparent to the audience that the person affected by the underpass the most is Julie, having traumatic flashbacks that Vector had stopped – also stopping Julie from harming herself with the pair of scissors in her hand.
Furthermore, bell hooks proposed the idea that women are exploited against in both society and mainstream media, evident with Adele’s character. It is apparent that Adele is only shown as happy when reminiscent about or even with Simon, showing a co-dependence on men. Moreover, bell hooks’ ideologies are also shown with Adele and Thomas’ relationship throughout the show, as Adele is compliant to Thomas and his actions, which are later exploited in later episodes. Not only is Thomas a more dominant character in his relationship and Adele, but also his relationship with her daughter Chloe. Indeed, it is revealed to the audience in episode 3 of the show that Thomas had hid cameras in their shared home, discovered by Chloe in her room. This scene reinforces hooks’ theory that women are both discriminated against and oppressed by larger forces (male figures).