The Returned and Representation of Women

In terms of bell hooks' theory, the recurring storyline of the female characters being attacked or murdered in the underpass could be read in multiple ways. On of these ways is representing women as vulnerable and in need of protection. This is due to the focus on the attacks being against women. A second reading of this is a comment on the everyday nature of violence towards women in society. This is due to the underlying meaning of these scenes being the show presenting victims as going about their everyday routines whilst being preyed upon. A second reason to support this argument is that those who carry out acts of oppression towards women are clearly represented as wrong and suffer the consequences of their actions. Furthermore, the character of Thomas represents the ideas of a patriarchal system and domination due to him being very controlling and jealous. This is demonstrated by the CCTV used to watch Adele and her daughter at home, him withholding information about Simon's death and later killing him which consequently limits Adele's options.

Moreover, The Returned could be viewed to represented the oppressed in society, such as women. This is due to them being treated as outsiders and that they are left behind after they die whilst their families move on and rebuild their lives. An example of this can be seen in the relationship of Camille and Lena, who despite once being so similar, Lena entirely rejects and despises Camille due to her difference. This could be seen as a metaphor for how we treat and reject other people due to difference, such as gender, even though we are all the same.

In terms of Van Zoonen's theory, women are represented in many different roles throughout the series. However, many women are represented within the stereotypical roles and as being domestic, sexualised and marginalised. An example of this can be seen in Claire's role as a mother and a housewife. Throughout each episode, we don't see Claire leave the house, apart from one occasion when she and Camille goes shopping. As well as this, Julie's role as a nurse can also fit within this. Her role as a nurse is explored when she gets a phone call from Mr Costa, showing her caring and nurturing role. This is further explored through her relationship with Victor in which she takes on the role of his mother. In addition to this, female characters are also represented as sexualised, particularly through Lucy and Lena. Lucy is represented as a sexualised figure, as well as a vulnerable victim. This can particularly be seen through the Police investigation after her murder, in which they speak about her relationship with the men of the town, in which we later find out that she is able to speak to the dead. The same can be said for the character of Lena as she is often presented as sexualised due to her relationship with the boys in the Lake Pub. This behaviour then leads Camille to act in similar ways, particularly in talking to older boys, suggesting that Camille believes this is the way a woman her sister's age is expected and should act. Furthermore, Lena is also presented as a vulnerable victim, similar to Lucy, as seen through the storyline about the scar on her back as well as her experience in the underpass leading to her relationship with Serge. This individual storyline suggests that Lena must be spared by Serge as her attacker changes his mind, presenting her as vulnerable and in need of help.

In terms of the purpose of these representations, it could be a comment on the treatment of women in society, or infact how the media represents women. This is due to the often stereotypical role of women in the show. As well as this, most women in the show seem to be dominated by a man, Adele and Thomas, Claire and Jerome. Even Adele's relationship with Simon could be viewed as fitting into this due to the scene in the attic when Simon kissing Adele and she tells him to stop. Overall, I think the purpose of the representations of women in this show is to comment on women's relationship with society and the oppression that they face, not to show women as being vulnerable, in need of help and domesticated.