Camille Brouard

The new Netflix original series 'Master of None', brainchild of Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang, covers important social themes in some of its episodes, for example racism against Indian actors and yellowface, sexism in the media and in daily life, how the elderly are treated, and being the child of immigrant parents in the U.S. What effects does the show's handling of these topics have, is the balance right between comedy and commentary, and where do these themes go by the end of the show?

On demand streaming services are fast becoming popular platforms for watching films and TV. They have also changed *how* we watch, in particular how we watch TV series.

Often referred to as binge-watching, people are able to watch an entire season or series in one session if they so choose. This is great in some ways (for example shows like Arrested Development and Master of None are created with a greater flow from one episode to the next, allowing for more time spent on creativity and less time on recaps), yet perhaps not so good in others.

Viewers lose that excited expectation of seeing their favourite show over a number of weeks, TV becomes less of a social event between friends and colleagues watching the same show at the same time and more of a solitary activity, and as binge-watching suggests it can be hard to know when to stop, and too much TV watching is associated with health problems.

An article could take a nostalgic look back to pre-streaming television, overall weighing up the pros and cons between both, without writing off non-streaming TV due to the more obvious convenience benefits of streaming. In short, as with anything else delayed gratification can be good for us!

It has been over a year since the Gamergate controversy, where women video game developers and critics were harrassed online by misogynists and a wider discussion opened up about women in video games and the associated industry.

With this in mind, how have video games been for women in 2015? Can look at characters and themes in PC/console games from big hits (e.g. Star Wars: Battlefront, Witcher III, GTA 5, Mortal Kombat X, Fallout 4, Call of Duty: Black Ops III, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain) to indie gems.

An article could also look at how the year has been for women in the industry, as creators and developers and critics etc.

In essence, is the video gaming scene becoming better and more accessible for women gamers and professionals, especially given all the awareness that Gamergate brought to misogynism in the industry? Or is it merely more of the same as far as the last year has been concerned?

There is a lot of chatter online (social media and news sites) about relationships and orientations in Star Wars The Force Awakens, and the later upcoming films. For example there is talk of chemistry between Finn and Poe, the more obvious heterosexual pairing of Finn and Rey, or even a poly relationship between the three. Is there a possibility for a gay/poly relationship, or are these options merely being dangled over hopeful fans? It is not the first time this has been done, if only considering the indulgent hints at Sherlock/Watson in BBC Sherlock.

An article can look at opinions online about possible pairings, and exploring other examples of dangling certain non-canon couples over the fans without committing to the relationship could provide interesting context. As can looking at the trend for fanfiction with non-canon couples. Also good to think what effects certain relationship choices could have over viewers, plot and social progression.

A speculative think piece, could be based partly on the trend for gritty TV shows (Daredevil, Jessica Jones) as well as big blockbuster hits. Also the surprise hit with little known Guardians of the Galaxy. Could be fun to think on possible filming and casting choices too!

A case study style piece on relationships in popular sitcoms with the aim of discussing progression (or lack of) in the sitcom genre, for example – Sam and Diane in Cheers, Ross and Rachel in Friends, Niles and Daphne in Frasier, Ted and Robin / Barney and Robin / Lily and Marshall in How I Met Your Mother, Jim and Pam in The Office, Penny and Leonard (and other relationships) in The Big Bang Theory, Andy and April in Parks and Recreation, the range of relationships in Modern Family (particularly Cam and Mitchell and how the show plays with gender roles in a gay coupling). Do these shows challenge gender norms or not, and to what extent is this only due to shows moving with the times? Are some modern shows handling relationship dynamics better than others?