“Marshals” and the Rise of Procedurals Tackling Social Issues
The CBS series Marshals, a spin-off of Yellowstone, is gaining attention not just for its continuation of the Dutton universe, but for its willingness to address real-world issues. Episode 5, “Lost Girls,” focused on the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people, a storyline that resonated deeply with actor Mo Brings Plenty and sparked a conversation about representation in mainstream television.
The Power of Representation in Crime Dramas
For decades, procedural dramas have been a staple of television. However, traditionally, these shows have often shied away from complex social issues, focusing instead on self-contained cases. Marshals appears to be breaking that mold. By incorporating the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, the display brings a critical problem to a wider audience. Mo Brings Plenty highlighted his gratitude for the show’s inclusion of this storyline, noting its importance given his own family’s experience with unanswered questions surrounding the death of his nephew.
Beyond “Yellowstone”: Expanding Indigenous Narratives
The success of Yellowstone paved the way for Marshals, and with it, an opportunity to delve deeper into the stories of Indigenous communities. Brings Plenty, who also served as the American Indian affairs coordinator on Yellowstone and 1923, emphasized the “breath of fresh air” that comes with continuing these narratives. This isn’t simply about adding diversity; it’s about authentically portraying the challenges and realities faced by Indigenous people, and offering a platform for their stories to be heard.
The Impact of Mainstream Platforms
The choice to address this issue on a network television show like Marshals is significant. Streaming services have often been lauded for their willingness to tackle difficult topics, but network television still reaches a broader demographic. By bringing the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people to CBS, the show has the potential to raise awareness and spark conversations among viewers who might not otherwise be exposed to it. The show’s renewal for a second season suggests a continued commitment to these types of storylines.
A Shift in Procedural Storytelling?
Marshals may be indicative of a larger trend in procedural dramas. Audiences are increasingly demanding more than just entertainment; they want shows that reflect the world around them and engage with important social issues. The success of shows that tackle complex themes suggests that this demand is being met. The show’s approach, as described by Brings Plenty, involves careful research and collaboration with writers to ensure authenticity and sensitivity.
Did you know? The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has a dedicated Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) unit focused on addressing this crisis.
Future Trends: Procedurals with Purpose
Several trends suggest this shift will continue:
- Increased Demand for Authenticity: Audiences are becoming more discerning and are quick to call out inauthentic portrayals.
- Collaboration with Communities: Successful shows will prioritize collaboration with the communities they depict, ensuring accurate and respectful representation.
- Long-Form Storytelling: Procedurals are increasingly using multi-episode arcs to explore complex issues in greater depth.
- Focus on Systemic Issues: Rather than simply focusing on individual crimes, shows will likely explore the systemic factors that contribute to social problems.
Pro Tip: When watching shows that tackle sensitive topics, seek out additional resources to learn more about the issues being portrayed.
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch Marshals?
A: Marshals airs on CBS on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT and is available to stream on Paramount+ the day after it airs.
Q: What is the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis?
A: The MMIP crisis refers to the disproportionately high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous people in the United States and Canada.
Q: Is Marshals based on a true story?
A: While the cases featured in Marshals are fictional, the show draws inspiration from real-world issues, such as the MMIP crisis.
What are your thoughts on the direction of Marshals? Share your opinions in the comments below! Don’t forget to explore other articles on our site for more in-depth analysis of television trends and social issues.
