A group of renowned crime investigators are engaged in a ticking clock scenario to prevent an infamous criminal group from executing their most significant planned theft. In a scenario where there aren’t adequate experts in lip-reading to assist the investigation, the team calls upon Alison, a police station employee who had added her covert lip-reading skills to a company-wide database. The gang under surveillance routinely convenes in sound-proof locations, leaving the detectives reliant on visual clues from undetectable cameras and surveillance systems. Initially, the investigators doubt Alison’s abilities, a recurring theme in her life. However, it doesn’t take long for Alison’s aptitude to become evident as she adds vital information to their arsenal. But, she cautions them that lip-reading isn’t an infallible technique, but an acquired skill that comes with its restrictions.
Soon, Alison takes initiative beyond her initial call of duty. She commences her private investigative journey by getting in touch with Liam Barlow, portrayed by Vampire Academy’s Kieron Moore, who recently joined the criminal gang as the youngest member. This interaction is where the TV series Code of Silence begins to intensify. The concept of a skilled lip-reader transforming into a detective creates a captivating narrative and generates suspenseful moments. However, what distinguishes this series as a groundbreaking television show is its narrative about disability.
Sure, Alison possesses unique skills, inherently developed as a Deaf person navigating a hearing society, but it’s not her abilities that fascinate viewers or progress the storyline. Her Deafness is not the driving force behind her decision to accept DS Ashleigh Francis’s (Ghosts’ Charlotte Ritchie) offer to assist in solving the crime, taking up a job at The Canterbury Tap, continuing surveillance on the gang even after her dismissal by DI James Marsh (Broadchurch’s Andrew Buchanan). Rather, her intelligence, courage, ambition, charisma, determination, and sharp wit make her an engaging character and influence significant plot developments.
These characteristics are not to suggest she hasn’t had to assert herself as a disabled person in an environment that hasn’t been designed with her needs in mind. Likely, her assertiveness and self-confidence have been amplified by repeatedly having to negotiate spaces and situations that overlook her existence. Nevertheless, this isn’t the complete picture. The aforementioned qualities are inherent to her personality. The foundations were always present; Alison chose to nurture them.
By sculpturing the character of Alison, Catherine Moulton, herself partially Deaf and a skilled lip-reader, transcends simplistic representation of Alison’s Deafness. She ensures that the protagonist isn’t reduced to her disability, which is a narrow and unrealistic portrayal of anyone, disabled or not. Additionally, Moulton circumvents commodifying Alison’s disability into an inspirational narrative—the infamous trap storied featuring disabled characters often fall into.
Depicting her as a noteworthy character solely due to her Deafness would not only overshadow her other qualities and contributions, but also perpetuate the stereotype that disabled individuals are incapable of living normal lives, reaching any outstanding accomplishments. Such portrayal implies these individuals’ achievements should be considered extraordinary. However, this inspite-of narrative is completely absent from Catherine Moulton’s characterization.
Rather, Moulton emphasizes on embracing everything about Alison’s character, both elements associated and unassociated with her Deafness. But, she does not compromise on building an enthralling crime-related narrative, which adds to the double accomplishment of the series. In a television world that still struggles with authentic representation of disabled characters, Code of Silence sets a new standard.
The post Deafness in Focus: New Crime TV Series Highlights Unique Skills and Representation appeared first on Real News Now.
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