‘We can fix this. Let’s get you out of trouble, son’: an analysis of the transitivity and appraisal patterns in the Netflix TV show When They See Us

Abstract

The fascination with crime, as evident from its extensive coverage in novels and on television, remains a topic of interest for the general public. This fascination often elicits responses rooted in deeply held values and can significantly impact individuals. Consequently, people’s attitudes toward interrogations, trials, and punishments may be strongly influenced by the discourse surrounding crime as portrayed in fictional texts. The primary objective of this article is to contribute to the body of research that has delved into the influential role of ideology in shaping narratives centred on crime stories. Specifically, through a linguistic analysis of transitivity and appraisal patterns in the first episode of the TV series When They See Us, this study addresses two fundamental research questions: 1) What does a transitivity analysis of process and participant types reveal about the construction of ‘a criminal character’ and how may this contribute to a presupposition of guilt? 2) What can an Appraisal analysis tell us about the evaluative portrayal of ‘a criminal character’ and how may this contribute to a presupposition of guilt? The aim is to provide insights into how the discursive representation of specific social groups, exemplified here by black Hispanic teenagers, simultaneously reflects and influences public perceptions, particularly when the discourse emanates from authoritative figures.