Representation

• The Sweeney reflects values and beliefs of 1970s society in terms of representations constructed; the police are all white, heterosexual men reflecting the police force at the time, as are the criminals. Those in positions of authority are also white men and women are given little screen time.
• Regan is the main character and we are introduced to him in the scene where he is in Jenny's flowered dressing gown and looking at himself in the mirror. His attire suggests he hasn't planned to spend the night, suggesting relaxed morals.
• Regan, the main character, has usual attire suggesting his rank but also by being a little shabby connotes his lack of care about his appearance, a stereotype of the men at the time.
• Regan, the main character, is tough and powerful and unafraid to use violence when needed. He is unafraid to stand up against authority and frequently bends the rules, whilst not actually being corrupt.
• Carter is Regan's sidekick/partner which establishes a 'buddy' scenario whereby he covers for Regan. Regan relies on Carter and his local knowledge to solve crimes. He is also the comedic relief and is generally represented as a more stable character but does engage in violence.
• The members of the gang and their leader demonstrate stereotypical characteristics of villains recognisable across examples of this genre in film and television. This representation is constructed through visual codes including clothing, language, and iconography for example their access to weapons and their involvement in organised crime.
• The representations of women reflect the time when women didn't hold high ranks in the very male-dominated police force. The only time a female police officer is seen is in a caring role when she arrives to protect Jenny after she's threatened.
• Jenny is represented very much as the victim, in the early scene we hear rather than see her as she is under the duvet. She is threatened by the gang and needs the protection of Regan although their relationship is unclear and doesn't warrant time in the narrative. In the final scene she is subservient to Regan as she is on the floor and he is on the chair in a protective role
• Edi is the only other woman with dialogue in this episode and while she is feistier than Jenny and more street-wise, she is still portrayed as long-suffering. She doesn't know where her husband or is that he returned to a life of crime. She appears to have a grudging respect for Regan