There are many different structures within the television series, Nip/Tuck, that have meanings beyond the specific content of the show. There are binary oppositions that have to do with the structure of the series.
The most important binary opposition that I see through out the series is nature vs. science. This opposition never changes through out the entire series. I think that it is very important because it is a major concept of culture in the modern era, where plastic surgery is becoming very common. The main characters, including the doctors, were never really interested in plastic surgery for a long time. Although they were surrounded by a world of benefits for physical appearance, they always appeared to be attractive without surgery. However, we learn later on that Julia is interested in breast implants, Christian decided to get liposuction, and Sean had plastic surgery done as a child for impairment of the lip. Julia went through the plastic surgery, however, towards the end of the episode she realized her natural beauty was more important to her. She got them taken out. There is always an argument towards which is better. In Julia’s case, natural beauty was more important. In Christian’s case, plastic surgery was accepted because of the commonality in plastic surgery, especially liposuction. In Sean’s case, plastic surgery was seen as a necessity for impairments, which relates to the impairments of his newborn son’s hands. This is still an issue in the show right now: the opposition of nature vs. science in Connor’s life.
Another binary opposition that never changes is wealth vs. happiness. Each character uses wealth to bring them happiness. However, the wealth never resolves their dysfunctional lives. No matter what they do, they are never content with their lives. Christian buys himself a beautiful Lamborghini in order to have fun and show off his wealth, however, his life is continuously in chaos. Sean and Julia have more than enough money to support the entire family, however, Julia is not content as a stay-at-home mother and wants to continue her plans for med school. Sean’s money does not bring her happiness. Kimber wants this beautiful life of perfection and wealth, which she receives after starting a relationship with another surgeon. However, her life continues as a cocaine addict.
In comparison to the first two binary oppositions, good vs. bad changes through out the series. In the beginning, we see Sean as the good guy that is married and has a family with two kids that he supports successfully. Christian is the bad guy as he treats women terribly and as he acts selfish constantly. Towards the end of what has now been broadcasted on television, Christian has become the good guy because he said his final good byes to the many women in his life. He later adopted a child that he loves and cares for. He has become caring and forgiving. Sean is the bad guy now because he ruined his marriage, and has a terrible relationship with his son, Matt, due to his stubbornness.
Another binary opposition that relates to good vs. bad is loyalty vs. infidelity. This is displayed through almost every single episode. One character is always cheating on his or her mate while the other is loyal. Then it switches around. The character that was loyal is now cheating. It occurs with almost every main character as well. First, Christian cheats on Kimber. Then, Sean cheats on Julia. Then, Julia cheats on Sean. Then, Michelle cheats on her husband with Christian. Even though it seems as though this terrible cycle is ending right now, I don’t believe that it will. I feel as though it will continue through out the entire series.
The last binary opposition that I was able to see in Nip/Tuck is heroes vs. villains. The heroes are the two male wealthy doctors, and the villains are these bad characters that come into the lives of Sean and Christian only to disrupt and distract. In the end, Sean and Christian solve everything and their lives become normal again, for the time being. These bad characters always end up reappearing in the following season. This is an example of how popular culture continues to repeat plots for profit until the audience doesn’t want to watch it anymore.
The entire problem of a structuralist analysis of Nip/Tuck is that the binary oppositions that are proposed through out the series normally change. The plots change and there is not only one major thing that occurs through out the series. There are also so many main characters involved in the television series that it is very hard to depict one or two heroes and villains. I think that a much better example that would benefit from a structuralist analysis is the movie, Astronaut Farmer. It has almost the exact same plot as the western does in Will Wright’s essay on Structuralism and the Western. The binary oppositions are also very similar.
The structure of Astronaut Farmer definitely shows the values we have in America. The entire movie is about a hero that overcomes many obstacles to fulfill and live his dream. For Christ sake, the rocket was named Dreamer. Also, the American family had to have the immigrant Hispanic worker at their home. This shows the differences the American family has compared to other cultures, such as the immigrant lower class Hispanic community.
As Wright writes, “A myth is a communication from a society to its members: the social concepts and attitudes determined by the history and institutions of a society are communicated to its members through it myths” (119). The myths that are portrayed through popular culture are ways to show society what the values are within that society. It shows the members within a society what to value and the importance of certain things. This creates the idea that one society is better than another according to the members of the society.
In Nip/Tuck, it’s hard to see exactly what the television series is valuing. Instead, I think it shows the controversies that are going through out society now, and the problems that are arising. I don’t really know what values the series is trying to say are most important.
