How does Life On Mars create Realism and Dramatic Irony?

Detective Sam Tyler is used to create dramatic irony through his facial expressions and his speech. When Annie Cartwright mentions having a "woman to run the country" would make it a better place, Tyler implies that it wouldn't be a good idea; "be careful what you wish for" the other characters look at each other with confused expressions however the audience automatically think of Margaret Thatcher and what happened during her years in power. Tyler's facial expressions also show the audience when dramatic irony is being used, for instance when DCI Hunt mentions that an Indian woman is in "her nightie", when she is actually in her sari; Tyler has a look of disbelief, because racism, no matter how casual isn't acceptable in a modern society.

Realism, that links to the 70's era, has been created through the mise-en-scene; for instance, soemone has left their washing outside in the street to dry, this is something that wouldn't be done nowadays because there is a lack of trust in the modern era; it is suggested that there was a bigger sense of trust, and a more of a community spirit and atmosphere, in the 1970's; this is reflected through the washing being hung out as the owner clearly trusts their neighbours, reinforcing that community spirit theory. The officers are smoking in the pub, which was a typical event as smoking in buildings was legal; however since 2005 it hasn't been legal to smoke in a building , therefore it would be unrealistic to incorporate a modern law into a time where it didn't actually exist.