tv review

Female-centric TV reviews; television series that depict women doing everything a man can do, and then some.

Brilliant, Beautiful & (Hardly Ever) Seen on TV
Where are all the smart, pretty female lead characters on television sitcoms? As a woman, and as a woman of colour, and as an intelligent woman of colour, that’s something I always wanted to know. I begin this with a disclaimer, I’ve not watched everything on television (I mean, I did have a life). All I know I know is what I’ve seen and what I grew up with. And I know I didn’t like it.
By Misty Rae4 years ago in Viva
I May Destroy Myself
Note: This post contains spoilers for I May Destroy You. If you haven’t seen the series, you might want to sit this one or go binge-watch it before reading.
By Nah.4 years ago in Viva
My Childhood Hero
I am a huge fan of a large variety of fantasy worlds, but the fantasy world that had the greatest impact on me was one that I discovered through an old, obscure television series that I saw when I was a child. The series was a fantasy/adventure series called The Secrets of Isis. The fantasy world that existed in the series was so impactful because it gave me, as a young girl, a strong, powerful, intelligent role model to look up to. I actually have trouble finding other people who are familiar with The Secrets of Isis, but it was a very important part of my early years.
By Dawn Salois4 years ago in Viva
Top 10 Dorothy Episodes Of The Golden Girls
The Golden Girls is one of my favorite TV shows of all time. One of the things I loved about the show was the ladies’ different personalities.
By Carol Cassada5 years ago in Viva
How To Make Sex And The City Appeal To A Younger Audience
If there is one show that makes me think of older Millennials and younger Gen X'ers, it's Sex and the City. It's the first time since The Golden Girls where four female characters talked openly about their sex lives.
By Alfie Jane5 years ago in Viva
So, You Finished Binge-Watching Scandal, Now What?
I won’t lie to you…seeing a badass woman on my flat screen who knows the power she possesses and wields it like a hammer is a sure way to give my feminine ego a boost and invigorate me, all from the comfort of my couch. While yes, I may have consumed well past the allotted serving size of Oreos (3!? Really!?) and I may be a lump of old pajamas that I’ve re-worn 3 times while I watch said flat screen, on the inside these characters truly make me feel powerful.
By Skylar Callahan5 years ago in Viva
Unlikeable Women
I have now watched both series of 'Fleabag' (BBC, 2016-2019) 6 times through. Watching the first series back in 2016 showed me something I had not seen before on television - a woman that had many, many faults. A woman who wasn’t conventionally beautiful. A woman who was trying her best, but quite often, failed. A woman like me - I fell in love with her instantly. Across the two seasons, we meet more complex, wonderfully flawed female characters (Kirsten Scott-Thomas’ monologue in S2 - YouTube it), each with relatable parts to love and hate, much like we do about ourselves. When I feel as though I need some comfort, I go back to 'Fleabag'. Like visiting an old friend.
By SLC5 years ago in Viva
WandaVision and The Female Identity. Top Story - February 2021.
WARNING: This article will contain WandaVision spoilers! If you're a Marvel fan, chances are WandaVision has consumed your waking hours with endless thoughts of mind-blowing conspiracy theories that leave you wondering what's true and what's just speculation.
By Leigh Hooper5 years ago in Viva
Why Bridgerton is a victory for all women.
Bridgerton, a series of wealth, lust, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Regency-era England, has been the surprise hit of the 20/21 year. Netflix - the darling of those with a creative bent - supported the project with aplomb, but I doubt they thought it was going to be a major runner. A bit of fluff for the ladies.
By Germaine Mooney5 years ago in Viva
Finding the Magic
Bridgerton logo from Netflix introduction Familiar theme songs of 90s sitcoms, the lovable corniness of childhood Disney shows, the first episode feeling of sinking down into my cozy spot as I restart One Tree Hill or Criminal Minds for the umpteenth time; I am a comfort show person (yes, I realize I just called Criminal Minds a comfort show, moving right along). When faced with the decision to start a new show, no matter how thrilling and enticing the trailer may be, nine times out of ten I will add it to my list, but continue watching something I already know and love. Anyone else? I can’t imagine I am the only one. So, for those of you kin to me in these ways, you might not want to venture into the psychological reasons behind your desire to stay within the realm of familiarity and comfort. Not to worry, I am only here to offer you a challenge.
By Carter Langston5 years ago in Viva
Why the Food Acting on 'Gilmore Girls' Upsets Me
As I begin to write this essay, I'm watching Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) take the tiniest bite of a hamburger I've ever seen a person take. Oddly, she's chewing like that bite contains more than a crumb of bun, and I feel myself cringing as I sit here trying to find the words to convey what about this makes me so angry.
By Maggie Blaha5 years ago in Viva
Perry Mason's Della Street and The Modern "Trinity Syndrome"
HBO's reboot of Erle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason uncovered a widespread fan base this summer, with over 8 million viewers eager to know how the sloppy, imperfect investigator-turned-lawyer will crack his first case. The show's success, in part, is to the modern, socially-conscious updates they made since the original show aired from 1957-1966. The casting of talented black actor Chris Chalk brought a new depth and point-of-view for the Paul Drake character, and giving split-main focus to grieving mother Emily Dodson and evangelist preacher/performer Sister Alice (played by Gale Rankin and Tatiana Manslay, respectively) brought two truly interesting, imperfect female characters to the limelight. (I am presently buying a white robe and permed bleached wig for my Sister Alice Halloween costumer this year.)
By Hytes5 years ago in Viva