tv review
Female-centric TV reviews; television series that depict women doing everything a man can do, and then some.
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.
Germaine MooneyPublished 3 years ago in VivaFinding 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.
Carter LangstonPublished 3 years ago in VivaWhy 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.
Maggie BlahaPublished 3 years ago in VivaPerry 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.)
3 New and Underrated GIRL POWER Shows!
I spent May and July watching over a dozen new comedy shows. While I recently wrote a piece about which shows I found the funniest, there were many programs I wholeheartedly enjoyed and wished I could recommend. Unfortunately, not all of them fit the criteria for the article. Maybe the episodes were too long in length or there was a performance in another show that was funnier. Maybe they were dramedies rather than comedies. That doesn't mean the shows I rejected were bad. In fact, there were three shows in particular I couldn't get out of my head, even though I couldn't include them in my original ICYMI piece.
Kathryn MilewskiPublished 4 years ago in VivaBojack Horseman: A Feminist Masterpiece in Disguise
On the surface Bojack Horseman appears to be another TV show that romanticises abusive and destructive male figures, either normalising their actions or creating a redemption arc which lacks any form of accountability. For a long time this is the reason I put off watching it, it's a depressingly overused trope. However, that's not what the show is about.
Sex Education: The importance of Aimee's Story
Netflix’s Sex Education is a must see of the year. There are many reasons why i adore this program, from normalising the discussion about sex, to making it okay to laugh about those awkward moments we all experience. It’s a program I wish had been around when I was a teenager, in lots of ways it made me realise I wasn't alone. Plenty of the story-lines touched me but this season it was Aimee's that i really resonated with.
All the Titties in 'Tuca and Bertie'
Titties! Have you seen so many fun titties in a cartoon show before? I mean, one that isn't porn... Would you believe me if I told you that these titties are actually really important? Do you think you know why? I mean, besides the fact that they're fun and hilarious! :P Scroll down for a huge collection of titties followed by an important message!
The Feminism of Buffy
I wasn’t introduced to Buffy until high school. I had passed reruns on TV a few times saw a vampire go poof and thought it was the dumbest thing ever until my dad made me sit down and actually watch the first episode. I immediately made him play the second episode and then the third. After that my life was different, I binge watched Buffy like it was the only thing keeping me alive and for a while after that it was. Buffy (and a lot of other female characters brought to us by Joss Whedon) is the perfect symbol for feminism. She is strong and kicks ass, yes, but she is also not afraid to be vulnerable or emotionally weak, and her motives are not male driven. She saves the world because it’s her job, for her friends, and for her families. She isn't the way she is because of a guy which is the problem with a lot of “strong” female characters on TV and in movies.
Alexandrea CallaghanPublished 6 years ago in Viva'The Handmaid's Tale' Is Not Feminist Enough...
So apparently Margaret Atwood worships the Phallic Monster called patriarchy now. The whole outrage started a couple days ago when I saw the first article about how The Handmaid's Tale might be too violent for television. That was sort of alright. Still tremendous bullshit, but alright. Now this unyielding nonsense...
Maura DudasPublished 6 years ago in VivaNola Darling vs. Feminism
In my first go round of college, back in the late 90s, I deemed myself a feminist. I'd been raped and assaulted in very close proximity, and then I got this epiphany and decided to treat guys "like they treated me..."
Kendria WhitePublished 6 years ago in Viva10 Comedy Specials by Women to Watch on Netflix This Weekend
If you're a human being with internet access, which I think I can safely assume you are if you're reading this, you're probably familiar with the Louis CK affair. You are probably also aware that a certain cross section of male comedy fans are concerned about the future of comedy if he is held responsible for his actions and ostracized from the comedy community. Well buckle up, bros, because I've got news: Louis CK is not the only comedian on earth. And *gasp* many of the good ones are women. Supporting women in the male-dominated world of comedy is incredibly important right now and with Netflix's comedy specials, it's easy to discover hilarious women of a variety of ages, backgrounds, and comedic styles.
Lauren HarshPublished 6 years ago in Viva