A new TV season and another chance for programmers and entertainment execs to capture the attention of women, given that more of them than men watch prime-time network TV these days. During the first seven days of the fall season, 51 million female viewers tuned in. Were they impressed? The premieres are not over yet. But WomanNews took a look at the shows so far featuring female leads and found, for the most part, Hollywood is still struggling to create good TV for real women. Here’s a quick scan of five new shows:
COMMANDER IN CHIEF
ABC, Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m.
STORYLINE: Vice President Mackenzie Allen (Geena Davis), a political Independent, steps into the Oval Office after the Republican president suffers a fatal aneurism.
STYLE STATEMENTS: Madame President wears classic, feminine suits in camera-ready solid hues. Very Capitol Hill and entirely appropriate.
POINTS LOST: Speaker of the House Nathan Templeton (played with wonderful nastiness by Donald Sutherland) describes a Nigerian political victim about to be executed for adultery as “a lady who couldn’t keep her legs together.”
POINTS GAINED: Although VP Allen is asked to resign rather than assume the presidency, it’s because of her political views, not her gender. She’s confident and clever, delivering plenty of zinger comebacks. Pow!
VERDICT: The show portrays a first woman president with dignity and gravitas. Also, seeing her husband walk into his very pink First Lady’s Office was worth the whole first episode.
BONES
Fox, Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m.
STORYLINE: Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel), a forensic anthropologist, reads clues left behind in murder victims’ bones.
STYLE STATEMENTS: Brennan dresses the part–except for the chunky beaded necklaces with low-hanging pendants. An unwise accessory to wear while reassembling a skull.
POINTS LOST: Gratuitous violence doesn’t become her. Brennan assaults a homeland security officer, a senatorial aide–whom she later shoots–and her ex-boyfriend in the premiere episode.
POINTS GAINED: We like seeing a woman at the top of her intellectual game, and Brennan is a brilliant scientist unmatched in her field.
VERDICT: Despite some misplaced aggression, Brennan is one smart cookie. Just lose the kickboxer routine.
THE APPRENTICE: MARTHA STEWART
NBC, Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.
STORYLINE: Stewart tries to find the apprentice who is the perfect fit for her firm, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., from 16 applicants.
STYLE STATEMENTS: Stewart projects power in her pastel-colored suits, but the apprentice wannabes, who mostly dress in dark shades, fade into the boardroom background.
POINTS LOST: Noticeably absent among the mix of candidates: an African-American face.
POINTS GAINED: We’ve got to give credit to Stewart for not mincing words when she tells a female candidate: “Cry and you’re out of here. Women in business don’t cry, my dear.”
VERDICT: With ratings sinking after two weeks, it doesn’t look promising. But, hey, if anyone can make lemonade out of lemons, we’re betting Martha can.
GHOST WHISPERER
CBS, Fridays, 7-8 p.m.
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STORYLINE: Melinda Gordon (Jennifer Love Hewitt) runs an antique shop, but her true work is communicating with spirits and delivering messages from the dead.
STYLE STATEMENTS: Really, where would JLH be without her breasts? She predictably wears fitted T-shirts and tank tops that accentuate her bosom, as well as trendy jeans and shrunken jackets.
POINTS LOST: There’s nothing blatantly sexist about the show, but we really are shocked, shocked that JLH can’t seem to find tops in a bigger size.
POINTS GAINED: The producers score a few points for casting a smart, attractive African-American woman (Aisha Tyler) as Gordon’s friend and shop employee.
VERDICT: It’s a fairly average portrayal of women. As for the show, even if you dig supernatural stories, this one is a lightweight.
TWINS
WB, Fridays, 7:30-8 p.m.
STORYLINE: Melanie Griffith plays a former model and partner in her husband’s undergarment business. Farrah and Mitchee (Molly Stanton, above left, and Sara Gilbert) are their twins who are taking over their parents’ company.
STYLE STATEMENTS: Farrah, a lingerie model, has never seen a micro-mini she doesn’t like. Add blond hair and high heels for an empty-headed ditz.
POINTS LOST
Blond bimbos aren’t exactly a scarcity on prime-time TV. And it just had be a lingerie business. “Buttpucker” panties? You’re killing us.
POINTS GAINED: Despite the tired stereotype of brainy sister versus pretty sister–which usually means ugly sister versus airhead sister–Gilbert’s Mitchee is a sassy, funny manager and feminine. This smartypants isn’t dorky.
VERDICT: Let’s say it again: Do we need more blond bimbos on TV? Besides irritating, it’s boring, and the show’s attempt at idiot savant humor falls flat.