Let's headline with Parks & Recreation.
So, it wasn't that funny. It was enjoyable in a "season 5 of the office" sort of way, but it earned no lols from me.
That's not the point. Leslie Knope is very likable. She's driven, she's positive, she wants to do good. We're only one episode in, but I'm worried about seeing some Michael Scott ego creeping in. She's entirely un-self aware but at the same time, that's all she is. The writers will definitely give this character dimension though, and Amy Poehler will play the heck out of her.
Good Leslie quote: These people are members of the community that care about where they live. So what hear when I'm being yelled at is people caring ... loudly at me.
I like that this show has two female leads. It certainly passes the Bechdel test.
Final Rating for Female Characters: 4/5
On the same channel we've got 30 Rock.
Well, I love Liz Lemon's guts. Plus, a plural number of people have told me Liz reminds them of me! I've known that Liz and I are kindred spirits ever since that first episode when she bought all the hot dogs to teach the line budders a lesson. She's the head writer and the most senior on the show. Even though she sometimes makes bad dating choices (Dennis!) she usually breaks up with them in good time, and for good reasons (Drew!).
Classic Liz Lemon quote:
Jenna: That guy wanted to buy you a drink!
Liz: Really? But I already have a drink. Do you think he'd buy me mozzarella sticks?
Liz is written with a lot of flaws but still with confidence and independence. However, I think this show might fail the Bechdel test. I don't know, does Jenna count? I guess so. Okay, so this show passes the test. Hooray!
Final Rating: 4.5/5
Dollhouse.
Haha. Okay, well when Echo's personality comes through I guess we get to see that she's good, but the central conceit of this show is a futuristic prostitute ring where the dolls literally have no personality of their own. It's Joss Whedon though, so I want to believe.
And I guess even though Adele is evil, she's the boss of it all which is nice to see? Is it?
Anyway Bechdel test FAIL at least until we get Sierra and Echo out of their mind wipes a bit more.
Final Rating: 2/5 (points for potential)
The Ladies' No 1 Detective Agency
100 out of 100!
Grace Makutsi is beyond the best. She scored the highest mark in secretary school history (97, she reminds us frequently) but couldn't find a job because she refused to wear short skirts, like that other girl who got a 42% but gets paid a fortune anyway. She is determined, she is loyal, she is honest, and most of all she is GOOD. Sometimes she lacks self awareness, and sometimes she is accidentally a little bit rude or pushy, but as we keep learning, she is selfless and caring. I cry about once per episode and its almost always because Mma Makutsi's goodness. Plus I loved that time when she was determined to get a promotion in job title, and wouldn't back down until she got it.
Precious Ramotswe is also the very best. She stands up for people and does what's right. She never lets anybody insult the way she looks. She's super smart and come on, she opened a Ladies' Detective Agency. Her dad taught her how to shoot a gun. She killed a crocodile, sliced it open, and dug around with her hand to find evidence. She's compassionate, wise, and very patient. She solves mysteries with knowledge of human nature rather than forensic evidence. And she loves Botswana so much!
Bechdel test pass fiesta! The ending of the first episode has such a wonderful moment between Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi. I watched that part three times in a row.
It's no secret that I love detective shows, but this one I watch mostly for the characters. Go read the books. Go watch the show. It's all just so great. It surpasses Veronica Mars as best show ever.
If you're not watching the show already, check out the trailer here.
Final rating: infinity/5
