I watched the premiere of Shonda Rhimes latest drama "Scandal" last week and for the most part, I enjoyed it. I am happy that she has been able to expand her portfolio of shows and am a fan of any scripted television show with good writing that weakens my reality show addiction.It was also great to see Kerry Washington portraying a strong female lead as Olivia Pope. It felt like she "owned" every scene that she was in. Way to go!
That being said, the three things I did have a little bit of an issue with were:
(1) The pacing of the dialogue. Please slow down a little. I've worked in offices under pressure and I can tell you we weren't speaking that fast, ever.
(2) The big reveal of the night. [Spoiler Alert!] Olivia's relationship with the President. I was guessing that might be their backstory and was hoping that it wasn't. But alas. Meh. Anyway...
(3) The lack of other Black women in the show. As the hour progressed, I wondered... Does Shonda have an agreement with ABC that there can only be one Black woman on each of her shows at a time? Seriously.
No other Black women in a show based in Washington D.C., the original Chocolate City? In a show created, written, and produced by a Black woman? In a show where the lead character owns her own firm? You would think that there would be another Black woman somewhere in the scenery.
I hope that as the show unfolds and Olivia's character is developed, other Black females emerge in supporting roles as a best friend, Sister, Auntie, Momma, play cousin, stylist, sorority sister, deaconess, book club members? somebody?! Bueller? anyone? I would love if her life outside the office included scenes that are not commonly shown on network television involving interaction with other Black folks. It's time. (Back to point #2: A strong Black male love interest would be great, but I don't want to push it.)
I am excited for Shonda and Kerry but I would love to see the wealth spread around to other Black actresses in Hollywood. With the history that Shonda has built with ABC, if she can't create a cast with a significant Black female presence, then who can? Or will? A Black female usually (yes, there are exceptions) has other Black females around her. Let's show that too.
As a side note: hopefully, there are opportunities being afforded to minorities (specifically qualified Black females) behind the camera as a result of Shonda's position ("each one, teach one?")
I'll tune in again because a show with a strong, intelligent Black woman trumps the majority of other portrayals that are currently on air.
I agree. I will tune in again to. Olivia was my hero. I admired her strength and never let 'em see you sweat bravado though she was more similar to a crab.. Hard outer shell but soft on the inside. Shonda seems to have a formula she's working off of and it's proven to be very successful for her. Perhaps as you mentioned they will get a Olivia's arch nemesis on the show to be played by Sanaa Lathan (another actress whom I love) or some other minority who is noteworthy or even NEW but can do the job and keep the show successful. Thank you for this blog. I enjoyed reading ur thoughts and it gave me a new perspective I didnt stop to think about b/c I too am a slave to scripted dialog that takes my attn from these reality show ploys! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're correct. Shonda definitely has a successful formula. I wouldn't mind seeing Isiah Washington as a potential Olivia love interest.
DeleteI didn't have the opportunity to watch the show. . . not because I didn't want too, but because by the time you figure it out with two little ones, it's a day late and a dollar short. . . I'm usually a catch up by the second season kindda gal. That being said, it certainly is one that I want to catch up on. It's an interesting point you make about having other black cast members that are female. I think Shonda takes her time in developing her work so I too am hoping there will be more amazing women of color introduced in the show. . . probably by the time I do get to watch. . . :-)
ReplyDeleteThe full episodes are up at abc.com if you get a spare moment.
DeleteI always enjoy your blog! But did you really use the terms play cousin and deaconess as potential female black characters?? hahaha!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking for a truly authentic experience. :-)
DeleteI wasn't bothered by lack of other sisters because this is TV and that is how it goes sadly. I was however a little ticked that the President was white vs. black. Even NBC had a black FINE President on The Event (still pissed they cancelled that show).
ReplyDeleteSidebar - I love Isaiah Washington I loved him on Grey's