This year of 2016 has recently been compared to the year of 1968, both in regards to the racial tensions and strife, and the overall political uncertainty and mayhem. In light of these parallels, and of this year's election where one of the presidential candidates was a woman, it was only fitting that Amazon come out with a show like Good Girls Revolt.
Based on Lynn Povich's book, "The Good Girls Revolt: How the Women of Newsweek Sued Their Bosses and Changed the Workplace," the show is based on actual events. Even the famous producer and director Nora Ephron, (known for her movies, "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail") is gloriously portrayed by Grace Gummer. Though the other characters are fictionalized, the show stays true to the idea of young female researchers seeking equality in a newsroom where stories are only published under the man's name and opportunities to write are forbidden. As a writer and a woman myself, this caught my attention.
In general, I tend to have high standards for the shows I watch. I get bored easily by flat characters or typical or predictable plots with lazy dialogue writing, where the action or affects are all that is supposed to wow me. Add in historical events like The Vietnam War, the women's rights movement, and the rise of the Black Panthers as a backdrop to a show, and already it's more interesting and relatable than half the shows out there. Take out cell phones and computers, replace them with typewriters, note taking and letter writing and suddenly drama and character development are the focus, a refreshing alternative to typical TV.
Not only is it historically gripping and skillfully written, it is the tale of awakenings for each of the three leads: Patti Robinson, Cindy Reston, and Jane Hollander who each experience revolutions of their own. From awakening to unrealized dreams of a career in journalism, to their own sexuality and ability to experience pleasure, to escaping the patriarchy and privilege of a controlling family. All of these ladies refuse the expectations placed upon them by society, making the once "good" girls realize that it is their time to realize and act upon what their own thoughts and desires are for their own lives.
I sped my way through the first season, making it my guilty pleasure for several reasons. One, I recognized myself in Patti Robinson, the free spirited hippie child, independent in personality, but still growing into a freethinking individual trying to discover her dreams for herself. Two, the men on this show are not only extremely attractive (just as the ladies are), but equally as developed and interesting as the female characters. The men are neither viewed as perfect angels or perfect devils, often an occurrence in chick flicks, and I enjoyed their personal awakenings to the issues women face. And three, the observation and awareness of the need for the voices of women and minorities in the midst of a revolutionary era, which I believe parallels the world of today immensely.
So if you're looking for a show that's pure entertainment, relevant, dripping with historical references, excellently crafted, and at times a bit deliciously sinful (I mean, it's the late '60s...), then it's time to put "Good Girls Revolt" on your Watchlist. Believe me, you won't regret it.
