“Relationships are a cakewalk", said no sage ever. Indeed relationships require a lot of work but life would be quite empty as well without them. A relationship between women, especially, have always been broadcast as a tricky terrain to navigate. For long, mainstream media has portrayed women in the form of a damsel to be saved or a rebel to be tamed, but rarely as a unit to be reckoned with. Over time, the tides have been turning, and a new wave of quality content is coming to the fore. Content creators are increasingly taking a conscious step towards leaving the classic stereotypes behind and moulding female characters that are women of substance. She may be frenemies with her kind but she never puts them down, for she believes in one for all, and all for one. The days when female peers treated each other with distrust and menace are long gone. The modern day woman would rather work as a team than engage in an endless cycle of competition.
Their collective goal is to advance women’s rights and represent a united front. Here are some shows from Netflix that beautifully capture the sense of solidarity between women while exploring the complicated rapport between them.
Orange Is The New Black: It has been exactly four years since Orange Is The New Black (OITNB) burst onto our television screens. Over the course of time, the inmates of Litchfield Penitentiary have made it perfectly clear that they aren’t just another bunch of warring females. In fact, the ladies of OITNB have time and again exhibited that they nothing less than a strong, united set. Alex loves Piper but Piper’s hooked up with Nicky, Suzanne like to get it on with Maureen, Poussey loves Soso, and Maria’s bad blood with Piper is another story. Between all the love, hate, and complicated alliances, these women have one true goal - bringing in prison reforms. OITNB is a show that has never shied away from showing exploring the complexities and power of female relationships on screen.
GLOW: Ruth is an out of work actor, desperately trying to break the glass ceiling of the male dominated acting industry (and she doesn’t mind stalking them directors to the washrooms either). Her BFF Debbie had her share of the limelight, and now somewhat happily lives as a homemaker. A Certain turn of events leads to these friends turning into foes and facing off against each other in the ring. At the outset, GLOW might come across as a show about wrestling but it is much more than that. GLOW seamlessly showcases the undying spirit of women in the direst of the situation. Irrespective of their difference they come together to make a success out of the show. Point in case - Ruth & Debbie who can’t be friends anymore but understand the importance of setting aside the differences and working towards being the best.
Grace and Frankie: For twenty years Grace and Frankie have been (grudgingly) present in the periphery each other’s life, courtesy their partners at law husbands. Just when they think the drudgery of bearing each other might come to an end, the hubbies announce their love for each other. Circumstances have pushed them together, and Grace especially is ready to do anything to get away from Frankie. With time, heartbreak, and multiple mishaps, these two somehow learn to live with each. While Frankie helps Grace become a better person, Grace is the anchor for the dreamy kite that Frankie is.
Jessica Jones: Don’t be fooled by this ex-superhero, current private eye. She may have hung up her superhero boots long ago but that’s not going to stop her from continuing her fight against crime. This Marvel show is one that shows women and how they interact with each other and the world at large. They understand the need to protect themselves and support each other through tough times. Jessica may be emotionally damaged but she is tough as nails. Same goes for Trish, Jessica’s quirky adoptive sister, who is never hesitant to lend an arm of support. Look closely, and you will see how beautifully Jessica Jones flips the gender roles with ease i.e. Luke’s the love, Malcolm’s the damsel, and Jessica’s the saviour.
Fuller House: During the 80’s, DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle were the ultimate #squadgoals. Cut to the present, and the bond still stands strong. The relationship between sisters are more often than not a tricky one. They steal clothes, they exchange things, and above all they are always present to hold you when you stumble. Stephanie doesn’t feel a moment’s hesitation to up and moves from London to help DJ raise her kids. Add to the mix Growing up the girls had each other’s back, and despite the ups and downs, it has always been sisters before misters. And this time around DJ’s bf Kimmy too joins the gang to complete the trio.
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