Movies

Commentary: From ‘The Last of Us’ to ‘Handmaid’s Tale,’ women are angry and vengeful. Good

BBG News

Two youthful females depart from the secure confines of their settlement, venturing into a territory ravaged by monstrous outbreaks, with vengeance as their primary motivation.

Despite numerous oppositions, a survivor of rape and torture bravely ventures back into a totalitarian nation, seeking her long-lost child and aiming to dismantle a religious regime.

A woman battling cancer breaks free from a suffocating relationship, seizing control over the remnants of her life by embarking on an adventurous exploration into the world of BDSM.

An elderly woman with silver hair, seated in an upper room, calmly dispatches individuals attempting to seize her property using a gun nearly as large as herself from the window.

Women out in public are no longer seen wearing pink “pussy hat” protest signs, but it seems that modern television’s ideal role model is a woman who has had enough patience.

In diverse series such as “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Dying for Sex,” “The Last of Us,” “1923,” “The Penguin,” “Yellowjackets,” and “Bad Sisters” – even “Hacks” – female characters aren’t merely reacting to the oppressions or hardships they face. Instead, they are actively combating these challenges, frequently in assertive, retaliatory manners.

Absolutely, we’ve encountered strong, aggressive, and violent female characters on TV screens previously – who among us didn’t enjoy shows like “Killing Eve,” “Scandal,” or “The Walking Dead”? Writers frequently explore the trope of the alluring yet deadly female assassin, often portraying her as a product of coercion. However, what sets current narratives apart is the abundance of stories centered around ordinary women (not spies, cops, or politicians), stepping up to protect themselves, flee dangerous situations, or mete out brutal justice.

In the last season of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” character June, played by Elisabeth Moss, along with a resistance group known as Mayday, strive to overthrow the oppressive regime of Gilead. The series “Dying for Sex” portrays Molly (Michelle Williams) breaking free from a restrictive marriage and discovering her alter-ego dominatrix, following the revelation of her terminal cancer diagnosis. In season 2 of “The Last of Us,” there’s a theme of female retribution unfolding as Ellie (Bella Ramsey) seeks revenge on Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), who killed Joel (Pedro Pascal), who in turn had killed her father. Meanwhile, season 4 of “Hacks” showcases Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) achieving a historic milestone by becoming the first female late-night host after making the bold decision to share her personal truth openly.

In some female characters, the relentless will to survive has pushed them to their limits – this is evident in Sofia (played by Cristin Milioti) from “The Penguin,” and almost every character in “Yellowjackets.” Conversely, others are merely taking necessary actions. Helen Mirren’s Cara Dutton in “1923” has a far greater number of casualties (both wolves and violent men) compared to her husband Jacob (played by Harrison Ford). As the series reaches its conclusion, she stands firm, defending the fortress until reinforcements, her nephew Spencer (Brandon Sklenar), arrive.

In essence, several characters in this show are portraying roles that challenge conventional female stereotypes on TV – some display cunning and manipulation, while others focus on self-care and camaraderie. Interestingly, none of them possess the dragon power associated with Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), nor her dramatic “she’s lost her mind” arc.

Initially, Daenerys Targaryen, or “Khaleesi,” appeared groundbreaking in her portrayal, yet the intricate aspects of warfare that audiences might have found acceptable in a male character were largely absent from her storyline. In television dramas, it’s often accepted that male characters can engage in large-scale killing, even if it includes collateral damage, and still maintain their lead roles. For instance, Ned Stark (played by Sean Bean) was deemed heroic despite beheading a man who fled from White Walkers. However, when Daenerys took the life of civilians during a battle of liberation, male characters who she had previously saved deemed her unfit to continue, raising questions about gender bias in storytelling.

Instead, it’s Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), who seems to be the embodiment of modern women standing up against injustice, that we find on our screens. Despite her small stature and youth, she is equipped with sharp intellect, a sword, and the knack for disguise – tools she uses relentlessly to balance the scale of justice by systematically eliminating merciless wrongdoers one by one. Power or glory were never her motives; her sole aim was to seek justice.

The fact that she could carry out this action throughout the story without being compelled to perish or recant her deeds in any manner, solidified her as an unprecedented, revolutionary character within the series, and possibly modern TV lore as well.

Women, just like men, have the freedom to step up as impartial judges, correcting injustices and setting things right, all while facing no societal disapproval and not necessarily requiring male assistance.

This statement isn’t advocating for increased senseless violence or a bloodthirsty attitude on television, where women are frequently portrayed as faceless victims in crime/horror series. It’s not about rectifying wrongs through violence; instead, it’s about transforming the narrative by refusing to adhere to old conventions and giving women a platform to express and act upon things they thought were previously inappropriate or repressed, as seen in shows like “Hacks” and “Dying for Sex.

It’s important to point out that as more women express frustration due to the restriction of their rights following the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the possible negative effects of federal funding reductions in programs such as Head Start, female characters are growing less accepting of powerlessness and are instead standing up for themselves.

Rather than succumbing to despair by jumping in front of a train, escaping from an abusive situation (whether it’s with a partner, disease, or authority), or secretly plotting, they are rallying support and taking control of the situation themselves.

1. They’re angry, yet they’re deeply dedicated and equipped for self-defense and reparation.

2. In addition to being upset, they are strongly determined and capable of defending themselves personally and seeking redress.

3. Their anger runs deep, but what stands out even more is their resolve and ability to protect themselves and seek justice.

4. They’re angry, yet it’s their unwavering commitment and capacity for self-defense and rectification that truly sets them apart.

As for the second sentence:

1. Modern television still showcases desirable homes, endless wardrobes filled with fashion, handsome men and their luxurious vehicles, but what’s changing is that it now features women who aren’t hesitant to abandon the security of family, society, or civilization and confront the threats they face.

2. While television continues to depict enviable homes, endless wardrobes filled with fashion, handsome men and their luxurious vehicles, there’s an emerging trend towards portraying women who aren’t afraid to step out of the safety offered by family, community, or civilization and challenge the forces that endanger it.

3. Television still offers us glimpses into desirable homes, endless wardrobes filled with fashion, handsome men and their luxurious vehicles, but increasingly, we see women who aren’t afraid to leave behind the protection of family, society, or civilization to confront the forces that threaten it.

4. Television continues to present us with images of desirable homes, endless wardrobes filled with fashion, handsome men and their luxurious vehicles, but what’s becoming more common is the portrayal of women who aren’t afraid to step out of the security provided by family, community, or civilization to confront the threats they face.

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2025-05-06 13:31

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