New Portrayal Of Women (Press, 18 November 1983)
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Summary: New Portrayal Of Women (Press, 18 November 1983)
Published on 18 November 1983, the review discusses two new television series featuring female leads: "Sara Dane" and "Widows." The critique of "Sara Dane," produced by the South Australian Film Corporation, expresses disappointment with its execution, describing the show as wooden and stilted. The reviewer highlights the characters' bizarre mixture of Scottish, Irish, and colonial accents, which detracts from the viewing experience. The protagonist, Sara Dane, is portrayed as emotionally restrained, communicating primarily through her expressions rather than dialogue, which the reviewer finds unconvincing. The analysis suggests that the dialogue and the depiction of women's roles in early Australia contribute to a sense of irony, linking the series to themes of women's liberation and historical limitations. The title "Sara Dane" is noted as an anagram for "sad arena," further underscoring the show's perceived failure. In contrast, "Widows" is presented as a more engaging and gutsy series, centering on women who take control of their deceased husbands' organised crime operations. The characters are described as fitting archetypes often found in crime dramas, but with a gender twist. The main character, Dolly, is depicted as strong and resourceful, while Linda embodies a more sensual and emotional aspect. The third character, Shirley, is portrayed as the weak link in the group. The review finds "Widows" to be absorbing and effective in its portrayal of female empowerment, offering a fresh take on familiar crime narratives. It commends the show for its strong London setting and intriguing character dynamics, suggesting that it will resonate more deeply with audiences and contribute positively to the representation of women in media compared to "Sara Dane." Ultimately, the review indicates that "Widows" has the potential to do more for the cause of female representation in television storytelling than its counterpart.
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