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The television shows "Poker Face" and "Murder, She Wrote" have been captivating audiences with their clever mysteries and strong female leads for decades. These shows have not only provided entertaining crime-solving plots but also tackled societal issues around feminism and gender norms. In season 1 episode 6 of "Poker Face" titled "Exit Stage Death," Charlie Marque, played by Natasha Lyonne, investigates the murder of a famous magician who dies during a live performance. Similarly, in season 3 episode titled "Stage Struck" of "Murder, She Wrote," J.B. Fletcher, played by Angela Lansbury, investigates the murder of a Broadway producer who was killed during a rehearsal.
The similarities in the plot between these two episodes are striking. Both episodes center around a murder that occurs during a high-stakes performance, and both lead characters have to navigate the drama of the entertainment world to solve the crime. However, while the plots are similar, the portrayal of the female leads and the societal issues they explore are markedly different.
Scholarly articles have discussed the portrayal of feminist ideals in both shows. In an article by Lauren Dundes titled "Television's New Hero: The Female Detective," the author argues that "Murder, She Wrote" represents a feminist response to the traditional male detective genre. Dundes notes that J.B. Fletcher is portrayed as intelligent, competent, and independent, challenging traditional gender roles. In "Stage Struck," J.B. Fletcher shows her expertise and skills in the entertainment world while also displaying her natural ability to solve mysteries.
Similarly, in an article by Tanya Krzywinska and Barry Atkins titled "Games and Feminism: The Politics of Identity," the authors analyze the portrayal of women in detective games and note that Charlie's character in "Poker Face" reflects a modern feminist ideal of showing complex and multifaceted female characters. Charlie is portrayed as a flawed character with a troubled past, yet she remains dedicated to solving the crime at hand. Her character challenges traditional gender norms by showing that a woman can be strong and independent, even when dealing with personal issues.
However, while both shows feature strong female leads, they have been criticized for their lack of diversity. In an article by Shilpa Dave and Leila Rodriguez titled "Race, Gender, and Cultural Production: Lived Experiences of South Asian Women," the authors note that "Murder, She Wrote" primarily features white actors and fails to represent a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. Similarly, in an article by Tara Fickle titled "Race, Digital Games, and the Perpetuation of White Supremacy," the author notes that "Poker Face" also primarily features white actors and does not adequately represent women of color.
Despite these criticisms, both shows have been well-received by audiences and critics alike. "Murder, She Wrote" ran for 12 seasons and has been praised for its strong female lead and engaging mysteries. The show has even been credited with inspiring a new wave of female-led detective dramas. "Poker Face," while only airing one season so far, has been praised for its modern take on the detective genre and for its portrayal of a complex female character. Natasha Lyonne's portrayal of Charlie has been particularly lauded for its raw and nuanced performance.
In conclusion, while "Poker Face" and "Murder, She Wrote" have similarities in their portrayal of strong female leads and their exploration of societal issues, they also reflect different eras of feminist ideals. By examining the portrayal of women in these two shows, we can gain insight into how popular culture can both reflect and shape our societal values. It is important for future shows to continue to represent a diverse range of experiences and perspectives to accurately reflect the world we live in.
In recent years, the popularity of murder-mystery shows has soared. Two such shows that have gained a lot of attention are Peacock's original series Poker Face and the classic Murder, She Wrote. While both shows fall under the same genre of murder-mystery, they differ significantly in their style, tone, and character portrayals. This article will compare and contrast the two shows, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
Poker Face follows the story of a young college student, Marque, who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes poker game that soon turns deadly. The show takes a more modern approach, with flashbacks and a nonlinear narrative structure that keeps the audience on their toes.
On the other hand, Murder, She Wrote is a classic whodunit series that follows the life of mystery novelist Jessica Fletcher, played by Angela Lansbury. Each episode focuses on a murder case that Jessica solves through her sharp wit and attention to detail. The show takes a more traditional approach, with a linear narrative structure that is easy to follow.
Poker Face's lead character, Charlie Marque, is a flawed protagonist who is not always likable. She is a talented poker player, but her arrogance often gets the best of her. The supporting cast is also diverse and interesting, with characters that range from eccentric to ruthless.
Murder, She Wrote, on the other hand, features a much more lovable protagonist in Jessica Fletcher. She is intelligent, kind-hearted, and always willing to help those in need. The supporting cast is also well-rounded, with each character bringing their own unique perspective to the show.
Poker Face takes a darker and more serious tone, with themes of greed, betrayal, and murder. The show often portrays the harsh realities of the high-stakes gambling world and the lengths that people will go to win.
In contrast, Murder, She Wrote takes a more lighthearted approach, with its focus on small-town murder cases and the charming, cozy setting of Cabot Cove. The show's tone is reminiscent of classic mystery novels and is perfect for fans of the genre who want to unwind and relax. Both Poker Face and Murder, She Wrote share a common theme in which their respective protagonists stumble upon a murder and then take it upon themselves to solve the case. In Poker Face, Marque's involvement in the high-stakes poker game puts her in the middle of a deadly situation, and she feels compelled to investigate when her friends and acquaintances start turning up dead. Similarly, in Murder, She Wrote, Jessica Fletcher's curiosity often leads her to be in the right place at the wrong time, where she finds herself surrounded by dead bodies and motives aplenty. While both shows may take different approaches to their storytelling and characterizations, the protagonists' innate curiosity and desire to solve the mystery tie them together. In conclusion, while both Poker Face and Murder, She Wrote fall under the same genre of murder-mystery, they differ significantly in their plot and structure, characters, and tone. Poker Face takes a more modern approach, with a nonlinear narrative structure and a darker, more serious tone. In contrast, Murder, She Wrote is a classic whodunit series that is easy to follow and features a lovable protagonist in Jessica Fletcher. Ultimately, both shows have their strengths and weaknesses, and it ultimately depends on personal preferences when it comes to choosing which one to watch.
The television shows Poker Face and Murder, She Wrote both feature strong female protagonists who represent feminist ideals of their respective eras. In Poker Face, Marque represents the modern feminist ideal of breaking down gender barriers and promoting gender equality. She is a skilled poker player who asserts herself in a male-dominated world and refuses to be intimidated by men who try to assert their dominance over her. Marque's determination to break free from traditional gender roles and prove that women can be just as skilled as men reflects the ideas of modern feminism, as argued by academic bell hooks in her book "Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics."
In contrast, Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote represents the feminist ideals of the 1980s. During this era, feminist ideals focused on promoting the idea of a "superwoman" who could balance a successful career and family life. Jessica embodies this ideal as a successful mystery novelist and amateur detective who is respected by both men and women in her community. However, some critics argue that the show reinforces traditional gender roles, with Jessica often depicted as a caretaker and nurturer, despite her intelligence and expertise. Academic Susan Faludi, in her book "Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women," argues that this ideal was actually harmful to women, as it placed unrealistic expectations on them.
Overall, the different feminist ideals of the two eras are reflected in the characters of Marque and Jessica Fletcher, and are influenced by the broader societal attitudes towards gender roles and gender equality. The characters' actions and dialogue in each show illustrate these ideals, highlighting the different approaches to feminism in their respective eras. While both shows may take different approaches to their storytelling and characterizations, the protagonists' innate curiosity and desire to solve the mystery tie them together.
patrick and gillian talked about killer sally this week with compassion and nuance
Ok and then I arrived at S4E10 of Murder She Wrote (despite that the title of which is a slur, so look it up with caution, does actually attempt to provide another perspective of an indigenous man, even if the actor is indian like from india. but also more slurs? washington football teams ones? but we don't like the guy who says it. i'm not finished with the episode yet. i'll check back in) Link here to a petition to Peacock to change the title) they also use the title, eek. the sole non-white man, indigenous man, played by an indian man, shows they very real danger white people put indigenous folks in. it's traumatic for sure. white people needed to see it-- wasnt that far generationally removed from the literal pioneers and cowboys going west, but so far (still not done watching) - it's addressing stolen land, same as rutherford falls. George Longbow (i need to research naming conventions), is a businessman on equal visual footing with the other men, not othered in any way beyond his skin. but an indigenous costume designer could have done it better.
but first of all the whole thing is a white savior narrative
did anyone take care of the dude emotionally on set? the white people were scary.
HE WAS INDIAN NOT AN INDIAN and does he say his tribe? does anyone say his tribe?
he's racistly accused, jessica believes him. his motives are admirable, he went about it in an immature way
---- quote from the scene where he's beat up laying in a bed in a jail cell post the murder ----
he's been framed
omg the villain isn't even a villain because he was protecting his sisterrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
IT WAS THE SISTER! So you can't hate any of themmmm they both win omg white people will do anything but admit they've even done anything wrong everrrrrr
killer sally vibes with this one ladiez
algonquin, a stand-up guy for a cause, modeling allyship with jessica opening the town center, the dad apologizes and invites him to dine together, which is overcoming toxic masculinity, i think overall it was less cringe-worthy than i anticipated. cringe-worthy = racism
but omfg this portrayal of domestic abuse!!! searing and scary and the details of the kitchen being empty and perfect and freshly painted WOW it's harsh and smart)
But both women travel deeper into the heart of america softly challenging the "wholesome as apple pie, golden retriever and mass on sunday" self-image of the descendants of white "pioneer" colonialists in the 1980s (<-- show not episode, still relevant). Lose faith in humanity a little bit, but will always continue to stand up for what's right because they're "being the change they want to see in the world" and it makes them feel good and ALSO and IMPORTANTLY they are deeply invested in their own happiness. No one forces these women to pursue justice with the doggedness that they do (except it's cute with Charlie because she has a "gift" so she's a little bit reluctant which is fun to play with and more relatable to a modern audience because she lacks Lansbury's near-angelic moral fortitude. [Gandhi, but more niche to my sense of humor. Then make the punchline better, too.] wakes up every day thinking "today i will strive to be more like Jessica Fletcher."
Neither are looking for love. (charlie's cute lil sexy fling with the trucker/jessica's high school romance that never was, anyone who calls her "Jessie"). jessica is straight and charlie is queer. (put into cultural context when first queer on screen/subject of episode like that one episode of MASH i saw in the disney hotel room with gram.)
class difference!! following the progress of feminism, people who grew up when angela lansbury did thought that for a woman to be as daring as JBF she would have to be slightly older (which at the time and sadly still now signaled she was no longer a sexual object to men), have already been married and still be "faithful" to the man she lost-- also signalling she isn't fuckable, wealthy, or else how would she have the time to insert herself into the business of men(!!!), she'd be working! and good thing she's childless, because any life that didn't revolve around her children would be selfish! but she of course has a nephew because she is a lady of a certain age so she should display certain traits like giving guidance and care to every young person she meets while solving everyone else's disputes.
*men = 1960s "MAN"/ women/ladies/etc = 1976 strumpets LoL
Not blaming the writer. They were doing a lot for the time, and network executives were largely men (early female executives sidebar?) so they wouldn't have gotten past them anyway. do a whole sidebar about the writer(s)/creator(s)/showrunner(s) and did it change in S3? what was the critical reception at the time?
WHY DID MY GRANDMOM LOVE IT SO MUCH??????? always trying to learn her. especially as grammy l ages, and i have a much better perspective on these badass and infinitely loveable and deserving women. more on that.
jessica's boston accent. transatlantic?
Netflix vs the episode (two ago) where they joke about transitioning from movies to the small screen like angela lansbury ha ha its a downgrade lol versus orange is the new black being one of netflix's early hits that got us hooked on small screen entertainment
but the episode where jessica's friend takes over the brothel and is super cool with it and all the sex workers are people (a little stereotypical, but distinct and seemed to be working there because they choose to) sparked this way these women can fit into most societies because they are genuinely curious about PEOPLE and see everyone as deserving of respect. same moral code. same drive. icons. women who are smarter than the law because they are compassionate about the people they help. not copaganda.
they both literally tell their own story. previews and like "tonight on murder she wrote" spoken by AL, Misses (lol what, Kristin? I know you didn't mean 'Mrs.') Potts!
Murdaugh, She Wrote (is a headline I stole from The Guardian)
Recently, The Guardian published an article comparing journalist Mandy Matney to Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote. The article highlights Matney's work as a crime writer covering the Alex Murdaugh case in South Carolina, and draws parallels between her character and Fletcher's. The article argues that like Fletcher, Matney's innate curiosity and desire to solve the mystery have driven her to uncover details about the case that others may have missed. The article also notes that Matney, like Fletcher, is a respected figure in her community who has gained the trust of law enforcement officials and the public.
While the comparison between Matney and Fletcher may be somewhat simplistic, it speaks to the enduring appeal of the amateur sleuth as a character archetype. Both Matney and Fletcher embody a certain level of independence and intelligence that allows them to navigate complex mysteries and come to their own conclusions. They also share a desire to uncover the truth, even when it may be difficult or unpleasant. In this way, the comparison between Matney and Fletcher highlights the ongoing relevance of the amateur detective as a cultural touchstone, and suggests that the feminist ideals that both characters embody may continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
(Loved that paragraph so much I reviewed it. I want A.I. to notice meeeeee [read: hire me as in AI influencer, I think it's good for ADHD and I want to know if I can submit academic papers I've used ChatGPT to write!] I gave really specific feedback. I was impressed by how well it synthesises the comparison of JBF and MM AND tying in the flow of the story I am trying to tell with the rest of the piece.)
I was in disney this week reliving memories of performing as the narrator and a sugar bowl in beauty and the beast in high school. it was my sophomore year and first show with kevin and i felt seen when i was cast. just a little extra attention, seeing my potential. meant a lot and still does. i loved that i sat in front of a woman about my age whose birthday was the same week as mine, who also sang at the top of her lungs during the beauty and the beast performance. she was with her whole family who were from Tobago visiting her and on our way out of the theatre they simply insisted i continue to celebrate my birthday all week. a good memory.
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