I'm not crying, you're crying.... because I am on my last episode of Rizzoli and Isles. (Truth: I'm not crying but I kind of want to.) And because it aired so long ago, and because of the miracle of modern on-demand TV show magic, perhaps I am the only woman in America experiencing this right now. But I digress...
I started watching it some months ago as 'my show' that I enjoy at home by myself as time allows. I've been R&O curious for a while, and nobody else in the house really seemed interested in it.
Let me tell you. I've loved it. Why? I'm glad you asked.
The biggest and most important reason: it's about two women who are best friends and, by some twist of fate, also work together. Does it make sense that a detective and a Medical Examiner are BFFs and are also in each others houses constantly? Not really.... but let's put that aside. What could be better? Plus there is no cattiness or other sexist tropes (a la Real Housewives). There is no backstabbing. They are actually wonderful friends to each other - with love, support, and good-natured ribbing. All while surrounded by bad guys and dead bodies. Score.
It also refreshingly meets the Bechdel test, which is where a movie (or show in this case) must meet the following three requirements: 1) has two or more female characters (check), 2) these characters must talk to each other (check) and 3) the conversation must be about something other than a man (check!). It's sad how many movies and TV shows don't meet these criteria. Anyway - R&O rocks on this! While they talk about dudes and relationships, it's not in every episode, and it's nowhere near the topic of most of their conversations.
The biggest and most important reason: it's about two women who are best friends and, by some twist of fate, also work together. Does it make sense that a detective and a Medical Examiner are BFFs and are also in each others houses constantly? Not really.... but let's put that aside. What could be better? Plus there is no cattiness or other sexist tropes (a la Real Housewives). There is no backstabbing. They are actually wonderful friends to each other - with love, support, and good-natured ribbing. All while surrounded by bad guys and dead bodies. Score.
It also refreshingly meets the Bechdel test, which is where a movie (or show in this case) must meet the following three requirements: 1) has two or more female characters (check), 2) these characters must talk to each other (check) and 3) the conversation must be about something other than a man (check!). It's sad how many movies and TV shows don't meet these criteria. Anyway - R&O rocks on this! While they talk about dudes and relationships, it's not in every episode, and it's nowhere near the topic of most of their conversations.
It's also about family support and togetherness. There are touching sibling relationships, mother-daughter loveliness, and they are supportive of each other through various turmoils - mostly having surprise family members. Is it realistic for almost an entire family to work together (did I mention the Rizzoli and her brother are both homicide detectives, and their mom runs the police cafe?) AND spend so much time together on a daily basis, in a big-city police department no less? Not at all. But it is very comforting to watch - like a visual casserole.
It's also about colleagues who care about each other beyond just being colleagues. Again - warm casserole type vibes. It sounds pretty groovy to kick ass with your colleagues during the day, and often have drinks together after work (even if one of you was injured severely that day), and still like each other through it all. I've had colleagues I've become friends with, some almost like family, and it's pretty great. Much preferable to barely tolerating and/or never wanting to see them again.
Finally, it's a detective show where, on each episode, it's a new crime or mystery to solve. I tend to like stories that start with a murder - and this fits the bill!
I mean, I've spent months with these characters.... it's almost a parasocial situation where I pretty much feel like part of their family! What will I watch now??? Maybe I'll start it all over again.
It's also about colleagues who care about each other beyond just being colleagues. Again - warm casserole type vibes. It sounds pretty groovy to kick ass with your colleagues during the day, and often have drinks together after work (even if one of you was injured severely that day), and still like each other through it all. I've had colleagues I've become friends with, some almost like family, and it's pretty great. Much preferable to barely tolerating and/or never wanting to see them again.
Finally, it's a detective show where, on each episode, it's a new crime or mystery to solve. I tend to like stories that start with a murder - and this fits the bill!
I mean, I've spent months with these characters.... it's almost a parasocial situation where I pretty much feel like part of their family! What will I watch now??? Maybe I'll start it all over again.
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