Feminist Media Round-Up: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

by Lisa Bennett, Communications Director

The Good

"Once and Again" (airs Mondays at 10 p.m. on ABC)

If you're not already watching "Once and Again," now's a good time to hop on board. This drama is one of the best shows on television. The writing is excellent and so are the performances. While all the characters are extremely believable and fully-drawn, the teenagers are the most realistic I've ever seen on TV.

A new storyline has emerged involving 14-year-old Jessie Sammler, played by the super-talented Evan Rachel Wood. Last season Jessie suffered from anorexia and she continues to see a therapist. Recently, Jessie's mom spiraled into a serious depression, which was depicted in a chillingly authentic way. On the March 11 episode, Jessie's high school formed a gay-straight alliance and she learned that her close friend is a lesbian. The two then admitted that they have feelings for each other. Because the girls shared a brief kiss at the end of the episode, ABC felt the need to put up a warning at the opening that the show would contain "adult content." And a local station in Lynchburg, Va. --home of Jerry Falwell, by the way -- even refused to air the episode.

"Once and Again" has not had the best of support from ABC-- despite its high marks from critics-- because of its less-than-blockbuster ratings. Watch the show, and if you agree it's a rare example of high-quality television taking on important family and social issues, call or write the ABC network and your local ABC affiliate urging them to keep "Once and Again" on the air. __ www.now.org (March 19, 2002)

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