The Evolution of Strong Female Characters in Television: A Critical Analysis

Over the years, the portrayal of strong female characters on television has faced a peculiar dichotomy. While the landscape has evolved significantly, introducing a range of empowered, talented, and resilient female protagonists, there exists a concerning trend where these characters are often unrealistic and overly idealized, sometimes to a point where they border on the narrow and limiting.

Past Icons: Ashoka Tano, Kim Possible, and Mulan

Back in my childhood, television was a treasure trove of strong female characters. From the animated worlds, characters like Ashoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Kim Possible from Kim Possible, and Mulan from the Disney animated series and film, presented us with inspiring and relatable female counterparts. These characters strived, faltered, and ultimately succeeded, offering a realistic and dynamic view of female empowerment through hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn and grow.

Modern Missteps: Overidealized Characters and Bumbling Males

However, as we transition into contemporary television, a different narrative emerges. Characters like Rei from The Last Jedi and the live-action version of Mulan have come to dominate, showcasing a troubling pattern of perfection and unrealistic expectations. Characters in these modern portrayals are often portrayed as flawless, contradicting the earlier ideals of growth and resilience. Rei, for instance, outperforms a trained lightsaber duelist in Kylo Ren and confuses a man using the force even with no training, suggesting a level of skill that defies logic and years of practice. Similarly, the new Mulan excels in all her endeavors at an instant, embodying a concept that women should not need to struggle or fail before achieving success.

A notable contrast is observed in earlier strong female characters like Ashoka, Kim, and the original Mulan, who demonstrated genuine effort, faced setbacks, and eventually overcame their weaknesses to succeed. These narratives suggested that both men and women can achieve greatness through hard work and determination. In contrast, the modern portrayal emphasizes instant proficiency, telegraphing a message that women should be better without effort.

Comparative Dynamics: Strong Men and Supporting Females

The portrayal of strong male characters alongside these female characters often further exacerbates the issue. In many instances, the male counterparts are depicted as dopes or terrible at everything, while the female characters excel. This dynamic is particularly evident in films such as The Terminator: Dark Fate, where the film kills off the male protagonist, John Connor, despite him being the franchise's face and main character. Instead, three female leads take over, highlighting the diminishing importance of male protagonists. Similarly, in The Incredible Hulk: Discounted Nutrients, the female character She-Hulk emphasizes her female experience by pointing out her cat-calling problem, ironically drawing a parallel between harassment and government abuse, a narrative that weakens her character's strength and focus on justice.

Gender Focus: Balancing Representation with Accomplishment

Another pressing issue is the overemphasis on the female characters' gender at the expense of their accomplishments. In Batwoman, the focus shifts to categorizing the suit's fit as appropriate for a woman, without considering its functionality or the female character's capability. Meanwhile, in She-Hulk, the emphasis on her control over anger, as opposed to the traumatic experiences faced by the Hulk, detracts from the depth and complexity of her character. These portrayals not only limit the scope of the characters but also perpetuate a narrow view of what it means to be strong.

Conclusion

The evolution of strong female characters on television presents a mixed bag of progress and regression. While we have seen remarkable examples that inspire and challenge stereotypes, there is a need for a balance between idealization and realism, and a focus on the character's accomplishments rather than their gender. By fostering a more nuanced and diverse portrayal of female characters, we can ensure that the women on screen truly represent the strength and resilience of real-life female heroes.