The quality of this series is truly outstanding, anchored by the beautiful and.intelligent Tea Leoni as both actress in title role, and one of the producers. Her husband on the show is her long term partner in real life. There is an ease of empowerment and self actualization to the lead character of Madam Secretary that reflects this built in politically empowering show structure and cast, so rare for a female actor (and so common for male lead actors).
Leoni's Madam Secretary capitalizes upon rather than apologizes for her feminity, never shouting, becoming quieter and more focused as the urgency of a given crisis rises. The other characters have to lean in to hear. Her intelligence is often emotional EQ, although she has plenty of the traditional IQ, and her ability to understand and predict human nature is what serves her US President time and again. It is the ultimate lesson in what most misogynists are missing.
The artful and realistic balance depicted here between the life of the family and the dangerous work of the government is totally new and unique. What a wonderful contribution to our lexicon. Leoni's Madam Secretary loves her family, loves her work, isnt perfect at either, and makes it work.
The writing is amazing: complex political situations are outlined simply but are never charicatures. Discussions are centered with an eye towards the moral high ground, but always in varying shades of gray, and with an eye to foibles of the involved personalities. Not only are situations not easy, neither are answers , and compromises as well as sharply unhappy endings often result. I cant think of a more subtle and intelligent presentation of the need for negotiations and compromises that are utterly believable as a part of daily governmental decision-making.
Totally binge worthy and surprisingly relevant to today. A poweful artistic forum.
Leoni's Madam Secretary capitalizes upon rather than apologizes for her feminity, never shouting, becoming quieter and more focused as the urgency of a given crisis rises. The other characters have to lean in to hear. Her intelligence is often emotional EQ, although she has plenty of the traditional IQ, and her ability to understand and predict human nature is what serves her US President time and again. It is the ultimate lesson in what most misogynists are missing.
The artful and realistic balance depicted here between the life of the family and the dangerous work of the government is totally new and unique. What a wonderful contribution to our lexicon. Leoni's Madam Secretary loves her family, loves her work, isnt perfect at either, and makes it work.
The writing is amazing: complex political situations are outlined simply but are never charicatures. Discussions are centered with an eye towards the moral high ground, but always in varying shades of gray, and with an eye to foibles of the involved personalities. Not only are situations not easy, neither are answers , and compromises as well as sharply unhappy endings often result. I cant think of a more subtle and intelligent presentation of the need for negotiations and compromises that are utterly believable as a part of daily governmental decision-making.
Totally binge worthy and surprisingly relevant to today. A poweful artistic forum.