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While senior-led television programs are infrequent, they garner interest when they do arise; however, they often seem to require a unique gimmick to gain traction in contemporary media landscapes.
The latest iteration of Matlock began with the premise of a financially struggling, widowed lawyer returning to the profession to support her grandson. Yet, the twist at the pilot’s conclusion revealed that this character is, in fact, a well-off woman using subterfuge to seek retribution for her daughter’s opioid-related death.
In a similar vein, the first season of Tulsa King presented a classic fish-out-of-water scenario. The storyline revolves around Dwight Manfredi, a mobster released after spending twenty-five years in prison, who must navigate a radically transformed world.
This premise captivated audiences with its humor and charm, but in the second season, as Dwight adjusted to contemporary life, the series risked losing its original spark by evolving into a more conventional crime drama.
The character of Maddie Matlock—an elderly widow igniting her legal career to support herself—initially held great promise as a lead. However, the broader narrative of her character’s transformation into a wealthier figure seeking vengeance diluted this potential, raising questions as to why realistic portrayals of aging individuals are often deemed insufficient for retaining audience interest. The success of The Golden Girls demonstrated the viability of such themes over four decades ago.
Picture It: Old People Being Old, And It’s Okay
The Golden Girls featured a mix of outrageous comedic situations alongside the mundane realities of everyday life. The show’s introduction highlighted Blanche Devereaux’s financial struggles, as she sought roommates to help manage her mortgage payments.
The characters were often in precarious financial situations, stemming from divorces, deaths of spouses, or modest pensions from unremarkable careers. Their shared living arrangement provided not just financial relief, but also emotional support.
At the time, it was pioneering to showcase the lives of older, unmarried women living independently, away from family dynamics.
While the struggles depicted were not groundbreaking on their own, the unique perspective offered by the characters’ ages and genders added depth and humor to the narrative.
Furthermore, The Golden Girls tackled significant societal issues such as the AIDS crisis and immigration, with perhaps its most audacious discussion focusing on the sexual agency of older women. The comedy surrounding aging resonated universally, but the targeted exploration of women in that demographic elevated the series in meaningful ways.
Girls Before Golden
Maddie Matlock, the protagonist of the reboot, represents another elderly character, serving as the series’ compelling anchor. Although the decision to alter the lead character’s gender may have aimed primarily at showcasing Kathy Bates’ talent, it misses a valuable opportunity to authentically depict an older woman reestablishing her career in her seventies.
Kathy Bates’ ability to bring depth and nuance to a character like the widowed Maddie Matlock could have provided an enriching viewing experience, illustrating the real and potent story of resilience over revenge.
As portrayed, Maddie’s efforts to reenter the job market, utilizing societal perceptions about age to her advantage, resonate with authenticity, especially considering the narrative stakes involved.
However, the motivations differ drastically between the two iterations of Maddie. One character navigates daily survival amidst loss, while the other is driven by a quest for revenge.
Both characters share a profound loss—a daughter taken by addiction—while also facing the challenges of raising a twelve-year-old grandson.
The series illustrates how Madeline Kingston’s relentless pursuit of justice regarding accountability for opioid-related casualties comes with significant personal costs, affecting her grandson’s education and straining her marriage.
This complex interweaving of personal and external stakes is undeniably rich in narrative potential. Yet, one could argue that the show could have pursued a more relatable path from the onset without sacrificing its intrigue.
Kathy Bates’s talent could have sustained multiple iterations of a genuine portrayal, positioning the reboot as potentially groundbreaking.
In contrast, it begs the question as to why senior characters are often slotted into roles that imply hidden skills or secret lives.
I Would’ve Said A Hard Fifty-Five
Tulsa King marked Sylvester Stallone’s return to the screen as a charming elderly character, demonstrating that an older protagonist could still capture attention and admiration.
The show adeptly used Stallone’s charisma leading into a narrative that balanced gunplay with character development, initially highlighting Dwight’s adjustments to life after two and a half decades of incarceration in a starkly different world.
At its core, Dwight’s character navigated not only a personal reintegration into society but also grappled with the cultural shifts that defined modern Tulsa as distinct from New York City.
This interplay made the first season engaging, showcasing Dwight’s adaptable mindset as he confronted changes in both his environment and lifestyle. He even ventured into the dating world, challenging assumptions about age and desirability.
While the material available for exploring Dwight’s character is finite, the first season cleverly balanced interests, focusing on personal development rather than resorting to mere plot points driven by mob warfare.
Season two, however, shifted the focus back to the mob storyline, which diminished the original intent of exploring Dwight’s unique insight on life amassed through experience.
What Are We Missing Out On?
Both Matlock and Tulsa King gained noteworthy perspectives through their aging protagonists, presenting narratives rich in lived experience that have relevance today. Such viewpoints often complement younger narratives well, as demonstrated by The Golden Girls, whose blend of humor and insight appealed to diverse audiences.
Modern shows tend to sideline these enriching perspectives, opting instead for formats reliant on unique twists, often overshadowing the experiences of older characters that could stand on their own merit.
Examining the essence of The Golden Girls, one recalls its famous kitchen table scenes, where humor met sincerity. These dialogues, steeped in personal stories, moved narratives forward and created a sense of camaraderie among viewers.
Instead of relying on constant action or gimmicky plots, the series triumphed in its ability to engage through clever storytelling and dialogue. It showcased the beauty of simply being present in moments of everyday life.
Do Modern Audiences Need More Moving Parts?
The contemporary television landscape is markedly fast-paced, pushing viewers to engage actively with the content. Popular series such as Only Murders in the Building have thrived with mature leads but still incorporate thrill and intrigue.
While these flashy elements are certainly entertaining, cultivating narratives centered on older characters devoid of sensationalism should not be deemed too risky. Audiences may crave meaningful storytelling beyond typical action sequences or cerebral plots.
Though The Golden Girls emerged during a different cultural climate, the essence of its humor and depth remains pertinent today, especially among the array of quieter, more profound programs featuring younger leads.
Ultimately, it advocates for the inclusion of diverse narratives showcasing older protagonists navigating real-life challenges—stories that resonate with viewers regardless of the generation.
What perspectives do you think should be highlighted in modern television? Share your thoughts below!
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www.tvfanatic.com