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All's Fair.....But Is It Really?

 I get it.  "All's fair in love and war" is a perfect proverb for a show about divorce.  Clever, oh so, clever.  But that might be about where the intelligence stops with this show.

First of all, I will tune into almost ANY Ryan Murphy joint. (Except or AHS because eeecchhhh) The writing is always sharp, the story engrossing and the cast is always stellar.  I friggin love Sarah Paulson in almost anything she does and seeing her as a super meanie here is awesome. Some of her disgusting insults alone make my time worthwhile.

But this.....oh sweet jebus this.....this show is a whole other animal.

I'm not the first person to write about how this show looks like one long commercial dropping luxury brands at every turn.  There can't be a shot that doesn't include an over-the-top outfit or statement bag sitting somewhere in proximity. I understand that money and luxury and aspiration are a big part of this series.....after all.....we've got billionaires fighting each other for the jewels and paintings (boo hoo.....but I'll get into this in a minute) so we couldn't expect anything less.  

But isn't it all just incredibly unbelievable and at times just really stupid?

How does this show make such awesome actresses come across as complete dummies?  I mean, I came to this experience excepting to hold my nose every time Kim Kardashian walked into the room, but she's not the worst of it.  Poor lifeless Naomi Watts looks like she has been drained dry of every emotion and Niecy Nash is only suited to overused "you go girl" tropes and angry mama bear sentiments.  

They look great!  Nobody is about to argue that.  But at what cost? Literally? How could anyone in court or a boardroom take these women seriously with their ridiculous hats, gloves and nearly falling out bosom? 

And nope, nope I'm not shaming.....not in the least.  I'm only pointing out the absolute lack of realism in all this.

First of all, have y'all ever been to court for anything?  Jury duty?  A traffic ticket?  Mediation?  Trust me.  It does not look like this.  But I also just realized something.....even though I'm only a few episodes in, this team hasn't been inside a courtroom yet!  Only a lot of of fancy boardrooms.  I guess when you're dealing with billions that might be true, but in most folks' real lives it is absolutely not! But to be fair (hehe fair) most courtroom/legal shows are not very true to life.  Real court and law are very boring, long-winded and carry a lot of legal jargon that most people don't understand.  There are no "gotcha" moments and no courtroom confessions.  Almost everything revealed in court was already expected by one side of the table or the other. 

So we can't blame Ryan or the ladies for this ongoing dramatic mistake.

But I will blame them for the tone-deaf complete dumbassery of it all.  It reminds me a lot of the shitty AJLT and the Sex and the City 2 film.  These were two productions that started from something great and became so out of touch with real people that it was hard to stomach.  And listen, I was a kid in the 80's and remember how much people loved the escapism of "Dynasty" and "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous".  But these days, with people literally starving, getting deported and unable to fill their gas tanks is it really smart to parade women in outfits that are more than a year's rent? Is it fueling the fire of class warfare or is it merely fun to watch from the sidelines?

It doesn't hurt my feelings at all to watch rich people argue over stupid shit. Paintings, jewelry, multiple homes?  I don't give a skinny rat's ass.  Quibble over your materialism all day long.  But please don't call it "feminism".  There are actual real women out in the world fighting for jobs, sanity, safety and more.  I'm not that worried about women that are worried they're going to the poorhouse after spending their lives in the lap of luxury.  

I will say this though.  Cheating hurts.  Violence against women is horrible.  Unresolved childhood trauma is heartbreaking. Late stage illness is wrenching.  This show tries to hit some heavy issues, but typically falls terribly flat.  I wonder if they should just stop trying to carry the water of serious topics and stick to sillier shit like maybe fighting over a pampered poodle. (Season 2 says hold my Cristal)

One thing I do love about this show is the guest stars.  I will perk up and put my phone down anytime I see the likes of Jessica Simpson, Rick Springfield or Brooke Shields.  

And dammit, I do want to see what happens!  As stupid as I think all this is, I still want to see it through.  I still want to see what those Vogue-bots are gonna show up and do.  So they did do their jobs of hooking their audience.  Kudos, you dumb broads! (yeah I said it)

For the record, I'm not hating on the idea of women being successful and sticking it to "the man".  But don't take luxurious high-end living and wrap it up like the stuff of women warriors.  How hard is it to climb out of your mink blankets in the morning and fight the power with a mimosa in one hand and Delbon ring on the other? I dig you, Ryan, but gimme a break man!

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