In a recent article, I discussed the television series that shaped the affections of my generation, the millennials. We arrived at adolescence with shows like Dawson’s Creek and The OC, which provided us with a rather simplistic and unhealthy emotional education. These series, while entertaining, often relied on clichéd characters that required little thought to relate with.
The Elegance of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s Work
However, I overlooked an essential piece of the millennial television puzzle: Gilmore Girls. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, this series served as a more nuanced educational experience for younger millennials between 2000 and 2007. Although I was in university during its peak, I appreciate having watched it as a slightly older teenager, allowing me to discern its strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths of Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls‘s dialogues are brilliant, reminiscent of Dorothy Parker’s wit, delivered at a million miles per hour by the protagonists. The situations, while sometimes clichéd, are endearing and complex. The show explores the intricacies of love, which isn’t always necessary, and presents multifaceted characters with layers and depth.
The Mastermind Behind the Magic
Behind these sparkling moments is a master: Amy Sherman-Palladino. Over the past fifteen years, she has consistently crafted unique series, comedies akin to Billy Wilder’s style but tailored for a younger audience. Sherman-Palladino’s production company, Dorothy Parker drank here, embodies her narrative and spiritual ethos, aiming to leave a positive mark on the world.
From Gilmore Girls to Bunheads
Unbeknownst to me, I became a fan of Sherman-Palladino before watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix, where a visionary executive added the series to the catalog, leading to a successful second season (which, spoiler alert, wasn’t as great).
The Short-Lived Bunheads
Bunheads, which followed a group of ballet dancers in a picturesque small town, captured my heart due to its comedic timing rather than predictable plots. The protagonist, played by Broadway star Sutton Foster, was a ballet teacher whose comedic dialogues were impeccably timed.
A Promising Start, Abrupt End
Although Bunheads only lasted one season, its cancellation left me heartbroken. Sherman-Palladino’s dismissal from Disney, despite being given creative freedom, highlights the harsh realities of the television industry. Fortunately, she found success on streaming platforms.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: A Critically Acclaimed Success
Amazon Prime, attracted by the success of Gilmore Girls on Netflix, commissioned Sherman-Palladino to create The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, one of the most celebrated and awarded series of the decade.
A Tightly Wound Watch
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a well-oiled machine, with no rough edges, showcasing the freedom streaming provides creators. The audience appreciates it for its value of time and money, not for the producer’s identity.
Étoile: A Passion Project with Mixed Results
After Mrs. Maisel, Amazon Prime commissioned another series from Sherman-Palladino, Étoile, a passion project about ballet. Though it didn’t perform as well and was canceled after one season, it’s still a decent series worth exploring to understand Sherman-Palladino’s worldview.
Respect for All Characters
What I admire most about Sherman-Palladino’s work is her respect for every character, ensuring each has compelling arguments to be who they are. Even seemingly foolish characters have memorable lines and navigate situations better than clever ones, making her scripts flawless.
Though working with a control freak like Sherman-Palladino might be challenging, her contributions to television are undeniable. As Dorothy Parker once said, “Live fast, die young, and leave a good-looking corpse.” In Sherman-Palladino’s case, she continues to create captivating stories that leave lasting impressions.
