DAVID BIANCULLI

Founder / Editor

ERIC GOULD

Associate Editor

LINDA DONOVAN

Assistant Editor

Contributors

ALEX STRACHAN

MIKE HUGHES

KIM AKASS

MONIQUE NAZARETH

ROGER CATLIN

GARY EDGERTON

TOM BRINKMOELLER

GERALD JORDAN

NOEL HOLSTON

 
 
 
 
 
Post-Olympics, NBC's 'Good Girls' Also Goes for the Gold
February 25, 2018  | By Ed Bark  | 13 comments
 


No series has been more heavily teased during NBC’s Winter Olympics coverage. Additionally, no newbie is getting a better time slot (10 p.m. ET) – following Monday’s return of The Voice with new judge Kelly Clarkson.

So what could go bad for Good Girls? Probably little to nothing for starters. A big tune-in almost a certainty. But in the long run, can this serio-comic, female-driven, Breaking Bad-ish romp keep sustaining its far-fetched premise? Based on the three episodes made available for review, the story lines might eventually go bankrupt while the “tone” seeks a proper balance between madcap capers and serious jeopardy.

The threesome from the title are Detroit-based sisters Beth Boland (Christina Hendricks, top) and Annie Marks (Mae Whitman, top), plus their good friend, Ruby Hill (Retta, top). Lately, all are up against it.

Early in the first episode, hard-drinking Beth learns that her husband and father of their four children is a philanderer whose auto dealership is on the financial ropes. They could lose everything, even the house. Get ye to a motel, Dean Boland (Matthew Lillard). But now what to do?

Ruby’s daughter, Sarah (Lidya Jewett, below), has a kidney problem that requires expensive medicine if she ever wants to free herself from an oxygen tank and run around like the rest of her classmates. Loving hubby Stan (Reno Wilson) is doing all he can to make ends meet while Ruby makes a few extra bucks waitressing. But it’s just not enough.

Annie has a low-paying job as a grocery store cashier, but costly legal bills ahead if she wants to fight for custody of her bullied, male-dressing daughter Sadie (played by a boy, Izzy Stannard). Her ex-husband, Greg (Zach Gilford from NBC’s Friday Night Lights) is reasonable, but also determined in this matter. And unlike Annie, he has ample resources.

So what’s the short-term solution? How about robbing the grocery store of the $30 grand that Annie says is readily available? The manager of the store, Boomer (David Hornsby), is a jerk while the lone security guard is obese and completely inept. So it will be a pleasure to steal the money, and probably easy, too. Which proves to be the case before complications kick in.

For one, the haul turns out to be half a million bucks. “I said 30, give or take,” Annie reasons. “I guess it was give!”

Problem is, the money had been stashed by mobsters who very much want it all back. This particular group is headed by an unsavory Latino named Rio (Manny Montana), who doesn’t like hearing that some of the dough’s already been spent. Rio is suitably menacing with his demands and cocked pistol. And it’s decidedly not funny later in the premiere hour when Boomer shows up -- having recognized Annie’s “tramp stamp” during the robbery -- and demands sexual favors in return for his silence.

Fresh from taking a shower (“I smell like booze and crime”), Beth points a pistol at Boomer while exclaiming, “When a lady screams ‘Stop,’ it is usually because she is not having the time of her life!”

These obviously are meant to be serious moments in a series that alternately doesn’t want viewers to take it too seriously. In Episode 2, it’s back to some laugh lines, with Annie cracking, “I make nine dollars an hour, so just give me a couple of decades” to pay back her portion of the $60 grand now owed to the mob.

Later in this same hour, an incredulous Retta asks Beth, “You couldn’t rob the sweet old racist lady?” It’s a funny line, and you’ll have to see the context for yourself. But Good Girls soon is ratcheting up the terror again, via another visit from the mobsters. 

Episode 3 is built around a largely comedic trip to Canada after Beth, Ruby, and Annie are told they’ll be square with the mob if they bring back a package from what turns out to be front called Cascade Canadian Crafts. By the end of the hour, Beth gets back to very serious business in laying the groundwork for a potential pivotal shift from something of a lark to something that could get more than halfway dark.

For now, the three lead performances are uniformly winning while the pacing is bracingly brisk. The male characters in large part are furniture to be moved around in service to the women’s varying predicaments and aspirations. Although not intended as such in its early pre-Harvey Weinstein developmental stages, Good Girls ends up being the first TV or streaming series to carry the flag of the #MeToo movement. There will be many more to be sure.

 
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
PNLDV
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 1  | Go to page: 
13 Comments
 
 
Hi,Suffolk, a picturesque county on the east coast of England, renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities, is not just a haven for culture and nature enthusiasts but also a thriving hub for businesses seeking to establish a robust online presence. In this digital age, where the virtual realm is often the first point of contact between businesses and their clientele, the significance of Suffolk Website Design cannot be overstated.
Jan 19, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
The cabins of private jets are often designed with opulence and comfort in mind, featuring spacious seating arrangements, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and well-appointed amenities.
Jan 9, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Governments and policymakers often implement economic repair measures, such as stimulus packages, to jumpstart growth, restore consumer confidence, and repair the fabric of financial stability. The concept extends to social welfare programs designed to repair societal inequities, providing a safety net for those facing economic hardships.
Jan 7, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
A commercial property owner sought to retrofit their office space with skylights to create a more inviting and energizing work environment. Expert Skylight Services collaborated closely with the client to understand the specific requirements of the office space and proposed a solution that maximized natural light while addressing any structural considerations.
Jan 6, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
By selectively removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches, arborists can prevent the spread of diseases and decay within the tree. This not only promotes overall tree health but also reduces the risk of falling branches, making the surrounding environment safer for both people and property. Additionally, proper pruning can enhance a tree's resistance to pests and diseases, contributing to its ability to thrive in its natural habitat.
Jan 5, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
In today's world, it's disheartening to witness people resorting to extreme arguments to emphasize their views or discredit others. I want to express my gratitude for your insightful contribution, which significantly enhances the clarity of this ongoing debate.
Oct 20, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I wish to convey my sincere appreciation for your valuable involvement in this discussion on the present topic. In the contemporary world, it is indeed disconcerting to observe the prevalence of extreme arguments employed to underscore personal viewpoints or discredit others. Your concise and pertinent insights serve to illuminate and bring lucidity to this ongoing debate.
Oct 20, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I appreciate your contribution to this discussion. It's frustrating how extreme viewpoints dominate the conversation. Your concise insight is a refreshing change.
Oct 20, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I'm ecstatic to have come across this blog! Aspiring scholars are constantly on the lookout for the ultimate guide to acing literary essays, and your exceptional post is the Holy Grail they need.
Oct 19, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Very nice article, I enjoyed reading your post, very nice share, I want to twit this to my followers. Thanks!.
Jul 9, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
At our company, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with a seamless and hassle-free experience. Whether you choose to sell your items to us or pawn them, you can trust that you will receive a fair and competitive price, along with outstanding customer service. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the cash you need, when you need it.
Mar 30, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Sue Bates
A worth-watching sight and shadow are jumped for the teamwork for the challenges. Modules of the https://bestbritishessays.com/top-custom-writing-services are signed for the team. Link is fit for the element for the comprehension of the goals for the documents in this phase for the citizens.
Nov 11, 2022   |  Reply
 
 
Sue Bates
A worth-watching sight and shadow are jumped for the teamwork for the challenges. Modules of the https://bestbritishessays.com/top-custom-writing-services are signed for the team. Link is fit for the element for the comprehension of the goals for the documents in this phase for the citizens.
Nov 11, 2022   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 1  | Go to page: