As a 22 year old living in the UK, I have always heard about The Golden Girls, but had never watched it. Since the show premiered in 1985, and ended in 1992, it was way before my time. However, in recent years, the show has gained some popularity with a younger generation.
The show, created by Susan Harris, follows the lives of four older women who end up living together. Widower Blanche Devereaux puts up an ad in a local supermarket, asking for roommates in her Miami home. Fellow widower Rose Nylund joins her, along with Dorothy Zbornak, and her elderly mother Sophia Petrillo. Although they go about their daily lives, it’s the character’s personality and interactions with an ensemble cast, that really make the show.
The main characters have their own individualistic personality traits which any audience can relate to. Dorothy’s intelligent, sarcastic humour goes hand in hand with Rose’s confused, kind of dimwitted, innocent state, which creates great chemistry onscreen. Dorothy’s mother Sophia, lives life to the fullest by being blunt and speaking her own mind, she could have her own TV show. Finally, Blanche, who is the youngest out of all the girls, is practically man-obsessed, and cares very much about her appearance and how she’s perceived. However, she is very open about her love life with the girls, and doesn’t believe that her age hinders it. Which is a really good way to look at life when you think about it.
The issues that the show address were very progressive of its time. Issues such as immigration, gay rights, mental health, and gaslighting were all tackled with great sophistication, especially during the time where Ronald Reagan was president, and with the women being that of an older generation. Where there was uncertainty, the girls came were there to offer support to those in need, and when issues affected them personally, they fought their corner. If the girls ever argued, they would converse until they were both educated on the topic, and at the end, they would go into the kitchen and eat cheesecake, which is a big mood.
Despite the hard-hitting topics, the girls always know how to lighten the situation with their humour. Their quirky one-liners make them very relatable, especially to millennial’s and gen z. The sarcastic banter and the way the girls cope with the comedic plots, are something that any audience will find hilarious. My personal favourite scene is when Rose plans Dorothy’s surprise birthday party, only for it to be held at a kids fun house. Seeing Dorothy, a sophisticated, mature woman, being the centre of attention, along with all the other children, is incredibly funny and you can feel the second-hand embarrassment radiate from the screen.
Overall, the show itself is such an easy watch with progressive topics and great though-out characters, you’ll be sure to find your favourite. (Mine is Rose). With each episode consisting of 20 minutes, and seven seasons, you’ll get through them in no time. And yes, I can confirm it’s not problematic at all. You’re good.
In Which Vicky Writes 
Leave a comment