> I've noticed that many series, whether American or British, are
> intellectually comfortable with the idea of strong female characters as
> long as they aren't on OUR side. In SB the two gun-handling women were
> KGB and CIA, not SIS. (In "Blake's 7" the strongest female character
> was the villain. In "Star Trek: The Next Generation" there are strong
> female line officers in command positions in the Federation, but never
> on OUR point-of-view ship.)
>
I don't actively disagree with this, I just feel that although
they weren't given the same due as the men, both shows had wonderful,
strong women characters. I adore Diane, and she seemed very much a part
of the team to me. Marianne was marvelous, and I wish the show had had
the chance to develop her (if she had become a Sandbagger, maybe Diane
could have come back as well). For all her inner vulnerability, Laura
was tough and competent too. And Blakes 7 provided a very interesting
range of female heroines. I don't think Sally Knyvette ever really
pulled off Jenna with enough power, but she was an interesting and highly
independent character, Cally they brought on stronger than they let her
remain, but she continues to have shows which display her strength.
Dayna is brash and young, but tough, and Glynis Barber did a lot more
with her minimal lines as Soolin than Sally Knyvette managed with a lot
more screen time as Jenna. I think Soolin's a great character, very cool
and tough.
Gayle