With the much-anticipated Game of Thrones Season Finale less than a month away, and International Women’s Day yesterday, we shine a spotlight on 9 kick-ass female TV characters who’ve made us laugh, cry, and given us some serious feminism goals. While enigmatic male protagonists were the norm of the day, TV shows in the recent past have seen a welcome change with leading ladies not only inspiring, making us laugh and making good TV, but lending muscle to the term ‘girl power’.
Donna Paulsen, Suits
Probably the only good thing about the show after a while, Donna has the perfect amount of sass, wit, feistiness and control. Far from her job description as Harvey Specter’s assistant, she’s one of the most formidable minds at Pearson Hardman and is never afraid to wield her powers of charm or use her bottomless pit of resourcefulness.
Morticia Addams, The Addams Family
This show might have aired in 1964, but it’s far from forgotten. Morticia Addams, that impeccably dressed, towering matriarch that was confusingly twisted, sultry and loving at the same time, was our first role model of barrier-breaking, dominance and unapologetic feminism. In short, Morticia Addams rocks and lives a meaningful life because she is unafraid to be true to herself.
Liz Lemon, 30 Rock
This show should’ve been called Liz Lemon Rock(s)……ok, now that I said it out loud, it sounded really terrible. Which is why they didn’t name it that. Anyway, Liz’s views on food should be published. Liz’s views on men and efficiency should be published. Liz’s views on everything should be published. Oh wait, they are. After all, Tina Fey is basically just real-life Liz and a book by her is as good as it gets.
Leslie Knope, Parks And Recreation
It’s only fair for her to be featured along with the bestie, Tina Fey. Leslie’s Knope’s unshakeable sense of purpose and joy in the face of adversity makes you think the sun is actually shining out of her ass. Nothing stops her. Nothing. Not even the entire nondescript town she works for, being against her. She just makes her own way, crazy-eyed, pancake filled and shrill voiced till she gets what she wants.
Brienne Of Tarth, Game Of Thrones
Most people would tout Daenerys, or maybe Cersei as being the most kick-ass but for me, Brienne of Tarth is a clear winner.Fiercely loyal. Totally badass and stomps on all the odds stacked up against her. Gives zero f****s about societal expectations and tradition. Fights better than most men. Doesn’t take nonsense.
Lisa Cuddy, House
A powerful woman, that all the other men (and women), no matter how important or self-absorbed, have to answer to. Oh, and her power dressing! Whew. Beauty and brains,this one.Plus, she sleeps with House so that’s just a total win.
Red, Orange Is The New Black
What do I think when I think of Red?
1) That is one perpetually-pissed off matriarch I never want to get on the bad side of
2) If she were my mother, nothing could harm me
3) How much vodka can she handle?
4) She’s someone that would feed you pie to comfort you. But she would also give you a loaded gun, and maybe dynamite as a party favour.
Cristina Yang, Grey’s Anatomy
She’s the realest.
Owen: “So, vodka is helping you write your Harper Avery acceptance speech.”
Cristina: “Tequila.”
Monica Geller, Friends
Skinny Monica is neurotic, still has a fat girl living inside her, can dance anyone’s shoes off and is very in touch with her body. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that she makes the best goddamn food.
Blair Waldorf, Gossip Girl
Somehow managing to not resemble a 5 year old while wearing hairbands and insulting people efficiently wherever you go? Now that’s what I call life goals. And it doesn’t hurt to be stinking rich.
Chantelle Menezes Brand Solutions 