“Army Wives” Gets Season Two
Wednesday, August 8th, 2007Instead of watching “Army Wives” and annoying Paul for an hour with my eye rolling and snarky comments, I resolve to enjoy it for what it is–entertainment.Catherine Bell, who plays Denise Sherwood in the series, said on a talk show recently “Army wives love that we’re shedding light on their lives. It’s very realistic.”Um, right on the first count. Wrong on the second.
“Army Wives” is a Lifetime TV drama, not a documentary. Sometimes it has no bearing on our lives at all, but for my purposes, it doesn’t have to be dress-right-dress realistic, just probable.
For example, Colonel and Mrs. Holden’s home is pretty opulent with its front AND back porches. That’s about as good as it gets for a colonel; a modest ranch with carport is more likely. But since it MIGHT happen (at one of the older posts) I’ll let it slide.
There’s such a thing as willful suspension of disbelief, and I’ll do it for the sake of drama. But first I’d like them to create a world with authentic details. It’s easily done–just ask any buck sergeant to serve as the show’s consultant.
Give the cast a block of instruction on how to wear a beret. It’s supposed to fold over the right side of your head in a badass fashion. With the exception of Major Sherwood, they all look like swingshift bakers at the Triple A Pizzeria.
While you’re at it, ask the buck sergeant to fine-tune the salutes. They’re comical.
Lieutenant Colonel Joan Burton’s haircut isn’t regulation (it falls below her collar) and she’s wearing a Combat Infantry Badge. She wouldn’t have an Infantry badge since there are no women in the infantry. She’d have a Combat Action Badge instead.
And Major Sherwood’s comment that he’s “on the fast track now–maybe a desk job at the Pentagon.” **snicker** A desk job at the Pentagon is the kiss of death for soldiers. They’d rather be with the troops in a line unit (where he is).
Take care of the details in “Army Wives” and I’ll forgive the other problems with pacing and timing. Like how Denise Sherwood can fast forward into being an RN after an 18 year hiatus. Or how Lieutenant Colonel Burton can be completely recovered from post traumatic stress in a few weeks.
Or the biggie–that the five main characters are such fast friends. True, Army wives bond quickly, but it’s because of repeated interactions common to neighbors or folks in the same small unit. On a division-sized post it’s unlikely that a Private’s wife and a Colonel’s wife would move in a close circle.
But that’s one thing I’ll concede for the sake of the storyline.
The other stuff is just sloppy research. With its profound themes of love, loss, commitment, separation, and the strain of war, “Army Wives” deserves better. Still I’m pleased Lifetime TV has undertaken this project and I look forward to each new show–purely for entertainment of course!