TV Ate My Wardrobe

Happy Galentine’s Day! And once again I want to take this opportunity to celebrate the many amazing lady friendships on television. Over at The A.V. Club Molly Eichel wrote an essay about how the best love stories on TV are not romantic ones; instead it is the close friendships between women that get this title and I am inclined to agree.

Last year I offered up some dream lady hangout scenarios and I want to do something similar this year with a whole different set of besties (before you wonder where Abbi and Ilana are). Some of these friendships span decades while others are relatively new, but the one thing that is clear is these women will be there for each other whether the drama is small scale or involves saving the world.

A park bench, getting free samples of frozen yogurt, in a bar; wherever is good when it comes to Gretchen and Lindsay on You’re the Worst. This friendship was put to the test during season 2, but Lindsay has been there for Gretchen when her depression consumed her in sophomore year at college and she offers up some excellent advice “wear your stains on the outsides of your clothes, Gretch.”

(I just watched this scene again and it still crushes in every way – yes I am crying)

So whether it is giving relationship pointers advocating against becoming “sweater people,” trying not to talk about dudes or just general getting drunk and chatting shit then this is one friendship I am all in on. Jessica Jones does not let anyone penetrate her hard exterior, well there is one exception and her name is Trish Walker. Trish still has her work cut out, but she does get results that end in reciprocated hugs.Jessica came to live with Trish after the tragedy that befell her family and she then helped her adopted sister of sorts deal with her own shitty abusive situation. There’s not a lot that comes between this pair (aside from Jessica’s refusal to ask for help) and there is plenty of darkness in their lives; however some playful moments did sneak in before Kilgrave including Trish’s costume ideas for superhero Jessica (with the name Jewel to boot) and challenging douchebags in bars to bets they can never win. More of this please.Maggie and Emma have their own challenges on Playing House including raising a baby together and all the ups and downs that come with being this close to someone. Emma stayed when Maggie’s husband strayed and whether it is getting into a Kenny Loggins concert, winning the paddleboat race or just dealing with dating after having a baby they are always there for each other in a big way.  The newest friendship is also maybe the one that is most needed and while Alicia Florrick featured last year she has definitely been lacking in the lady friends department since her big break up with Kalinda way back when. In the last episode Alicia broke down and blurted out years worth of resentment and instead of fleeing, Lucca embraced Alicia and shared her sad story (which I find hard to believe considering just how charming she is). Finally Alicia has someone to booze with where there are no other complications such as unrequited feelings or bitterness.An old friendship to a lot of you, but one that is very new to me and I’ve just hit the halfway point of Gilmore Girls’ first season. Rory has already had a bit of a Carrie Bradshaw BFF moment – where she made everything about her – but she’s young and she came through for Lane and her hair touching drama. So far going to different schools has not been an issue and Lane is just as likely to be hanging out at Rory’s or grabbing something to eat at Luke’s with her bestie. I am looking forward to seeing how this friendship develops over time because there is nothing quite like teen female friendships (see MSCL, Freaks and Geeks). Hopefully Gilmore Girls will also fulfill the required bathroom conversation time that all other teen shows we have covered on TV Ate My Wardrobe have excelled at.

Going to leave you with the traditional “Time After Time” Anne, April and Donna rendition that has become this site’s Galentine’s Day anthem.

For more Galentine’s Day celebrations head here and here.

Tags: Alexis Bledel, Aya Cash, Cush Jumbo, Gilmore Girls, Jessica Jones, Jessica St. Clair, Julianna Margulies, Keiko Agena, Kether Donohue, Krysten Ritter, Lennon Parham, Parks and Recreation, Playing House, Rachael Taylor, The Good Wife, You're the Worst