TV renaissance afoot for strong women

Published Mar 16, 2015

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The TV kingdom has given birth to some remarkably powerful characters and the actresses are owning their influence like rulers of their empire.

#1 ANNALISE KEATING – How to Get Away with Murder

Viola Davis: In bagging the lead role of Annalise Keating, a criminal law professor and one of the most successful defence lawyers, Davis proved she wasn’t just The Help. This seasoned actress plays the duality of her character – confident and power- wielding to, when the wig comes off, showcasing a contradictory naked vulnerability – with award-winning aplomb.

#2 COOKIE – Empire

Taraji P Henson: Cookie Lyon is the name on viewers’ lips these days. And P Henson has become a Person of Interest on the TV landscape. The backbone of the family, she is ruthless in her efforts to safeguard her family’s fortune and, in so doing, secure her children’s future. Anyone who gets in her way will be collateral damage… as this mama is on the war path.

#3 CLAIRE UNDERWOOD – House of Cards

Robin Wright: While Kevin Spacey proves to be the full deck, so to speak, of the series, Robin Wright is the ace up his sleeve as his graceful, stylish, calculating and equally ambitious wife, Claire Underwood. Her equanimity amid the political tidal waves propels her to the extraordinary league of The Good Wife.

#4 OLIVA POPE – The Fixer

Kerry Washington: At face value, she is as put-together as “fixers” come. Her wardrobe, makeup and hair are enviable. But she does have the most unenviable love life. Always fixing everyone’s life in the political world, she just can’t seem to do so for herself. But she does clean up with the praises for trying to juggle it all.

#5 JESSICA PEARSON – Suits

Gina Torres: She is a head turner, with the svelte body that belongs on the model of a catwalk, and a corporate ball-buster. Her confidence as the head of the law firm is matched by her powerhouse wardrobe.

#6 YVONNE “VEE” PARKER – Orange is the New Black 2

Lorraine Toussaint: The game changer in the hit prison drama. Morally bankrupt, Vee is every inch the dangerous puppet master. Not only does she spread dissension within the ranks, she gives Red a serious black and blue makeover.

#7 Maria Mercedes “Fish” Mooney – Gotham

Jada Pinkett-Smith: Making her mark in front and behind the camera, Pinkett Smith is a revelation in Gotham. “Fish” Mooney rolls with the punches. Just like her name, she is a slippery character. And a dangerous one at that, even though she often swims with the sharks in her world.

# 8 Daenerys Targaryen – Game of Thrones

Emilia Clarke: Back on our screens soon, Daenerys Targaryen is ready for battle with her dragons and army behind her. And she is firing on all cylinders as the queen, one who can be fair and unforgiving, when wronged. A striking beauty, she has a commanding presence that is reinforced by a courageous disposition.

#9 HANNAH HORVATH – Girls

Lena Dunham: Her success as a creator-writer-director-producer belies her age. Dunham is a revelation as Hannah, a 20-something pondering life and relationships in the most unassuming and gauche way. A big girl, with a wardrobe that would make the Fashion Police crew cringe, she embraces her curves and is both cheeky and charming about it.

#10 ALISON BAILEY – The Affair

Ruth Wilson: For a change, the mistress doesn’t get a raw deal. Alison is a very likeable character, who, in dealing with the trauma of losing a child, finds comfort in the arms of a married man. Life isn’t black and white, and Alison peels back the covers to reveal the different shades of grey to an extramarital affair.

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