The Genius of Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes is the brains behind hit series Grey’s Anatomy, How to get away with murder and Scandal. These series have had people glued to their screens to know what happens next. They have been highly ranked and they have introduced new A-listers like Kerry Washington. Her inspiration came after she adopted her first child. Shonda had to stay at home with the new child. During all that time she watched lots of TV programs with similar themes. The ideas for Grey’s Anatomy were born—the show about a group of sexy doctors who work hard to save lives and live their lives.
The show included doctors performing surgeries on the patients. The more interesting part of the show was how the doctors handled their professionalism and lives. The pressures of work to save the lives of their patients while getting along with each other takes the drama to another level. The doctors also handle their challenges pertaining their personal lives, race, age and society norms. It is set up to deal with relevant matters that many people face. This is the reason the show captured the hearts of many in the world.
The Scandal first appeared on TV in 2012. This was after Shonda had taken time off work to take care of her second adopted kid. The lead role is Olivia Pope, who is a fixer, handles problems for high-end clients. The needs of the clients vary and require a delicate touch. She is also a black unmarried woman who can pay her bills and stands strong for what she believes in. The show pushes vary acceptable society norms and believes like shaming of black independent women. In addition, Olivia Pope has an illicit affair with the president, the first lady decides to run for the presidency and the political deals made at the state house behind closed doors.
How to get away with murder is a legal drama with the star being Viola Davis. Viola is a lawyer as well as a professor. She defends criminals and her students use the knowledge they have to hide a murder. It is exciting and thrilling at the same time.
Over the past few years, producers in Hollywood have tried unsuccessfully to emulate Shonda’s scriptwriting style and production. She has the Midas touch when it comes to script writing and producing. In addition, she is the first black woman to create and be an executive for her scripts. Here are some of the matters that make Shonda’s work stand out.
Black Women with Power
In America, a black woman is neglected, has no say and basically is the most oppressed person. Shonda Rhimes, in a genius way, gives black women power in a show. She gives them a voice and power such that they cannot be ignored. The shows remind black women how strong they are and to never give up.
Sexuality
Women are expected to be virtuous at all times. This is interpreted by the society to mean that women cannot enjoy sex as men do. In all her shows, Shonda has shown in a genius manner that women care about sex. That a woman can freely choose a sexual partner without being labeled a slut. A majority of Hollywood producers cast roles of sexually active women as promiscuous and shameful. This is where Shonda brings out the point that women can embrace being sexual beings like men.
Poor Political Decisions
In the political drama Scandal, some decisions were made to benefit business men and not the general public. In Season 6, Kelly Grant has to stand for hours to defend the reason why girls should get free tampons. This was after a vote was to be cast to cut the funding for tampons in favor of investment.
Relationships and Communication
This has been captured perfectly in all the three series. Relationships are complicated due to a lot of external factors. Each person should know how far they are willing to go for a relationship. Poor communication can result to assumption and later a poor attitude towards each other in a relationship. In the shows we see characters make mistakes and amends in their relationships. You learn that at the end of the day, no one is an island. Everyone needs somebody to hold.
Shonda Rhimes is a production genius. She writes the scripts and produces the shows. Her company, Shondaland, has partnered with ABC for a long time. The hit shows are as a result of venturing into uncharted waters of politics, sexuality, and racism. Without a doubt, she has worked hard to questions society norms that have been upheld for centuries. This truly makes her unique. It takes pure talent to combine entertainment and serious matters into sensational TV productions.