The Starter Wife was a 2007 miniseries, based on a novel by Gigi Levangie Grazer about a Hollywood wife who's forced to reinvent herself after her husband of nine years demands a divorce. Molly Kagan (Debra Messing) is the seemingly perfect wife, catering to her husband's every need, often before he knows it himself. As a producer's wife, Molly reaps the many benefits her position entails--but most importantly, she is accepted in this largely off-limits society. Naturally, a divorce in Hollywood changes that.
It's All About the Characters
The mini-series does a nice job of telling a story--Molly's character's progress is believable and inspiring. She is, naturally, outfitted with an entourage of friends both predictable and charming. Her three best friends include two girlfriends, Cricket (Miranda Otto) and Joan (Judy Davis), and the token gay interior decorator, Rodney (Chris Diamantopoulos). (In fairness to Diamantopoulos, he brings humor and charisma to a fairly obvious role.) Debra Messing does wonderfully by Molly, but Judy Davis easily steals the show as Joan McCallister--and even more so in season 1 of the TV show. In both the mini-series and first season, the characters are easily the reason to watch, especially as the story reveals more than a few contradictions and weaknesses.
Season 1: The Transition
Several characters disappear when the show picks back up. Molly's husband is re-cast (no doubt due to Peter Jacobson's prior commitment to House, M.D.), Cricket disappears as does Molly's choice of boyfriend at the end of the mini-series. The series manages to gloss these discrepancies over quite artfully and before long, the new world (as it seemingly has always been) is acceptable and the story moves on.
Strange Flaws, Contradictory Writing
Sadly for the show, what was so strong about the storyline before (Molly's newfound independence and the way she embraced her new opportunities despite the never-ending drama around her) turns on itself and season 1 confusingly ends with Molly working semi-amicably with her ex-husband and back in the Hollywood grind. It's still a triumph for her character, but yet her character still wavers willingly on the edge of selling out, and another fall doesn't seem too far off. It's weak, but still worth a second chance with season 2. Having said that...
Where is season 2 of The Starter Wife?
After the success of the miniseries, USA ordered a full season for a TV show. Season 1 was just released (March 2009), but there are rumors the show had low ratings and has since been canceled. The show and its characters (Molly, especially) may have had bad patches, but considering the writing had to adjust from a wrapping-up point to the mode of TV show where an ongoing storyline is desired, there didn't seem to be drastic character flaws. It could be said that Molly contradicted herself and perhaps even wound up choosing things she thought she didn't want, but it could also be said that's a very realistic part of her character.
It's unfortunate if the show isn't continued, and that seems to be the prevailing rumor. But even if it didn't last very long, it's still an enjoyable watch and should be checked out--for Messing and Davis fans and for fans of well-written "chick flicks." It's better than that, but regardless, that's how it will be classified.
Margaret Burke - Margaret Burke currently resides in Boston, MA. She graduated from the University of North Texas in 2000 with a BA in Radio/TV/Film and a ...
