TV NEWS
The One Chicago Franchise Has A Problem Across
The Board
By MELISSA LEMIEUX
The “One Chicago” franchise on NBC faces a significant issue: Its treatment of female characters across all of the shows is appalling.
Female characters in the shared universe are often introduced as strong, likable individuals, only to be ruined by poor storytelling choices and character devolution.
Examples abound in “Chicago Fire,” including Gabriella Dawson, Stella Kidd, and Sylvie Brett, who lose audience support as their storylines falter and flatten.
“Chicago Med” and “Chicago P.D.” are not exempt, as female characters often face violent and depressing deaths or discontinuity in their development.
A solution to this issue is allowing female characters to be flawed, human, and strong without forcing them into unrealistic situations for the sake of the plot.
Maintaining a consistent throughline for the main characters will help viewers stay connected and invested — and avoid hating characters that they’re supposed to adore.