Another television season has come and gone, and despite the critics hailing so many of the newer shows as a sort of TV Renaissance, I managed to not see any of them. But maybe I should. There’s an entire crop of strong female characters with a wide variety of personalities and roles. Let’s see how a few of them charmed audiences in the past year.
Amy Santiago (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)
Amy Santiago has always been a hardworking, dedicated detective since Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s very first episode, but in Season 2 of the FOX comedy, she got to show off her fun side while being “Six Drink Amy” and on many other occasions. Melissa Fumero’s committed performance, along with the show’s sharp, funny writing, allowed for Amy to be more flexible and spontaneous when it came to life, showcased by her friendship with Gina and romance with Jake. Amy has always been a good character on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but she became a great one this season.
Bonnie Bennett (The Vampire Diaries)
Someone who hasn’t always been a good character is The Vampire Diaries‘ Bonnie Bennett, as she’s been used more as plot device than an actual person. However, that all changed in Season 6, when Bonnie was trapped in the prison world with Damon before being left there alone. The result was the series shining the spotlight on Bonnie and finally giving her some agency as she underwent a long and difficult journey to not simply survive but find her way back home. Bonnie’s never been more entertaining or interesting than she was this year on The Vampire Diaries, and I hope she continues to be in the Elena-less Season 7.
There are a dozen more female TV characters worth another look at SheBudgets. Which ones made a particular impression on you?