Killer Women
Parents say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Killer Women centers on a strong female professional who works in a historically male field, carries a gun as part of her job, and encounters frequent sexism from some of her male counterparts. Violence tends toward realistic stabbings and shootings, with some blood (although it isn't gratuitous). There's also an ongoing sexual relationship between the main character and a male colleague, although intercourse is suggested (with flashes of skin and steamy kissing) rather than shown. Language is comparatively light (think "bastard" and "hell"), and social drinking and drug use is rare.
Community Reviews
NO!
Report this review
What's the Story?
For recently divorced Texas Ranger Molly Parker (Tricia Helfer), being a woman in a male-dominated profession comes with its own set of challenges -- and plenty of colleagues just waiting to see her fail. But Molly's armed with an innate sense of what motivates the KILLER WOMEN she tracks, and she isn't afraid to break the rules when it comes to getting things done.
Is It Any Good?
In its promotional materials, ABC actually describes Killer Women's female lead as "ballsy" and "badass." Although those might be accurate adjectives, they're also woefully representative of the show's commitment to a complete lack of nuance. From the longhorn cattle and 10-gallon hats that seem to scream out, "You're in Texas!" to a bizarrely metaphorical choice to have Molly moonlight as a trumpet player, this "gal-can-do-it-all" drama does everything but make us want to keep watching.
Killer Women was adapted for American television by Modern Family's Sofia Vergara, who, to be fair, is hardly known for her subtlety. Yet we still hoped for more from an actress so closely associated with a critically acclaimed comedy, not to mention the potentially compelling premise of Killer Women's source material, an Argentine trilogy about homicides committed by women. Sad to say, this one's dead in the water.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about sexism as it relates to women in the workplace. Is sexism, particularly in the south, really as bad as Killer Women makes it seem? Is there a benefit to playing up male-female tensions for the sake of TV?
How does Killer Women compare to other shows about strong women working in traditionally male fields, such as The Killing and The Bridge? How does Molly stack up as a role model?
How does Killer Women compare to Mujeres Asesinas, the Spanish-language crime drama that inspired it? What changes were made to the story and characters to appeal to American audiences?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 7, 2014
- Cast: Alex Fernandez, Marc Blucas, Tricia Helfer
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Good Wife
Timely, mature drama about surviving political scandal.
-
The Killing
Gripping crime drama takes place in grimly realistic world.
-
Homeland
Intense political thriller with major mature content.
-
Top of the Lake
Cinematic mystery series explores sex, violence, and sorrow.
For kids who love drama
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate