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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 this crime drama -- which is based on James Patterson's best-selling novels -- revolves around murder investigations, and the crime scenes are often graphically bloody and gruesome. Some crimes involve children or have sexual elements. Sex is also a frequent discussion topic among the characters, and there are occasional brief sex scenes (nudity is suggested, but nothing really sensitive is shown). Moderate profanity like "ass" and "bitch" is common.
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What's the Story?
In WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB -- a crime drama based on novels by James Patterson -- four professional friends put their heads together to solve murders. Detective Lindsay Boxer (Angie Harmon) leads the crew, which also includes District Attorney Jill Barnhart (Laura Harris), medical examiner Claire Washburn (Paula Newsome), and reporter Cindy Thomas (Aubrey Dollar). Together, the four women piece together clues and hunches in secret collaborative sessions.
Is It Any Good?
This being a women's club, the leading ladies' personal lives are mixed in with their professional business. Boxer brainstorms about a killer's motive in one breath and complains about her ex-husband in the next. This approach is refreshing in some respects, especially since so many shows highlight competition between women instead of friendship. But the show doesn't really stretch beyond the formula that shows like CSI and Law & Order have perfected.
Murder scenes are graphic, and the camera almost lovingly lingers on bloody bodies and limp limbs; crime details are discussed in great detail throughout each episode. Occasional tense standoffs and chase scenes can be gripping and a little scary. And sex is a common topic between the ladies, with viewers occasionally seeing a peek of what goes on at home.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of crime dramas. How is this one different from others you've seen before? How does making women the core characters change the usual crime show dynamics? Do you think the show is stereotypical in any way? How?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 12, 2007
- Cast: Angie Harmon, Aubrey Dollar, Laura Harris
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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