Throughout television history, we’ve gotten to know a good few kickass women. From Wonder Woman and Batgirl in the â60s and 70âs, to Dynastyâs Alexis Carrington and Buffy Summers in the â80sâ and â90s, to women like The Walking Deadâs Michonne, Law and Order: SVUâs Olivia Benson and Supergirlâs Kara Danvers dominating our screens today, strong female characters have always been around. Itâs just that now, weâre seeing even more of them.
With so many complex roles popping up today, you could say itâs a great time to be a woman on television. With that said, there are still those characters who, while awesome in their current positions, deserve their own spinoffs. Iâm talking about the ones who donât get enough airtime, or whose backstories are just too interesting to be pushed to the sidelines. Characters likeâ¦
Misty Knight, Luke Cage
Sweet Christmas, when is she getting her own show? Thatâs what everyoneâs been asking since showed up on the Netflix series unraveling Cottonmouthâs crime ring while also figuring out Luke Cageâs identity. She may not have powers, but her ability to visualize crime scenes just by looking at pictures could be considered “bionic.”
As Misty became disillusioned with the criminal justice system by the end of the season, this would be the perfect time for her to branch out on her own. Plus, getting shot in the arm and needing âfurther treatmentâ before it gets amputated is an indication that sheâll likely have that bionic arm when we see her in Marvelâs limited series, The Defenders. After that, itâs back to coffee with Luke Cage. But in this writerâs opinion, she should go off on her own adventures with her shiny new arm intact.
Ruby, Once Upon a Time
The popular fantasy series likes to put a twist on its classic fairytale characters, and Little Red Riding Hood was no different. It turns out that Red, as sheâs called in this version, is a werewolf. Instead of delivering snacks to Granny, this kick-ass lesbian heroine embarks on an adventure to find her long-lost love, the Wizard of Ozâs Dorothy.
With so many other storylines dominating the showânamely Rumple, Belle, Emma Swan, and the Charmingsâshe often gets pushed to the sidelines. But a woman who turns into wolf form to take down the bad guys has a lot more story to tell on her own. Letâs make this happen.
Rory Gilmore, Gilmore Girls
So what if she already co-starred in a coming of age series for nearly a decade? That twist from A Year in the Life needs to be answered for! After earning a job as a reporter on Barrack Obamaâs campaign trail in the Gilmore Girls series finale, we all expected her to be a successful journalist with her life at least semi-together. Boy, did that Netflix reboot prove us wrong.
A new series means not only answering the question of whoâs the (spoilers!) father of her child, but also where she might up, career- and relationship-wise. We may not be on board with all her choices from A Year in the Life, but weâve invested too much time in her character to see her go out like that.
Mellie Grant, Scandal
After Olivia Pope, Mellie is the real star of the show. Sheâs a voice for women everywhere whoâve had to sacrifice their promising careers in order for their husbands to get ahead. Still, that hasnât stopped her from being elected Senator while still serving as First Lady and eventually running for president. Obviously, a spinoff would center on her time in office because, letâs face it, thereâs no way sheâs losing that election. She practically ran the White House during Fitzâs two terms. Besides, who doesnât want more Mellie?
Carol, The Walking Dead
Carol has already branched off on her own in the show, so it makes sense that she should get her own series. Sheâs been a longtime fan favorite, evolving from abused wife to one of the core leaders of the main group with a killer shot. Though sheâs currently living in voluntary exile, itâs pretty obvious she wonât stay that way for much longer. Whether she rejoins King Ezekielâs colony or marches down a different path, weâd boldly follow her anywhere.
Mylene Cruz, The Get Down
Set in the South Bronx in 1977, the Baz Luhrmann musical drama centers on a talented lyricist named Zeke. While he struggles with pursuing his dreams, itâs Mylene who has the drive and an active plan to pursue hers. In a time when weâre actively concerned about not only female representation but also seeing Latinx characters in the spotlight, this would be a great opportunity to answer back with a talented and multifaceted character like Mylene.
Brienne of Tarth, Game of Thrones
She came, she kicked ass, and combatted sexism along the way. Game of Thrones first introduces Brienne in season two, winning a fighting tournament full of men. As a reward, Renly Baratheon adds her to his Kingsguard. Since then, sheâs been a badass force who, like women in our world today, longs for an equal shot at pursuing her goals. Weâve seen Brienne bound by honor to protect others like Sansa Stark and even form friendships with the likes of Jamie Stark. Now itâs time to see her in her full, awesome glory, in a show centered on just her. Imagine the possibilities.
Sheriff Jody Mills, Supernatural
Few women get to live long enough on Supernatural to become a reliable Winchester ally, but Sheriff Mills is definitely one of them. Her introduction to the show, in which she immediately busts Sam and Dean because they used her old friend Bobby Singer as an alibi, is proof enough of her badassery.
Throughout the series, sheâs been tough when she needs to be, but also caring, like when she adopted Annie Jones and Claire Novak. And while we do love our Winchesters, itâs time to see that world expand with a series focused on a female character. Preferably, Sheriff Mills.
Petra, Jane the Virgin
Sheâs technically an antagonist on the show, but Petraâs tragically complicated story is the grounds for a spinoff. For starters, sheâs not really evil. Though she lies and manipulates to get what she wants, sheâs also proven to be a caring mother and sometimes, even a friend to Jane. With a criminal mother, newly reunited twin sister who kept her paralyzed for three months, and a never-ending list of enemies lurking about, her life Is anything but dull.
Why stop there? Plenty of more women deserve their own shows like Mad Manâs Peggy Olsen, Katherine Pierce on The Vampire Diaries, River Song from Doctor Who and Orange Is the New Blackâs Nicky.
Do you agree? Who else do you think should get their own spinoffs? Let me know in the comments!
Featured Image: Marvel/Netflix
Images: Marvel/Netflix, ABC, The WB, AMC, Netflix, HBO