THE PROBLEM OF THE TV EMPOWERMENT TRIP: ‘LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE’
One of the trends in television right now is to adapt popular fiction. This can be a double-edged sword. It can be as beautifully wonderful to see as it can be disappointing and trite. Many of us have fallen in love with these stories, even if not first through the pages of their novels. One of the newest titles to receive an adaptation is the classic Little House on the Prairie; a story that Netflix adapts from the novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The show, while actually entertaining and good, is just another in a line of stories that, sadly, suffers from an empowerment imbalance which makes me wonder, what is the problem with TV and this trend?
Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote a series of novels that many describe as “semi-autobiographical” telling the stories of her family as they live in the 1800s America. Netflix adapts her novels, using not just her text, but presumably biographies and other historical sources; I haven’t read any biographies but am reading the novel now. The show dropped on Netflix July 9 and I have thoughts.
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THE PROBLEM OF THE TV EMPOWERMENT TRIP: ‘LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE’ Share on XRight at the top, I have to confess, I did find this adaptation charming. It’s wholesome despite its hardships and has a fabulous cast. My complaint isn’t exclusive to it, but rather a generalization of TV today and it’s issues with empowerment. It’s been years since I watched the 1970s adaptation of Little House on the Prairie and I have zero doubt that if I’d go back to re-watch it, I would take issue with some of its storytelling. I’ve seen a few editorials about this remake, one of which is about how the Ingalls women forgive Charles. My gripe with this version doesn’t have to do anything with that per se, but rather how the writer shows partnership and specifically, empowerment.
In this version, Charles Ingalls is depicted as a kind of dreamer, which I think is even underlying in the novels. There is no issue depicting Luke Bracey’s Charles like this. However, what this show seems to be doing (and yes, I do have a few episodes to watch yet, so I may change) is give Caroline strength at the cost of Charles coming off as “head in the clouds.”
Partnerships need to start to be on equal footing in media, and certainly in our IRL relationships.
Caroline having strength, which can take many forms, isn’t a problem. I believe Caroline, Laura, Mary and their contemporaries of the time were very strong women. I think they had strength that we cannot understand. However, I don’t believe seeing her in this light should or needs to come at the cost of making Charles seem like an irresponsible man who loves his family, but doesn’t really seem care “enough.”
Was Charles Ingalls really like this? Very possible. However, if there is one thing we have learned about TV scripts we know they are never shy about changing things from the source. problem empowerment tv
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In the case of Little House on the Prairie, having both Charles and Caroline as characters whose partnership compliments their respective strengths would make for stronger TV. Especially in a story like this. Caroline can (and should) be able to take care of her daughters and yet this shouldn’t diminish how we see Charles care for his family. I even understand what writer’s are trying to do by changing certain things or events to show how much gumption Caroline Ingalls has. I think the reason is twofold. One goes back to the past and how women have historically been portrayed, and the second is more story focused and gives reason for Caroline to be miffed at her husband.
So far, I’m not seeing writers giving Charles the same respect as Caroline.
For me, none of this means I cannot still enjoy Little House on the Prairie. But it does remind me that good characters like Caroline and Charles Ingalls deserve writers who show them in a devoted and respectful partnership that allows them both to be noble and strong, human and loving, not just for their family, but themselves.
I don’t think writer’s have quite gotten to this point yet. But I look forward to the day when they do.
Find Little House on the Prairie now streaming on Netflix
Do you like discussion posts? Consider other opinion posts published here like an editorial asking if Nate is really the Villain from The Devil Wears Prada or a discussion on Disney’s Snow White controversy!
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What are your thoughts on the themes or problem of empowerment from TV shows? Do you think it’s balanced or is it off? What’s your favorite “team” empowerment writing in a TV show? How do you feel about Charles Ingalls? Caroline? Or any of the characters on this show? Share all of your thoughts down in the comment section!
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