I’m watching early Murphy Brown & it’s really enlightening seeing what passed for feminism back then — Murphy is isolated from all other women except one, set up as a foil; sniped at by the men; repeatedly pushed to be more feminine & motherly; and then there’s Eldon…
Eldon is played off as adorable but exists to transgress Murphy Brown’s boundaries. She may be powerful, but has no sanctuary. And it’s cute or funny when men annoy her, rattle her, and deny her feelings.
Comparing Murphy Brown to shows like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Jane the Virgin, etc, it’s easier to see that we actually have come a long way… And that’s hopeful.