Most people who have been married had a certain phrase as part of their vows ‘until death do us part’. This is a nice idea that unfortunately lately has lost some of its meaning. In the United States about sixty percent of all marriages end in divorce. There was a time that such an event was considered tragic even an embarrassment to the couple involved. More times than not it was the woman who received the greatest amount of social stigma and had to bear up under the name of divorcee. Only a mere couple of decades ago this was equivalent to a big scarlet letter ‘A’ sown on her bodice. You might notice that this indicates a double standard since the man rarely was socially marked in this fashion. Of course back then divorce was much less frequent than it is today. Now it has become all too much a part of everyday life. It is statistically almost impossible that divorce unknown in your family or circle of friends. It is now even common for couples to plan for the failure of their union. Lawyers are making a steady income preparing and enforcing pre-nuptial agreements.

Since it is a necessity for film and television to keep up with the changes in society there have been a lot of stories about the aftermath of divorce. Some are dramatic showing the emotional effects on the former spouses and their children. Others are more light hearted poking fun at a serious subject. In films one of the definitive members of this genre is ‘First Wives Club’ showing the way three women cope with just how well their ex-husbands are getting alone after the divorce. This may have been done for laughs but most times the man leaves a marriage better off than the woman. One factor is the wife may have been less prepared for life outside the marriage. It was the man who provided the bulk of the family income and very often it has been many years since the ex-wife has been part of the job market. Now television has come up with its view of these issues; ‘The Starter Wife’. It was originally a mini series on the USA cable network but now as been added to their weekly line of regular series. The first two hours of the show have been made available for preview and judging by this they have a hit on their hands. Okay, I am not a part of they targeted demographic for this series due to my ‘Y chromosome and perhaps the fact that my wife and I just celebrated our 34^th wedding anniversary. Even with that said I found this to be a refreshingly funny and often poignant series that can be enjoyed by all. One caveat here; although there is nothing explicit here the subject matter is a little over the heads of younger viewers.

Like the pilot mini series this show is based on the novel of the same name by Gigi Levangie Grazer. It is also a good sign when you read that the author of the source material has agreed to write the screenplays for several episodes of the series. At the heart of this story is something that may not be a new concept but it has more recently provided with a name. This is apparently important for you culture; you have to name something before you can discuss it. A starter wife is just what it sounds like. This is a marriage that a man enters into while young and still in the process of getting his career on track. Typically it last a number of years and dissolves before the couple fully settle down to start a family. There is a variation where the man leaves after a child is born thus giving rise to the more expansive term of the starter family. It is at this point that the man can move on to the newer, young wife frequently referred to as the trophy wife. This may sound demeaning to the woman left behind to pick up the pieces; and indeed it is. This makes a wife too similar to a man’s first car. It will do to ride until he has the means to afford something better. What USA has given to women in this position is ownership of what could well be considered to be a pejorative term.

The series follows Molly Kagan (Debra Messing) a 41 year old ex-wife and mother. As she describes she once lived in a state of ignorant bliss in the city of Los Angels. As she puts it she contributed to a healthy economy, that is to say she shopped a lot. She had the time to paper herself with yoga lessons and spa days. Much of this was made possible by the income her husband Kenny (David Alan Basche) earned in the film industry. Then one day she woke up from this fantasy life when Kenny announces he is leaving her for a woman half her age. Now Molly has to recalibrate her entire life on unfamiliar terms. Many of her current set of friends began to shun her. It may be that they are afraid that they would be the next starter wife and don’t want Molly around to remind them. For those who missed the mini series the first episode gives a brief recap of the events. Molly was learning to be her own woman; tough enough to stand up for herself. Still, she is emotionally insecure and frequently a blubbering mess. She moves to Malibu where she seeks the help of her real friends in the arduous rebuilding work ahead. In the first episode there is a fantasy sequence where Molly is dressed as Queen Elisabeth the first. Like the Queen Molly has had some difficult times and announces she is now once again a virgin. The important thing is to raise her seven year old daughter, Jaden (Brielle Barbusca). She cannot be sidetracked by men at this time. Helping her is her best friend Joan McAllister (Judy Davis). She has some problems of her own included alcoholism; Also on the scene is Cricket Stewart (Miranda Otto) whose husband is in business with Kenny and Rodney (Chris Diamantopoulos), an openly gay interior decorator.

The second episode opens with Molly doing a parody of the wire hanging stunt from ‘Mission Impossible’. She is investigating her ex-husband’s place and winds up suspended right over him. This story goes into how insane Molly has been feeling of late. It is only naturally considering all the changes she has been experiencing but still it is taking its toll on her. I hope this keep up with the opening fantasy or dream sequence. The two provided were imaginative and great fun. A lot of credit goes to the writers and directors for letting the humor here come in an organic fashion. The stories never felt forced or contrived. This is also an ideal cast. Messing is even better here than she was in her run running hit ‘Will & Grace’. She can play a neurotic woman in the edge better than anyone around. Messing has the ability to take her character to the verge of the absurd and pull back before going over the edge.

The advertisements for the USA network proclaim they are the network for characters and this series certainly adds to that fact. It is one of the freshest and funniest shows to come around in a long time. It may have been delayed by the infamous writer’s strike but now it should enjoy the attention it so richly deserves. Make this a part of your weekly viewing.