Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Girl power
Arevolution is brewing — a television revolution, that is. While there’s no shortage of lighthearted fare in prime time, socially conscious TV shows have been trending as of late, and AMC’s latest hit packs a powerful punch with its feminist slant.
Joy Nash (“Twin Peaks: The Return”) stars as Plum Kettle, an overweight magazine writer who gets caught between two rival feminist factions in the 10-episode series “Dietland,” airing Monday, July 2, on AMC. Based on the bestselling, critically acclaimed book of the same name by Sarai Walker, the show was brought to television by Marti Noxon (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”).
“Dietland” is equal parts drama and comedy as it critiques the beauty industry and society in general for its obsession with weight and the near-impossible ideals imposed upon women. As Plum prepares for the surgery that will give her the so-called “perfect” body, she’s torn between old ideas and new extremes when she’s approached by an underground organization determined to challenge the status quo. She also learns of a group of feminists bent on getting revenge against sexual predators.
The role requires an actress capable of being both conflicted and funny, and producers put their faith in Nash from the get-go. When it was announced that the actress had taken the lead in the new series way back in August 2017, creator Noxon spoke highly of their new star.
“Joy is everything I hoped we’d find in our leading woman — beautiful, smart and blazing with talent,” Noxon said. “When she auditioned, the whole room was electrified.”
Nash is in good company. Producers were equally excited to announce the casting of Julianna Margulies of “ER” and “The Good Wife,” who plays Plum’s boss at Austen