‘Pose,’ ‘Dietland’ offer strong heroines

A diverse era in TV offers a wide range of heroines, as two new series demonstrate. Plum Kettle (Joy Nash) is the plucky central figure dealing with work and weight issues in AMC’s “Dietland,” debuting Monday with back-to-back episodes. Blanca (Mj Rodriguez) is the forceful mother figure helping LGBTQ youth in the frightening 1980s in FX’s “Pose,” premiering today.

Nash is her show’s greatest asset, a compelling performer who projects dignity, charm and longing. Her portrayal of confusion is especially touching, because her show is bewildering.

“Dietland,” based on Sarai Walker’s novel, veers from corporate satire to personal fantasy to thriller about abducted men being dropped from the sky. Plum works as a ghostwriter for Daisy Chain, a New York fashion magazine presided over by Kitty Montgomery (Julianna Margulies).

Margulies has a grand time playing superficial, glamorous and self-absorbed Kitty. She condescends to Plum, who struggles with office intrigue and a weightloss plan that brings on visions. Plum encounters Dominic (Adam Rothenberg), a dashing detective, and the mysterious Verena Baptist (Robin Weigert).

“Dietland” will be followed by a companion talk show, “Unapologetic With Aisha Tyler,” that may help explain what creator Marti Noxon is aiming for with this mix of vigilantism and fashion. For now, Nash is the reason to watch.

“Pose” is the sturdier show, a flashy yet poignant look at being an outsider in the 1980s. James Van Der Beek is the star name in the cast, but co-creator Ryan Murphy showcases the transgender performers who strut through ball sequences, then emote in dramatic ones.

Rodriguez is the standout as Blanca, who gives shelter to a gay dancer, Damon (Ryan Jamaal Swain), disowned by his parents. Blanca takes in Angel (Indya Moore), a streetwalker who falls for family man Stan Bowes (Evan Peters). Stan betrays his wife, Patty (Kate Mara), while making big money working for sleazy Matt Bromley (Van Der Beek).

Blanca reigns over the show, whether competing with Elektra Abundance (Dominique Jackson) or comforting fashion designer Pray Tell (Billy Porter). The show feels like a time capsule because it offers devastating reminders of the AIDS crisis.