I’m sure I’m not the only one who was excited to watch Riot Women, the new drama from Sally Wainwright. Advertised as a story that “follows a group of middle-aged women as they form a punk-rock band to participate in a talent contest,” it sounded great to me — especially as I’ve been trying to form a band for years. And the reviews described it as:
The Standard ‘To hell with ageing gracefully; Wainwright’s latest work is an ode to the power of rock and smashing the patriarchy.’
The Radio Times ‘a gloriously feminist anthem.’
The Independent ‘taboo-busting TV that’s made me feel braver about future menopause.’
But why did it have to take such a dark turn?
I know I’m not the only woman who is fed up with seeing rape, murder, and barbaric violence on TV. Yes, I want to be entertained — but I don’t want to feel appalled. Most of the women I’ve interviewed for my next book say they love to read or watch television as a form of relaxation, not to be left feeling disturbed.
As I’ve said before, there is nothing happy about Sally Wainwrights Happy Valley. I stopped watching it because of the brutal violence. But even knowing Sally’s style, nothing prepared me for how dark Riot Women became.
Riot Women is beautifully acted and powerfully shot. I loved the cast. I loved the few shots we did get of them rehearsing their band, playing live and the rapport between the women — but I couldn’t help leaving it feeling heavy, even bleak. It’s yet another example of how stories about women in later life so often lean toward the dark and despairing. Of course we want honesty on screen. We want to see the struggles many women face — loss, invisibility, menopause, family tensions, the search for purpose. And yes – suicide. But must those realities always be wrapped in violence, trauma, and despair? And a very far-fetched main story line? I do not want to do any spoilers – I loved the story between Beth and Kitty. But where this went was too much for me and it seems this will be the main story in season 2.
I long for a drama that celebrates this stage of life with the same energy, humour, and possibility it deserves. Where are the stories of women rediscovering joy, friendship, love, and adventure? Why can’t we show women over 50 as vibrant, funny, resilient — complicated, yes, but not broken?
Riot Women raises important issues, but I hoped for a shift in tone — one that still acknowledges the darkness but also gives space to light, laughter, and the extraordinary richness of life beyond midlife. Those stories exist too, and they’re just waiting to be told. Wait for my next book!
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