Have you heard any of the hype and controversy surrounding Devious Maids, yet? Well just in case you haven’t, let me tell you what I’ve heard. Let’s start with some details. Devious Maids premiers Sunday June 23 at 10/9c. The show is produced by Eva Longoria and written by Marc Cherry (creator of Desperate Housewives). The show is a BIG deal because it stars five Latina women in a primetime English-language television show. I find it sad that in 2013 that is such a BIG deal, but it is.
Okay, so what about the hype or controversy surrounding it? Well gosh darn it if you are a Latina who happens to be a blogger or active on social media it has been nearly impossible not to trip over a tweet, status update, or blog post either applauding the show or condemning it. Many of the opinions of the show seem to have been formed without the opinion giver actually watching the show, but when has lack of information ever stopped someone from having an opinion? Myself included. So, I read the following opinions:
- It’s great because we finally get to see Latinas as leads on an English-language show and not just one Latina, but five.
- It sucks because we finally get to see five Latinas in starring roles on an English-language show and they are maids. Of course! Why couldn’t they be something, anything other than maids?
- It just feeds into stereotypes of Latinas being maids.
- It defies the stereotype of the Latina maid.
- It once again reinforces the hot Latina stereotype.
- It breaks the stereotype of Latina maids being dumpy, meek, blend into the background kind of women.
So, I didn’t have an opinion because I hadn’t seen the show and when the opportunity came up to review it before the premiere, I was all over it. I went into it with my own reservations and my own expectations. I wanted it to BLOW MY MIND! I wanted it to be so good that I could say, this show is a BIG deal because it is AMAZING and I don’t care who you are, you are going to love it and if you don’t you are insane. I know that’s kind of a lot to expect from a show, but that’s what I wanted.
What I got from watching the first show was ENTERTAINMENT. That’s it. It was a’ight. It wasn’t AMAZING. It certainly was not bad. It did not shatter stereotypes or reinforce them for me. It was a telenovela-ish kind of show with strong actors (Ana Ortiz, Roselyn Sanchez, Dania Ramirez, Judy Reyes, Edy Ganem), some laughs, and the potential to get better or worse, let’s hope for better.
The first show featured infidelity, intrigue, murder, classism, ambition, and a plot twist I didn’t see coming right away. Would I watch it again? Sure, as long as it keeps me entertained. Would I recommend it? Sure, give it a shot and see if you find it entertaining, just don’t expect it to blow your mind or shatter or reinforce any stereotypes. Do I think it is for everyone? No, it’s not for those who don’t like a little serialized melodramatic, telenovela-ish kind of entertainment. Do I think it’s only for Latinos? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Unless you think a show like Desperate Housewives was only for white women.
Check out the premiere of Devious Maids on Sunday, June 23 at 10/9c on Lifetime.
Disclosure: I watched the first episode of Devious Maids and was compensated for writing this review. As always, all statements and opinions are my own.
Image via Lifetime
I’ve got it set to record to check it out… but that is kinda sad about the whole first show starring all Latin women. Really? I mean there are tons of amazingly beautiful Latin women who are on top of their field. Why IS this a big deal in today’s world?… I’m still blown away by some stereotypes in this world.
Thanks for your review. I totally understand why some would not like the fact that it reinforces stereotypes, but something tells me these are not submissive little maids….
Not a cable TV watcher anymore. I did enjoy the first few years of Desperate Housewives but dropped out after the tornado. Just pure fun guessing here. These are not maids cleaning the roadside motels then? I doubt stereotypes will ever leave TV shows.
oh well, maybe on one of the shows they will strike it rich and become hot millionaires or something!
When I saw the trailer I was intrigued. This is honestly the first review or opinion I’ve read because I haven’t been reading blogs as much lately. But my honest never viewed it opinion is, I have a lot of respect for maids. My aunt started out as a maid, she is now a manager of maids. She owns two houses, has a nice Louis Vuitton bag, a nice car and travels. The show looks fun.
I can’t watch this. I sick of those rich, stupid bitches! Xx
Not I—I’m!
I don’t think that has come to New Zealand at all.