So, were all agreed that the writing this season has been sloppy and, frankly, crap. Well, theres been a few memorable moments, but in general this season is far more memorable for what it could have been that for what it was. So, taking a specific look at Kerry (seeing as this column happens to be about her), what could the writers have done to make Kerry a success this season?
Well, first of all, there was the dropped mother plot. We had the ever-wonderful PI make an appearance in the ER, then an aborted phone call (thanks, Susan), and then - nothing. Not a word. But consider what could have been done - an honest examination of coming out issues, how this topic can prove contentious and troublesome in a family and how, for the most part, these issues are resolved and the gay or lesbian member of the family is accepted and welcomed, as are their partner. It would also have provided for a long-overdue examination of Kerry's past and origins, leading to plenty of material for NBC's promo department to use in their ever popular, restrained, tasteful promos. Hmm. Or not.
Then there was so much that could have been done with Sandy. We could have seen her coax and help Kerry through the coming-out process, showing her what a positive, self-affirming action coming out can be - yes, I've rattled on about this before, so bite me. Almost anything would have been better than Sandy's "favuh", and Kerry saying 'you did do me a favuh', even if it was followed by a kiss that sent tingles down my spine. Frankly, I'm unsure what the writers were trying to do here. Fun and flirtatious Kerry seemed to be working out fine, then we have Kerry clinging on to Sandy like she's about to drown. Go figure. But, I digress.
There was a lot of scope for Kerry to be set up as a role model for out and proud lesbians, although Innes' point in an interview that "it seems appropriate that it's happened in an incremental and sometimes a cowardly way" is very true. It's just frustrating, that's all.
As can be seen, there was a lot that could have been done, and things are looking more positive right now with Kerry's open conversation with Romano a few weeks back concerning the lesbian health clinic, and Kerry and Sandy's joint appearance at the Lava Lounge in "The Letter". Let's just hope the writers can keep things going in this vain. If they happened to bring back a certain sexy blonde psychiatrist, that wouldn't go amiss either.