Berena have changed my life.
Ask my family and they’ll tell you I have a flair
for the dramatic but, in this case, it is literally
true. Seeing two women on screen, two accomplished,
impressive women in their fifties, was in itself a
breath of fresh air. That they carefully navigated a
tumultuous friendship rather than being automatically
pitched against each other was similarly refreshing.
When that relationship evolved into something romantic
it was magical. They had always had excellent chemistry
and it felt real, beautiful, and so overdue.
But, on a continuing drama, when the actors have other
commitments – other aspirations – this can’t last
forever. And what then? I waited 24 years, since Beth
Jordache kissed Margaret, to see someone on screen
who represented me, however imperfectly. And I don’t
want to wait any more. So I have begun a screenwriting
Masters. Because I can’t wait idly for more
representation; I have to fight for it, contribute to
it. WLW characters need someone in the room to advocate
for them, to deter from the seemingly inevitable
downward spiral into tragedy and death which, whether
intentional or not, reads as a moral ruling on the
nature of their relationship. Berena has felt different
because there’s been an unprecedented engagement with
fans from both the producers and the actors. But there
is so much room for more. I want to make more happen.
@debshalsey