Jack Ryan: Male Gaze-Gasm

Last night, I was looking for something to watch. So I watched three episodes. On the surface, it was enjoyable - as these types of action series tend to be. John Krasinski was believable as the unassuming analyst. But it’s a no. Hell no.
For the past year or so I’ve really been noticing the role of women, minorities, and transgender people in TV and movies. Okay, particularly women and the way they are portrayed. I’ve also been noticing things in a way I have not been noticing before.
In episode one, (spoiler alert) John’s character (Dr. Jack Ryan) is at a swanky outdoor party and a Coast Guard helicopter lands very unexpectedly and dramatically on the lawn amid all the guests. THIS, for the purpose of whisking him away for very important CIA business! THIS, just as he is chatting-up a love interest. Wait. What? Seriously? Did that just happen? Is this a circle jerk?
I could honestly see the men sitting around the table writing that one. I was sitting alone in my house screaming with laughter. I feel like I’m watching a James Bond movie. Yes, I understand one must suspend disbelief when watching just about everything on TV and in movies. But is this what men think? Women are impressed by that shit? No. If Dr. Jack Ryan would have used his napkin to wipe snot off the little boy standing next to him….impressive.
In one of those episodes, an overwrought military man goes out in Vegas and ends up going home with a heterosexual couple. From the outset, we know something sexy is going to happen. Sex can easily be implicated without showing any nudity. Is that going to happen here? Well, it started off that way but, of course, it couldn’t stay that way. The camera panned and the woman took off her bra. Because we know that men can’t get through a series without seeing boobs?
Again, another round table of men discussing why that actress had to take off her bra and why the man she was banging remained fully dressed. Women are fodder, of course!
During episode one, I was thrilled to see an opening scene with a female character running a meeting involving Dr. Ryan’s character. My happiness was short-lived. The female characters in the series (at least so far) are throwaway.
So, no thanks Amazon Prime. I don’t need to watch another white, male hero surrounded by female support staff. Maybe in later episodes there will be strippers, hookers, more one-night-stands, or naked dragon slayers!
