TV & Video - Nov. 8, 1989

Two Steps Back: How are women portrayed in the 26 new television shows that bowed this fall? “From mediocre to awful” is the verdict in a report scheduled to be released today at the 11th annual Women at Work Broadcast Awards luncheon in Washington. The report, titled “Two Steps Back,” was issued by the National Commission on Working Women of Wider Opportunities for Women. Actress Linda Lavin, a NCWW commissioner who will host the luncheon, says, “At best, the new season has given us the status quo. At worse, television has taken a step backward from the progress it made last year.” Only two shows received good marks--”Life Goes On” (ABC) and “Alien Nation” (Fox). “Major Dad” (CBS), and the already canceled “Chicken Soup” (ABC) and “The People Next Door” were criticized for “straining viewer credibility.” The report said “Doogie Howser” (ABC), “Baywatch” (NBC) and “Living Dolls” (ABC) indicate that “double entendres and smarmy sex” are still part of the TV picture.