Dramatic point on gender views

A pattern emerges from Mary McNamara’s piece on the blurred distinction between TV drama and comedy series [“Call It . . . Hmm,” in the Envelope, June 10]. She cites “Dexter,” “Rescue Me” and “Boston Legal” as having humor but falling into the drama category, officially; while “The United States of Tara,” “Weeds” and “30 Rock “ are labeled comedies that address very serious topics.

Could it be that the lead characters in the comedies mentioned are female, so we find them and their problems funny; and those in the dramas are male, so we take them seriously?

Hilary Hartman Kip

Van Nuys