Defying Gravity Writer James Parriott Responds

Yesterday, Jessica posted her criticism of the new show on ABC, Defying Gravity, rightfully noting the anti-choice attitude she felt the pilot reflected. It turns out that the daughter of the lead writer and producer of the show reads Feministing and passed our critique on to her dad, James Parriott. He sent us a statement regarding his stance on choice with regard to the show.

I don’t want to give away the plot on the blog. But our position on the show is that abortion should be legal and the choice of the woman. But, too often, the Right to Lifers, paint the choice position as being glib, easy and insensitive. What we, in our storyline, say is that that simply isn’t so. It’s a tough, considered choice that can have repercussions — but it is a choice that must lie with the woman.
Thematically, this show is about man’s self determination vs. the need to follow orders. It’s about what we can’t control vs. what we can — and the grey area in between. It’s about the price we pay for both.
Zoe makes the decision to abort (against the govt) to achieve her dream. It isn’t an easy decision (as right to lifers often portray it). It’s an agonizing decision that Zoe will carry the rest of her life. But is was her decision to make. Not the government’s.
Donner makes a decision on Mars that he regrets. He followed orders (by Goss; the government) and lost two people dear to him. He’s paying the price of not following his own gut.
Jen, in growing her bunny (making the choice of having her “baby”), will also pay a price. She’ll endanger the crew and the ship for something that never should have been allowed to grow in the first place. (again, this is a choice message, not right to life).
We have a scene upcoming, where Ajay, who knows Zoe aborted a baby, will tell her directly that she made the right choice. Sometimes we need to make our own path and her path is in space. She should not worry about her aborted baby – Hindus believe that the soul simply moves on to another body.
Even religious Paula will come to challenge her own right to life beliefs.
So… we explore the subject from a number of directions. I imagine we’ll take heat from people on both sides of the issue – but they should certainly wait and see how the story develops.”

It is rare that we write about popular culture and those involved actually respond to us. James Parriott has been the lead writer and producer for a variety of shows, including Ugly Betty, Grey’s Anatomy among others. I am a huge fan of Ugly Betty and I felt that it took a progressive stance on gender, race, immigration, sexuality and class issues so I will check out the next few episodes of and see how the plot develops. And not just because I have a crush on Ron Livingston. I know, a shameful crush since he delivered that one line that took dating books by sexist storm.

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