“Dietland”: The Television Series
AMC’s “Dietland” has begun. Have you caught the first two episodes?
I just watched them last night, on Demand. And now, I’ve set the recorder to be sure that I can view the entire season. You should, too.
It’s somewhat unfortunate that AMC decided to begin the series in June, since viewership is typically lower in the summer. But, thanks to today’s technology, you can view the series on your schedule.
Another benefit of flexible viewing is that you have the opportunity to read the book. You will get more from the television series if you read the book first. Otherwise, I think you may find some of the segues in the series to be weird and unintelligible.
The episode numbers are confusing. Episode 3 is actually the second episode. “Episode 2” is actually a recap of the two-hour premiere (Episode 1).
The television series is a tamer version of the novel, but it conforms to the story fairly well. Author Sarai Walker is a consultant on the television series.
Following is a review of Dietland, the book, that I wrote earlier this year.
The Book
Last year, I added Dietland, by Sarai Walker, to my “Books I Want to Read” list. A review called it a book for teen readers.
It was recommended as funny and poignant, a book about an obese woman trying to lose weight in a city of skinnies.
I’m not certain the reviewer actually read the whole book. The story goes way beyond the life trials of an obese young woman. There are laugh-out-loud moments, for sure, but there are also moments that will make you want to look away. It goes to the very heart of what it is to be a woman.
In the darkest corners is where we find truth. Once we find it, we can “out” it.
That’s what our heroine, Plum, shows us. Plum is a sensitive, perplexed young woman living in Brooklyn (be prepared for language that reflects her environment).
Plum is saving for bariatric surgery. She sees her lonely life as evidence of the persecution faced by the obese.
But, along the way, she meets people who prove that not everyone judges a book by its cover.
Thankfully, Walker doesn’t use a broad brush to paint ALL men or ALL skinny women as fat-haters.
In fact, Plum’s experience with Waist Watchers shows us how the mighty dollar is behind our fat-shaming.
Walker has even more to say about women and culture. Even the skinnies realize that they are locked out of the power positions in society.
The story is so relevant to what is happening today. Women speaking out about abuse and discrimination. Speaking out about objectification and the “old boys” network, in which some women hobnob, too.
Dietland delves into sexual violation and exploitation of females, and the story is not pretty. Walker describes pornography in graphic detail, and it is hard to read. I’m surprised this is labeled a teen novel. Read the book before giving it to your daughter.
You might be tempted to “look away” and skip this book or television series. Some of the situations are a bit “raw.”
This is exactly what Walker is urging us not to do.
Through Plum, she tells us to name the culprit. It is the systemic discrimination against and abuse of women who don’t meet our standards.
Dietland Stirs the Pot
Dietland is highly critical of today’s culture and the oppression of women.
The story and its messages may offend your sensibilities. It may offend male viewers. But, it is definitely a story that will spark conversations about beauty, feminism, extremism, terrorism, and today’s society.
It also causes us to reflect on what it means to be healthy, fit, and happy. Dietland suggests that we take a good, long think before we decide on an answer.
“Dietland,” the series, airs on AMC Mondays at 9 pm EST. You can watch past episodes at AMC.com
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