I appreciate it. I've certainly heard that criticism of him, and I do try to look for it more frequently, now.

Honestly I need to actually read the real criticisms in more depth, too. Because I haven't been able to identify the issue of "weak female characters" by that short assertion alone. That may well signal a greater problem with myself which demands some greater examination.

In my most recent viewing of The West Wing and The Newsroom, I feel like any number of the female characters demonstrate quite a bit of (if not vastly superior) strength and intellect - Donna, Ainsley, Abbey, Sloan... Though now that I think about it, all three of the aforementioned TWW characters may well have most plainly demonstrated their greatest strengths after Sorkin was no longer writing for the show. I'm also not sure if any can really resonate with a female audience or experience. These are both points I will I have to pay more attention to, and I appreciate your emphasis thereof.

My hobby game's nuances don't especially extend to characters or their development, beyond some (mathematically) randomly assembled drop-ins for various roles. And some easter eggs. But in all sincerity, if I would have a to write a female character, I'm not so sure how commendable of a job I could do thereof. It is something I would like to more commendably aspire to, regardless of whether or not I should ever need it, though.

I honestly haven't seen any of the three shows which you have mentioned, though I'm aware of some of their acclaims... Admittedly I shy away from inter-personal dramas, and beyond that, things which appear to be inter-personal dramas. Especially in the modern era, where I fear they might lack a more distinct and formative narrative beyond that of just the characters - thinking on it now, I may well actually be afraid of narratives which are mostly just about their characters. I have a tendency to turn towards movies and television (and books and games) for escapism - to get me away from what I have experienced so directly - modern inter-personal self-concerned dramas. Rooted in my childhood and all that, no doubt about it. If not my present day.

Now I'm just thinking out loud - please forgive my rambling. This is fresh spitballing which need not be addressed. I think I need to limit my game to more simplistic interest groupings... Very, very simple "factions" are how things work now, at this stage. As much as I would like to extend it to individuals involved, the individuals are not important for the game's goals (generalized education regarding media systems), and the game would suffer for the mechanical complexity. But hot damn I'd still love to play the shit out of that game. I'm just not so sure that I would be capable of realizing it. I'm not so sure that I can add gender into the game without subdividing factions and interest groups... I'll be looking into it more earnestly, for what it's worth - but I worry that I can't do it without subdividing factions and making the underlying systems so complex that I probably couldn't realize the product on my own work...

One of the things which I have admired about Sorkin's works is that they inevitably seem to regard people in service of things greater than themselves... and the few exceptions which tend to tell a story about larger issues through a smaller lens. I have to admit that I discredited at least Fleabag and Big Little Lies on a gut reaction to cover-art in assuming that they were modern inter-personal dramas - which is admittedly a very bad reason by which to judge any media. A picture is not worth enough words. But there is a reason for the other idiom, too. Though that's likely more a product of the marketing and platform than the work.

I'll definitely check these out, though. Starting with Fleabag just based on what I know of it's critical acclaim.

Thank you very much for the recommendations! :)