Five Reasons to Watch the Women on 'Political Animals' - Not the Least of Which is Sigourney Weaver

USA Network’s latest drama Political Animals is a perfect mélange of a ripped-from-the-annals-of-recent-history homage to Hillary Clinton and a down and dirty nighttime soap on par with the likes of Revenge. Not only is there the requisite political backstabbing and backroom deals in Greg Berlanti’s (Brothers and Sisters, No Ordinary Family, Dawson’s Creek, Dirty Sexy Money) latest creation but there is plenty of sex, infidelity and private scandal that will make the heartiest of politicos beg for more.

USA Network’s latest drama Political Animals is a perfect mélange of a ripped-from-the-annals-of-recent-history homage to Hillary Clinton and a down and dirty nighttime soap on par with the likes of Revenge. Not only is there the requisite political backstabbing and backroom deals in Greg Berlanti’s (Brothers and Sisters, No Ordinary Family, Dawson’s Creek, Dirty Sexy Money) latest creation but there is plenty of sex, infidelity and private scandal that will make the heartiest of politicos beg for more.

Billed as a limited series event the heavy-hitting cast is anchored by Sigourney Weaver, the Oscar-nominated actress who has squared off with both aliens and gorillas on the big screen. While the woman who breathed life into Ripley in the Alien films is pretty much reason enough to tune in to Political Animals there is plenty more to love about the series, which is sure to become a guilty pleasure for politicos and soap lovers alike. 

Weaver stars as the country’s cutthroat Secretary of State Elaine Barrish, who also happens to be the philandering ex-President’s (Ciarán Hinds)ex-wife. Carla Gugino stars as an ambitious journalist who alternately goes toe to toe with and befriends Elaine while the legendary Ellen Burstyn plays Elaine’s foul-mouthed, martini swilling mom.

Here are five reasons to tune into Political Animals.

5) Annie Lennox's cover of “Shining Light” is Elaine Barrish’s campaign theme song.

This may be a narrower reason than most to watch but it was a major plus for this at least this viewer. The pilot opens with flashbacks to Elaine Barrish’s failed run for the presidency, which she loses in the primary’s to Paul Garcetti (Adrian Pasdar). As she makes her way out to the podium to concede her campaign song blares over the loudspeakers, and it’s Annie Lennox’s cover of the Ash tune "Shining Light." While Ash’s original song is decidedly downbeat despite the lyrics Lennox’s interpretation is an inspirational feel-good anthem that fits Barrish’s character like a Fendi glove. For those of you unfamiliar with this ditty Lennox recorded for her Best of… album here’s the video.

4) Vanessa Redgrave guest stars as a lesbian Supreme Court Justice, who happens to be friends with Elaine Barrish. Is there any explanation needed?

At any rate, Redgrave is a long-time LGBT ally who has tackled playing transgender, androgynous and lesbian in films throughout her storied career. She portrayed transgender tennis player Renee Richards in the made-for-TV movie Second Serve, the androgynous Miss Amelia in the film The Ballad of The Sad Café, based on the Carson McCullers’ novel, and lesbian in The Bostonians and in HBO's If These Walls Could Talk 2. She has also costarred in the gay-themed film Prick Up Your Ears and the television movie Two Mothers for Zachary. Sadly there's no video of Redgrave available yet so that photo will have to suffice. 

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