The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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The Fox Television series Ally McBeal, concerning the lives of employees at a contemporary law firm in Boston, struck a chord with viewers soon after its premier in September of 1997. Focusing on the life of the title character, played by Calista Flockhart, the show provoked a cultural dialogue about its portrayal of young, single career women. Fans enjoyed the updated take on working women as real human beings struggling with insecurities; the character of Ally was called a modern version of 1970s television heroine Mary Tyler Moore. Critics, however, derided the miniskirted characters in Ally McBeal as female stereotypes obsessed with getting married and having children. The show also gained notice for its frequent use of computer-enhanced effects, such as exaggerated facial expressions and the dancing baby that haunted Ally as a symbol of her desire for motherhood.
Heywood, Leslie. "Hitting a Cultural Nerve: Another Season of 'AllyMcBeal."' Chronicle of Higher Education. September 4, 1998, B9.
Kingston, Philip. "You Will Love Her or Loathe Her—or Both." The Sunday Telegraph. February 8, 1998, 7.
Kloer, Phil. "The Secret Life of 'Ally McBeal': 'Seinfeld' Successor?" The Atlanta Journal and Constitution. February 2, 1998, B1.
Vorobil, Mary. "What's the Deal with 'Ally McBeal?" Newsday. February 9, 1998, B6.