I picked up "Bomb Girls" eager for the Canadian viewpoint in it. At first, the show starts out with decent writing--dangerous setting, hostile and complicated relationships, lots of room for growth, authenticity of fears and expectations of the time period, etc. But as the show continues, the viewer realizes that none of these characters grow. In fact, the show boils down to two things: Love affairs and cat fights. Occasionally, the writers touch on PTSD or on the complications that come from Canada's diverse ethnic population at the time. When the show does reference LGBT activity, it is hush-hush, which is understandable for the time, but never explains that homosexuality was actually a criminal activity until the 60s in Canada. Even though Betty's girlfriend says she is "risking her career," the writers never explain why that is a risk. The relationship between James and Gladys is one of the only strong points in the show; where every other relationship failed, theirs was strong and had potential. The writers would have been wiser to keep that relationship alive instead of discarding it for the simple shock-factor that it provided. The writers, in fact, seem to bypass many of these rich opportunities in favor of predictable characters and illogical problems. Kate is the typical church-mouse-turned- wild-girl; Gladys is the typical rich girl fighting disillusionment of her rich world while running around FOR NO APPARENT REASON with multiple men; Betty looks like the tough girl that she is and sticks to that persona even when it's uncalled for (i.e. WHY does she antagonize Reggie? There is literally no reason for it, other than drama); Lorna seems to stumble into her affair (why? There is no indication of an attraction between those two prior to their kiss), which is hastily justified AFTER it has begun. Lorna is the character with the most potential for greatness, yet she falls victim to the same basic problems that plague the others.
It simply seems that there are a lot of loose ends. Predictable characters and predictable writing lead to bored viewers. There is so much possibility for creative writers to swim into uncharted waters here--World War II from the perspective of bomb girls!--yet they avoid much of it for...what? Another kiss. Another drink. Another tense conversation in which no one communicates like people in real life communicate. I'm finishing the show disappointed. While I have enjoyed the music and the superb acting, I don't see myself recommending the show for any valuable historical authenticity or examination.
