The Starter Wife: Debra Messing's new show on USA

The term “Starter Wife” makes me giggle. Add in the comically gifted Debra Messing and this new show on USA becomes a fun, summer escape.

The Starter Wife premieres this Thursday, May 31, at 9 p.m. on USA.

I’ve seen the first three episodes, and I was impressed with what I saw. Sure, it may take you a minute to get past the absurdity that a short, balding, loud-mouthed mosquito of a man could ever dump a woman so beautiful, sweet and polished as Messing’s Molly, but once you do, the ride begins. (I guess it isn’t too much of a stretch to believe that beautiful women get dumped in Hollywood. Just ask Halle Berry or Jennifer Aniston.)

The Starter Wife is an inside look at the Hollywood moviemakers and their elite wives. Molly works 16-hour days as a trophy wife, dressing in Chanel and Dior and maintaining her husband’s life, from organizing his lunch order to picking up his dog’s poo. She does it all in between yoga class, salon appointments, dropping her daughter at school, and lunching in all the right places. And she has the impossible task of doing it all while wearing a clumsy two-pound diamond that could be seen from space. (I kid, of course.)

Molly’s life then takes a drastic turn, when her husband dumps her for a 20-something pop music queen. (Think Fergie.) Then, the “starter wife” gets the cold shoulder from her former “friends,” with doors literally slamming in her face. Her club membership is cancelled, she’s dropped from charity boards, and she can’t even get a table at her favorite restaurant.

This inside look at the Malibu elite makes me shudder. Using children’s birthday parties to cast movies and network with directors is deplorable. Just imagine growing up in a society when your parent gives you this advice when dropping you off at school, “Share your cookies with Violet Affleck.” I truly hope the Hollywood gang isn’t this shallow, but I wouldn’t be surprised.

Messing shines in this new drama and there are some laugh-out-loud moments. But, don’t be fooled. The Starter Wife is a drama about life after divorce and how one woman redefines herself after years of marriage to a Hollywood studio executive.

The Starter Wife is based on the popular novel by the same name. It runs through June 28 on USA.

Subscribe by RSS