TV Obsession-- The Rachel Zoe (and Rodger Berman) Project

As I'm usually a little late to the party, it's no surprise that I am just now obsessed with The Rachel Zoe Project, which just began it's fifth season on Bravo.  While I have no use for the Kardashians or the billion Housewives haunting the airwaves, Zoe is a fresh, strong feminine heroine with real skills and life smarts.

The first episode detailed Fashion Week in New York City, which is a big deal for fashion designers' careers.  The show keeps the action moving, following Rachel and her fashion team as they get her collection together.  Flowers for the backdrop of the show actually make for decent drama shockingly. 

The key in all of this is Rachel.  She remains an intriguing presence, and not just because she looks like the lovechild of Fergie and Michelle Pfeiffer.  She's stubborn and demanding, yet insecure and needy.  However, she manages all of these sides of her personality with something sorely missing from most reality stars--star-powered charisma. 

Another big draw of this show is that her husband, Rodger Berman, seems to really have her back.  This is on the basis of one episode.  However, they have been married since 1996, so he is doing something right.  They share a sparky chemistry.  And, let's face it, he's hot.

And then there is the kid, Skyler, who Rachel keeps fashionably dressed in Burberry, which results in a cute little bit of banter between Rodger and Zoe.

It's a really strong show with a feminine protagonist I would not mind my daughter watching, if I were ever to procreate.  The world can have their Housewives and Mob Wives and Sister Wives--I'll be watching a woman who is not defined by her relationship with a man, but by her relationship with herself and everyone around her.