Let's all agree on one thing: representation matters. It matters when we're talking about the White House and it matters when we're talking about the TV screen. Whether you're a fan of crime shows like me or you've only seen reruns of these hits when channel surfing, the badass ladies that solve some of the toughest crimes on screen and keep our cinematic streets safe definitely deserve a shout-out. You never know which little girl out there could be the next Olivia Benson or Ziva David.
1. Olivia Benson
Come on, you didn't actually think she wasn't going to top this list, did you? If you haven't read my previous piece about all the reasons Olivia Benson is a feminist icon, you're slacking. Working her way up from the bottom and often times the only woman on the squad, "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" Detective (turned Sergeant turned Lieutenant) Benson is the definition of kicking ass and taking names and assuring all little girls and not-so-little women that they can handle just as much as, if not more than, any man. And just like Olivia, you don't have to be ladylike while you do it.
2. Amanda Rollins
Another fav from "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," Detective Rollins isn't afraid to break up the good ole boys club and stick to her guns. Known for asking for forgiveness rather than permission, when she knows a victim is telling the truth, she follows the lead, even when everyone's telling her not to. Amanda Rollins is a single mom and a survivor of sexual assault herself. If anything can be learned from her and her story, it's that you are not what mistakes you have made or what happens to you.
3. Erin Lindsay
Erin Lindsay is a detective in the Intelligence Unit on "Chicago P.D." and a memorable one, at that. Having overcome a history of abuse and addiction within her family, Detective Lindsay is a compassionate and sensitive character with a knack for connecting with victims and earning their trust. Erin's story goes to show that being sensitive and having a past doesn't mean you're not a badass and definitely doesn't mean you can't get shit done.
4. Ziva David
Other than being clearly badass, this "NCIS" favorite is also an important character in terms of representation. Cited as the "only full-time Israeli character on an American mainstream network television show" as well as the "most prominent televisual Israeli" in the United States, Ziva's storyline (and general fearlessness) means a lot in terms of representing minorities in positions of power. Ziva even survived being captured by terrorists while on assignment in Somalia. Nothing can break her and one look at her will make that clear.
5. Kate Beckett
This half of the dynamic duo from "Castle" is intelligent, elegant, and brave as hell. Kate Beckett's character directly contradicts the idea that strength and imperfection in women are mutually exclusive. Kate's history involves repeatedly falling apart and putting herself back together without the help of any man, including her long-running struggle with PTSD. But it doesn't stop there, off course; she's also not afraid to stare down the barrel of a gun if it means putting away the bad guy.
6. Eleanor Bishop
"NCIS" is clearly killing it when it comes to strong women on the squad. Eleanor Bishop is known for being incredibly smart and having a memory for data that would put anyone to shame. If Eleanor's character and story teaches us anything, it's that the time of women acting stupid and small to make room for men is ready to be put to rest. Be smart. Be loud. Or quiet. Whatever works. But be like Eleanor and don't shy away from your smarts. And don't think it means you can't be good with people, too.
7. Temperance Brennan
While she may not exactly fit the bill of detective, Temperance "Bones" Brennan, the protagonist of the show by the same name, is the top forensic anthropologist in her field and known for being wildly brave and bright. Despite having a rep for being socially awkward and lacking savvy when it comes to working with folks that are alive, she's a master at working with those that have passed and putting clues together to bring their perpetrators to justice. She's brilliant and while maybe not the most charming, who says a woman has to be?
8. Chris Alonso
I promise I didn't just include her on this list because she's bisexual. That's just an added bonus. Chris is the only female squad member on the new show "S.W.A.T." and makes it clear from the very beginning that she can hold her own among all the testosterone. Unlike a lot of other shows that feature a sole woman on the force, Chris isn't subject to the boring old storyline where she's battling the emotional hardship that is being a woman against the demands of the job at hand. She can pull her own weight and more.
9. Melinda Warner
I know, I know! I promised detectives! But if you've seen even one episode of "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," you know that Dr. Warner's role in solving a case and guaranteeing justice for the victim is just as important as the detectives she works alongside. As Medical Examiner for the NYPD and a veteran, she saw a lot and never shied away from speaking the truth if it meant getting a criminal off the street. Don't believe me? Season 11 saw Miranda get shot in her own morgue, and unable to leave for appropriate medical attention, she had to walk Detective Benson through life-saving techniques on her own chest wound. That's hardcore.
10. Jennifer Jareau
Jennifer Jareau, or "JJ" as she's known to friends, has been leading the Behavioral Analysis Unit on "Criminal Minds" to victory since the beginning. JJ is known for her remarkable people skills and her grace when it comes to delivering bad news to the families of victims. However, none of this means she can't hold her own and assert herself when she's doubted, which she often is. And she's certainly not afraid to shoot if she needs to.
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