Quite frankly, feminists seem like unhappy that were jealous of the female cop shows of the 70s because the women looked better than them and that men enjoyed watching. As attractive as Sharon Gless was, there was no way that feminists would be jealous of Gless/Daly as they were about the Charlie's Angels trios, Carter, etc.
And I've found if a feminist is complaining about something, then that something is worth checking out to see what all the fuss is about.
When comparing eras, there are always some complications and difficulties in comparing them by more recent content. It is best to try to evaluate the shows in their given timeframe, and within the context of the entertainment business (and at the end of the day, it is a business) It can be argued that CA was a step forward, at least in the sense that three women were front and center on a successful show that became iconic. Attractive leading ladies has been, and still is, the practice in casting, overwhelmingly, unless older demographics are the target audience.
"Cagney and Lacey" was a better written show for the the two leads, but IMHO it paled by comparison to "Hill Street Blues" as far as a
realistic portrayal of a police action/workplace drama, not to mention "Police Story" . "Police Woman" with Angie Dickinson didn't run as long, but that was also more grounded IMHO.
But again, C&L, as well as "Police Woman" were steps forward.
"The Bionic Woman" as a gender reversed "Six Million Dollar Man" was an above average show, and again, a step forward.
Lindsay Wagner was very good as the lead.
With regard to C&L, I seem to remember hearing somewhere that Tyne Daly was the original choice for
Claudia" on "Dynasty" Kind of a shame that 'Dynasty" missed out on arguably the best prime time actress of that era.
