MovieChat Forums > Madam Secretary (2014) Discussion > Téa Leoni NOT right!

Téa Leoni NOT right!

posted 8 years ago by Jazzie-too
4 replies | jump to latest

I've always liked Téa Leoni in other roles, but NOT this one! Her characterization is so sloppy. Weak. She mopes about like a bored house wife, moaning and bemoaning! Just drives me nuts! The show has such a great premise. She is just wrong for this role. She speaks like she has a mouth full of mush! She doesn't even walk with any esteem or power. I'm thinking she could not even blow up a ballon, let alone give the commands that a SoS would confront. I'm trying to watch a recent episode and her voice is driving me mad! Hope it ends this year and the writer starts a new similar series, with stronger leads.

[–] VegasNanny08 8 years ago

Sorry, I completely disagree with you on this. This is a great show, and while I don't like every single character, the acting is very good, especially Tea'.

[–] ValentineSmith24 (30) 5 years ago

Tea is consistently brilliant while her character was developed well from the start transitioning into MSec. You didn't see her strength of character manifested in at least a dozen deadly scenarios dealing with Chinese ambassador Chen, to Russians or landing a punch right on the nose of the pompous groping little Philippino wanna be strong man? Tea Leoni is just brilliant for projecting the savvy power of a 20yr CIA Analyst operator who quickly adapts knowing the score but needing to learn the polical ropes into Madame Secretary. Great show for inside look into govt n cast is also totally on the ball, very consistent acting for most all adult roles.

[–] InfiniteMonkeysTyping 8 years ago

Her characterization is so sloppy. Weak. She mopes about like a bored house wife, moaning and bemoaning!...

...She doesn't even walk with any esteem or power. I'm thinking she could not even blow up a ballon, let alone give the commands that a SoS would confront. I'm trying to watch a recent episode and her voice is driving me mad!

The whole "slightly tired and haggard housewife" thing is intentional. The show is supposed to be about a person who is trying to juggle being a mother, wife, and housewife with being Secretary of State.

If you notice, when she is speaking with a foreign head of state or other foreign official, she is very forceful and clear. But when she is speaking more informally (i.e., without the protocols of diplomacy) to her staff, or Russell Jackson, or the President (who is an old friend of hers), or to her family, then she does sound a bit more (as you called it) "moaning and bemoaning".

However, like I said, I think that is intentional, trying to show the distinct difference between Elizabeth being a normal woman, boss, coworker, friend, wife, and mother versus Elizabeth being the Secretary of State.

[–] bbragazza (23) 5 years ago

You must be having a laugh .
She is absolute perfection in this role.