It's casting season for the broadcast networks' fall pilots, and with every casting announcement we get a peek into what kinds of shows the networks are looking at for the fall. The verdict? Eh. I'm underwhelmed. Especially when it comes to the roles for women.

But you can draw you own conclusions — here are some of the pilots in the works and the actresses attached, with my wildly premature speculation thrown in as a bonus. Feel free to add your own observations in the comments.

BAD MOTHER'S HANDBOOK (ABC) - Alicia Silverstone (Miss Match), Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development)

Plot
A comedy about a 32-year-old woman (Silverstone) who is too busy taking care of her 16-year-old daughter (Shawkat) and 48-year-old mother.

Snap Judgment
Would they ever make a comedy called Bad Father's Handbook? No.

Does Alicia Silverstone have a bad track record on TV? Yes.

Will I check this out anyway? Maeby.

GOOD BEHAVIOR (ABC) - Mae Whitman (Arrested Development)

Plot
A dramedy based on the New Zealand show Outrageous Fortune that centers on the matriarch of a family of criminals who straightens out her brood after her husband goes to jail for five years. Whitman plays Roxy, the family's smart teen daughter who has been blackmailing her principal and selling hall passes and permission slips.

Snap Judgment
Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas is writing this show, so I'm semi-optimistic about it. And at least Whitman's character is described as "smart." (Really? Her?)

KINGS (NBC) - Allison Miller

Plot
The story of King David, centering on David Shepherd (Christopher Egan), a pure-hearted young warrior who joins the court of the charismatic and authoritative King Silas (Ian McShane). Miller plays Michelle Benjamin, Silas' daughter who falls in love with David.

Snap Judgment
Another show revolving around a male hero in which virtually all the women's storylines revolve around being someone's love interest? Excellent!

Because we don't see enough of that on The Tudors. Or Mad Men. Or Nip/Tuck. Or in every historical epic or action movie in the theaters. … continue reading