According to TV Guide’s website, Jane Fonda has expressed an interest in making the jump to television. Reportedly impressed by cable’s edgy writing, it would be Fonda’s first appearance on a scripted television series since 1982’s Nine to Five, a true sign of the power of television. While several well established actresses have made the crossover onto the small screen in recent years due to lack of quality parts for women of a certain age (Glenn Close, Mary Louise-Parker, Toni Collette, Laura Linney), this would be one of television’s biggest “gets”. There aren't very many two-time Oscar winners in the medium (but the number of statue winners is rising by the day, it seems), so whatever show Fonda creates/headlines would benefit from a fantastic amount of exposure.

However, this gives me some serious mixed feelings. While Fonda is a lovely actress who would be an asset for any show she works on, it speaks volumes as to how the movie industry has handled aging. It seems that once you get the first line on your face that isn’t immediately shot with poison, you’re relegated from the top of the marquee to the bottom of the movie poster. Granted, Fonda is in her 70s, but the fact that there's not someone shoving good scripts at her on an hourly basis is criminal. It’s sad that women who aren’t 30 going on 13 don’t get the respect they deserve in the film industry, but film’s loss is television’s gain.

Which brings me to this: what kind of show will Fonda star on? While it would be interesting to see the screen legend take on a Hot in Cleveland style sitcom that tackles issues of aging and mortality with tongue planted firmly in cheek, I’d like to see her play the lead in a really sinister Showtime comedy. I don’t necessarily want her to be the next Nancy Botwin or Jackie Peyton, but I think she’s had enough diverse roles in her career to be able to balance the light and dark elements that those types of shows require to truly be effective. If that’s not as appealing to the stately actress, perhaps an HBO political drama (to capitalize on her dignified demeanor) or a bit of AMC social commentary would be more to her liking. Whatever Fonda chooses, the television industry will be better for having her.

What type of show do you want Jane to end up on? Do you think she’ll be successful? What does this say about television, the movies, and aging?