It's amazing how a show like The Powerpuff Girls can be both an adorable kid's show and an intelligent, satirical program that tackles larger issues of traditional gender roles and the superhero genre. A genius scientist is attempting to create the perfect little girl (where did he get the funding for that?) when he accidentally adds a mysterious, unstable ingredient, and out pop the Powerpuff Girls. These three adorable little girls who also happen to have superpowers, and when they're not spending their time dealing with regular kid problems, they're taking on the baddies who constantly threaten their town. Despite the fact that they're just three little kids on a Cartoon Network animated program, Bubbles, Blossom, and Buttercup somehow manage to be better examples of well-rounded female characters than half of the women roles written for serious, adult television. That's pretty impressive, and definitely worth a nod on our list.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
