The opposite of a scathing review: All’s Fair is glossy, high powered, and I loved it.
At first, I had one criticism. The focus on Kim felt a bit much, and she came across as stiff and rehearsed, almost too close to her real-life persona rather than a fully realized character. It was difficult to see her as someone new. But as the episodes unfolded and the story found its rhythm, something shifted. The characters deepened, the tone softened, and Kim began to fit naturally into the world being created.
By that final scene in episode three, she was transformed. Alone, in stirrups, during a raw, medical motherhood moment, she completely delivered. It was haunting and powerful, the kind of scene that stops you in your tracks. We have never seen anything quite like it on television. It felt real, uncomfortable, and deeply human in a way that elevated the entire show.
The ensemble cast deserves every bit of praise. Glenn Close is magnetic as always, commanding every frame with authority. Naomi Watts radiates elegance and restraint, her presence adding a timeless balance to the group. Niecy Nash, a standout surprise, brings depth, authenticity and comedic relief that rounds out the dynamic perfectly. Sarah Paulson brings intensity and emotional intelligence that grounds the show’s high-gloss world. And Teyana Taylor is sharp, grounded, and full of life, adding an energy that keeps the show modern and fresh. Together, they create a layered and multifaceted portrayal of modern womanhood — one that feels both powerful and smart.
And then there is the world of All’s Fair itself: the fashion, the architecture, the settings that feel larger than life. Every scene is a visual feast. The women are dressed impeccably, surrounded by glass-walled offices, sculptural homes, and dreamlike cityscapes. It is aspirational and bold, the kind of world that makes you want to dream bigger.
Diving into the less than positive reviews, I think this comes down to how the show sometimes underestimates the intelligence of its own characters. For all its style and polish, it often feels like it’s skimming the surface. The stories lack the substance and depth these women deserve.
If I could offer one more hope for the series, it would be to bring smarter cases to the table. I would have loved to see a wider range of intelligent, layered legal storylines, much like The Good Wife or The Good Fight. The singular focus on divorce law feels too narrow, and I worry it may limit the richness of what this world could explore. The show is at its best when it dives into complexity — when it allows intellect, emotion and style to collide.
That said, thank you for inspiring women to dream big. I absolutely want to see women in incredible fashion, driving Bentleys, jetting from city to city at a moment’s notice. I loved it all. It reminded me of what Sex and the City did for women years ago, opening a dialogue around many issues that were rarely spoken about at the time, allowing women to see themselves, their choices, and their desires on screen.
All’s Fair carries that torch, offering a fresh, modern reflection of female ambition and identity in today’s world. It’s not perfect, but it is powerful, glamorous, and full of promise.