Sixth Post

 In my first post I said  I will answer these questions


What are the differences between strong female leads of the past and now?
Why I think these characters are strong female leads?
How have events that were happening at the time of the airings?
How the writing has impacted the female lead?
How has the actress affect the female lead ?
How other characters affected the female lead?
Why I believe women ( young or old ) need a strong female lead in their life?

I think it's time to start answering.
for the question, What are the differences between strong female leads of the past and now?

 The older TV strong leads ( /weak leads) were all about family and being a submissive motherly type. Then the movement of girl-power rained over TV in the 1990s and early 2000's and girls took a jump for being somewhat independent woman but still needed a man to women that while had a man was strong enough to not be the submissive but equal to the person.  
Big Al on said  that these are strong female leads at http://www.v1011fm.com/pages/big-al.html?article=10234850

The Gilmore Girls: Rory appealed to young girls and Lorelai appealed to adult women, but the whole show was a shout out to being an independent woman – and setting high goals for yourself and working hard to achieve them. And there were great love story plot lines thrown in the mix!

Ally McBeal: There was much more to this show than a dancing baby! The theme of the show was that a woman can be a successful professional and lead a fulfilling life without a man – but dating can be a lot of fun too!

Joan of Arcadia: This well-written pre-Glee teen drama incorporated religion without being preachy and also embraced the idea of being quirky and unique rather than fitting in with the other kids.

Malcolm In The Middle: Sure, this show may have seemed like a run of the mill sit-com, but think back on how awesome the mom on the show was. She was tough, and her kids and her husband knew she was head of the household but there is so much more TV shows with Kicking butt girls

The powerpuff girls 

Charmed

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Firefly

My so Called Life

Dead Like Me

Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles

Veronica Mars

Samantha Who?

 Fringe

 Dollhouse

United States of Tara

Freaks and Geeks
Kim Possible

 are some of my favorite shows with female leads.