All Creatures

I read All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot when I was a kid as well as the next few books in the series he wrote.  I loved them. I have also watched several of the TV series produced over the years and am currently watching the most recent one from the BBC.  Currently it is on season six. I like it quite a bit but like most long running series they tend to go downhill at some point. 

One of the strangest themes of the current season is just how inept the men are. When Mrs. Hall, the housekeeper is away the three male veterinarians seem unable to cook anything at all, wash a dish, or even thread a needle. Keep in mind all three were or are military officers and veterinary surgeons. A surgeon unable to thread a needle? Seriously? It is a cheap trope which would engender protests if it were the women being portrayed as inept. 

I suppose one could say it is my background which makes me notice such things and that is true. Just like a woman who experiences workplace discrimination might cringe at women being portrayed as horrible drivers.