Prime of life

Maria Bello is kind of like lesbian catnip. You can go for days, months, possibly even years without thinking about her and then the minute she is in front of you again you go a completely mad with excitement. How is this woman so delicious? It’s not just that she is beautiful, which she is. She is so beautiful, and age has only had her face more interesting and expressive. But it’s that she seems so capable. Lesbians love a capable lady. That doesn’t mean she has to know how to change her own oil or level a doorframe. But she knows exactly who to call to do it, and will supervise carefully. Helpless is not something she can really play. And, man, is that sexy. It is grown-up sexy personified. Leave the damsels in their various states of distress to the white knights of the world. I’ll take a lady who knows what she’s doing instead any and every day.

I think that’s what makes her so good in “Prime Suspect.” Her Det. Jane Timoney is infinitely capable. That doesn’t mean she’s somehow supernaturally gifted – she just pays attention and works harder than anyone else in the room. It’s what makes real people good at their jobs. It’s why she seems so believable in hers. This isn’t to say that her good detective is perfect – that would be boring. She has her issues and isn’t the least bit worried about making nice. But I like that. Also I like the clothes they’re putting her in for the show. They’re not your standard-issue lady cop suits. They’ve got more flare without being overly butch or overly femme. Of course, I’m a sucker for a lady who knows how to lean. She leans great.

Also, when she needs to, fucking hell can Maria bring the sexy. Like I was saying, I love a lady who knows what she’s doing. And she can definitely, definitely leave her hat on.

You can read my Prime Suspect SnapCaps every Friday on AfterEllen. You are, of course, perfectly welcome to keep staring slack-jawed at these pictures until then. Hey, honey, you’re drooling.