The popularity of Netflix's Dead to Me stems from it being fresh, riveting, funny, and tragic; all tied together with brilliant performances by leads Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini. While this drama series definitely centers around Jen, there's no denying that Judy has a pretty important part to play as the new friend with ulterior motives.
There is a staggering amount of arguments to prove Judy is actually the show's main character, rather than Jen and her family. Diving deeply into Judy's character can prove why she's the highlight, as well as the core, of this provocative series.
She's Sporadic
There's nothing better than a television series that follows a spontaneous and sporadic character. In fact, most leading characters are the ones who make questionable decisions and have the viewers following their every step.
In this case, that's definitely more Judy's turf seeing as she's always changing her mind, blurting out things, and making choices that affect pretty much everyone around her. If that doesn't speak to being a main character, nothing does.
She's The Voice Of Reason
While Judy might be the most sporadic, she's also the voice of reason. Fans can name multiple television shows where the main character is the one that usually has the final say. They tell the other characters how to feel and what to do.
Out of Jen and Judy, that role definitely fits Judy. She is always there for Jen, and she calms her down when she's at her tipping point. Judy points out the logic and the reason behind everything, and she's the voice that typically has the last say.
The Show Follows Her Changes
Obviously, the series also spends a lot of time focusing on Jen's grief and the lives of her two sons. However, there's a lot more change and progression when it comes to Judy. She 'breaks it off' with her husband, she moves in with Jen, she becomes homeless, she struggles with her career, and she suffers her own grief.
As far as Jen is concerned, she still owns the house with her sons, and there isn't much 'change'. On the other hand, typically the change and growth of a character is the center of a show, and that lands squarely with Judy.
She's Vulnerable
Typically, shows like to star a character that's relatable and easy to get to know. Jen doesn't exactly fit this bill, despite being super hilarious, because she's relatively successful and always aiming to become more so.
However, Judy is that raw and vulnerable character that keeps bringing fans back down to earth and invested in the show. Judy is the character that demands the emotional spotlight, like only a protagonist would.
Her Romance With Michelle
There is rarely a television series with a leading character who doesn't have an important romantic relationship. While Jen starts to kind of cozy up with her late husband's twin brother Ben, the most prominent relationship on the show is definitely Michelle and Judy.
Their complicated and messy romance is a pivotal part of the second season, and Judy's feelings are also the driving force behind it. This relationship is a prime example of a lead character's storyline.
She Has The Clearest Goal
Every main character needs to have ambition; they need to have their eye on some sort of prize. For Jen, fans are unsure if it is closure, revenge, or spite. For Judy, though, she is so overcome with her guilt that she'd do anything to mitigate it.
Judy's character is set on helping Jen and her family, and ridding herself of the guilt that has manifested inside her. As far as the characters of this show go, Judy has one clear goal that drives the entire series.
The Entire Plot Is Because Of Her
There's definitely an argument against this, but in all honesty, the entire show wouldn't exist if Judy didn't hit Jen's husband with her car. Without that, Jen wouldn't be a widow and Judy wouldn't be her unstable best friend.
Typically, most shows start after a pivotal event. For this series, it's Judy killing Jen's husband. That's the bottom line, and is it's enough reason to consider the fact she's the core of the entire show.
She's Relatable
Jen might have the best comedic moments, but everyone can agree they have a special place in their hearts for Judy Hale. She's quirky, funny, sweet, and a bit unhinged. She has a huge heart and is easy to relate to (despite all her drama).
A main character needs to have that relatable aspect. Like Judy, a leading lady would have the hearts of their viewers wrapped around their finger, and they'd be invested in their personality and their growth.
She's Easy To Love and Hate
Most main characters are often not the most likable, or they're certainly not the best character on the show. Everyone loves their secondary characters, and while everyone can't help but love Judy, she's also pretty unlikable at times.
There are so many moments to hate Judy and so many others to feel bad for her or to love her. Like any lead character of a show, Judy really keeps fans on their toes about whether she is their favorite or not. A main character is too complex to know for sure.
She's The Glue
Without Judy, there's really no saying that Jen would be anywhere near where she is by the end of the second season. Judy helps Jen deal with her grief, and she also actually helps Jen and the boys and their relationship with each other.
Judy knows her husband and his brother who comes in to investigate. She is the center of all the strange and wild intermingling of each and every character. Judy keeps everything together and has the inside on all accounts. This is a pretty strong argument for a main character.