What is she thinking?

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The sad truth is that very few great roles exist for black actresses, especially one who's pushing fifty. Viola, being as incredible as she is, has managed to snag all the good ones out there so far. But that's still not enough, and in the past few years she's had to do some really thankless projects (Beautiful Creatures, Ender's Game). Also, she is almost always given a practically asexual mentor character and I can imagine that would get old after a while.

This new series has her playing something she's never played before, a sexy character. Say what you will about the quality of the show, but based on the preview alone she looks like she's doing an amazing job and having fun at the same time. I've never really been a huge fan of Shonda Rhimes' shows, but the cast of Grey's and Kerry Washington from Scandal get lots of love and recognition come awards season. I can easily see Viola taking home Emmy's and Golden Globes.

Also, in terms of money, it's a very smart career move. She'll have a steady income (which I'm sure will be fairly high for a tv star given her status as a well respected actress.) Plus she can continue to do films during hiatus if that's what she chooses.

Even though films seem more respected, that's changed a lot in the past few years. Television is better now than it ever has been. I get that you're not really a fan of ABC or Shonda Rhimes, but people eat up those shows. At this point in her career she's already proven herself as an amazing actress, she probably just wants to have fun and do something that tons of people will enjoy. When you're on a television show the writers write specifically for you and highlight your strengths as an actor. She's doing what Jessica Lange chose to do with American Horror Story. AHS actually revived Jessica's career and she's got a few exciting film projects coming up. I'd imagine this show might do the same for Viola. Even if she is still relevant now, it can only boost her popularity and make her a more in demand actress.

You wish it was Ted! Don't forget to set the alarm...

I don't necessarily have a problem with Viola doing TV...but ABC is simply not quality programming. Everything is always of the essence on this network, but the story lines are always so poor that it comes off as very forced and fake (see: every drama on ABC). I cannot imagine an actor of Viola's calibre actually enjoying doing all sorts of head turns, holding dramatic faces for 20 seconds, and being forced to say all sorts of highly dramatic and superficial dialogue.

Jessica Lange's part on AHS is very different. First, it's a cable show with a limited run. If I remember correctly as a regular viewer - it's around 12 or 13 episodes per season. The cable format leaves little room for filler episodes, which every network show, no matter how hard they try, does have. Second, she plays a new character every season so it's more like Mercury Theatre for TV. Lastly, the writing is top notch because it has to be. Cable networks wouldn't be interested unless it, in some way, pushed the envelope.

Lonely women eat up shows written by Shonda Rimes. Her shows are basically about how women cannot function in the workplace without some sort of relationship drama, which true to form, you can bet Murder will contain.

In terms of money - yes, it's smart because it's a regular paycheck. And of course she will get Emmys and all sorts of accolades, but in terms of being an actor, this is bottom drawer for Viola. Granted, as you said, her recent projects have been thankless. Still, if she was going to TV, I would have preferred/expected HBO, Showtime, AMC, etc.

To further illustrate my point about how bad ABC is...take a look at their new line-up for fall. I watched some of the trailers, and truly...it's just very sad. The new series entitled Selfie...well, enough said.

This series can at least show for Viola what amazing range she has, and increase her chances of getting film work because she will be a big hit on television.

Even if the show doesn't last long, it increases her appeal and is not a step down in any way. At least in my opinion.

Actors of color need to be better represented in film, and be recognized for their contributions.

I love Viola and while I only watch Scandal because it's watchable, over-the-top trash, Shonda can create strong female characters as she did on Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice.

I think Viola will still work in film. It's not like the old days when an actor would work in one medium or the other. Plus, Viola is talented and respected that hopefully she will continue to get leading or supporting roles in good films.

Kerry Washington had to move to TV also so that pretty much sums it all up. There are limited movie roles for black actresses.period. end of story. The fact that Viola is working is a major plus.

"Even though films seem more respected, that's changed a lot in the past few years. Television is better now than it ever has been."

Films haven't been respected in a couple of years now. The Hollywood film industry has gone brain dead as bemoaned by many acute observers. It has nothing to offer adult audiences, who have turned to cable TV in droves.

Were they not recognized last night at the emmys? Enough of the race card it's beyond old.