The Governor's Wife

The Governor's Wife is a captivating reality television series from A&E that follows the intriguing lives of former Louisiana Governor Edwin W. Edwards and his wife, Trina Scott Edwards, a woman 50 years his junior. Premiered in 2013, the series delivers a generous helping of southern charm alongside an unfiltered glimpse into the unconventional life of Edwin's significant other and their atypical yet close-knit family.

The show tracks Edwin and Trina's everyday encounters. Being an ex-convict, Edwin is not your usual former governor. Prior to marrying Trina, Edwin was convicted for corruption charges and served prison time. He was married twice before and has daughters who are older than his current wife, Trina. The fascinating intersection of these variables creates a tense yet riveting backdrop to the show.

The younger Mrs. Edwards, Trina, is a vivacious woman determined to shake up their social scene. Packed with energy and determination, she is set to make her mark, not allowing the shadow of Edwin's past to deter her. With quirks of her own, Trina adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative. The viewers get to witness her navigate, negotiate, and soothe the intricate dynamics of blurring boundaries between the old and the new.

The Governor's Wife also gives the viewers a peek into the Edwards daughters' lives. Anna and Victoria, who are both in their sixties, reciprocate Trina's attempts at bonding with cynicism and veiled hostility. The on-screen friction between them makes for an engaging watch as it opens up room for drama and conflict, key ingredients for a successful reality show.

The show's charm builds from the stark contrast that pervades the Edwards household. Ranging from the significant age difference between the lead characters, Edwin's scandalous past, Trina's resolute spirit, and the daughters' unplanned sibling rivalry, it intensifies the intrigue and keeps the audience hooked.

The emphasis in The Governor's Wife is on the family and how they deal with their unique circumstances. Edwin, despite his scandalous history, is depicted in a rather suave and charismatic light. He is shown as having a genuine affection for Trina and finding joy in her youth and infectious energy. He strikes a balance between being a father and a friend to his older daughters while also fulfilling the roles of husband and father to his younger sons with Trina.

The series also takes the time to highlight Edwin's political influence. The 86-year-old former governor, despite fading from the political stage, still has a turtle-paced yet palpable impact on the Louisiana political landscape. A past filled with numerous highs and lows reveals the facets of political power and the public's perception of it.

Inextricably bound by politics, the past, and a shared future, Edwin and Trina's unusual relationship makes each episode of The Governor's Wife a must-watch. Their lifestyle serves as a window into southern high society, rich with traditional customs, spicy cuisine, elegant garb, and lavish parties. At times humorous, other times tense, the show expertly balances elements of reality television with authentic experiences of a high profile yet unconventional pair.

The light yet emotionally impactful interactions between family members add another layer of depth to the series. While Edwin's children from his previous marriages grapple with the realities of having a stepmother younger than themselves, Edwin and Trina navigate the waters of parenting with their two little boys.

The Governor's Wife, thus, offers an enticing blend of personal drama and underlying social commentary. By exposing the private lives of such a unique family set-up, it subtly delves into themes like age gap, power dynamics, politics, and family relations. By presenting a vivid picture of life within such an unconventional family in the heart of Louisiana, The Governor's Wife provides not just entertainment but also interesting food for thought.