How about less lipstick and some more jungle?

Right about here is where this review should compare "Lipstick Jungle" with "Cashmere Mafia," the other power-dame drama that premiered midseason. But there is no comparison because, while "Mafia" is clearly having fun with its chick-lit roots and Jimmy Choo references, "Jungle" is strangely earnest. The creators seem to think their show is saying something new, only it's not really clear what that is. That women can be just as power hungry or libidinous as men? Or female friendship trumps every other relationship save motherhood? Or it's tough to be a working mother? If this show had run 10 years ago, maybe. But now?

"Jungle" does have a few things going for it that "Mafia" doesn't. Nico is a bit dim when it comes to workplace relationships, but she is not a victim. If anything, she's a victimizer, which gives her character the potential to be a bit deeper than it seems. Likewise McCarthy's Joe seems a tantalizingly flawed man. Although Victory taming him with the lash of female friendship is to be feared, perhaps the opposite will occur, which would be something to cheer for.

Unfortunately, Wendy, which is to say Shields, is the anchor of the show, and she is as tedious as she is unrealistic: a high-powered film executive without an ambitious, controlling or egocentric bone in her body. Reduced to tears, ladies and gentlemen, by the threat of some gossipy nanny diary to be published by a hateful Lucianne Goldberg-wannabe (played by Lorraine Bracco, who is the second best thing in the show).

I know we all love Brooke as she is, and maybe we still feel bad about "Pretty Baby," but how refreshing it would be to see her channel her inner diva for once. Women can be arrogant and still attractive, power-loving and still lovable, deeply flawed and still fascinating. But "Lipstick Jungle" wrongheadedly wants to have it both ways -- to celebrate and explore the lives and loves of women at the top through protagonists who don't have the drive or the depth to make it there.

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mary.mcnamara@latimes .com

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'Lipstick Jungle'

Where: NBC

When: 10 tonight; regularly 10 p.m. Fridays

Rating: TV-14-DLS (may be unsuitable for children under the age of 14, with advisories for coarse language, suggestive dialogue and sex)