The Weaker Sex

Seasons 1 & 2
DVD Box Set
Region 1 NTSC

Seasons 1 & 2
DVD Box Set
Region 2 PAL
(Sliders Story No. 7, starring Jerry O'Connell)
  • written by Dawn Prestwich & Nicole Yorkin
  • directed by Vern Gillum
  • produced by Steven Ecclesine
  • music by Mark Mothersbaugh
  • Production # 70406
Story: The Sliders find themselves parked for six weeks without any money, and are faced with finding jobs on a world where women hold all the positions of power and authority, and men are considered second class citizens. Wade's gloating prompts extra complaints from Arturo, until he decides to run for office as San Francisco's first male mayor, and thus inspire "Men's Rights" amongst the rest of the population.

Buyers' Guide Review

by Martin Izsak

(A more in-depth analysis, containing "SPOILERS" and intended for those who have already seen the program, can be accessed here.)


A simple and classic societal twist provides the basis for yet another of this show's best episodes.


One might easily expect that the story on a world where women hold power would feature Wade as the central character for once, and she is off to a great start early on. However, it isn't long before Arturo steals the show once more, and has more going on than anyone else.

The characters are introduced to the setting quite well this time, with one of the most exciting exits from the wormhole ever on the series, and no skimping on visual effects.

The show is well written, giving Arturo many great verbal sparring partners throughout the course of the episode, from the opening pretzel scene to the finale. Wade is probably his best sparring partner, but there are many more competing for screen time with Arturo.

Rembrandt is the only other character who truly gets a plot to contend with - one of his trademark female fantasy sidelines except that this time the gender stereotypes are played out in reverse and exaggerated to good humorous effect. Nice. In fact, most of the scenes throughout this story seem to have been chosen amongst other possibilities because they would be the most interesting ones to watch our characters go through, and about 70-80% of the time these are scenes designed for humour, for which the cast is able to play them to good effect.

The excellent nature of what is being expertly explored in this episode makes heroics on Quinn's part uncalled for. So yet another story goes by without him making his long-awaited mark on the series. In this case, it's an appropriate call. It's just too bad he wasn't served better in previous episodes to better balance the excellent dynamics we have here. Quinn is very much at home with his different role in this story, and makes a good showing. I'm also a sucker for the drama of an election, and this one remains difficult to predict right up until the end. Superb.


There isn't too much more to say about this one. Just settle back and enjoy!



This story has become available on DVD. Click on the Amazon symbol for the location nearest you for pricing and availability:

Seasons 1 & 2
DVD Box Set
Region 1 NTSC
for the North American market:
in the U.S.
in Canada
Seasons 1 & 2
DVD Box Set
Region 2 PAL
for the U.K.
Season 1 DVD Box Set
Region 1 NTSC - new for 2012
for the North American market:
U.S.
Canada 1
Canada 2


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Read the Buyers' Guide Review for the next story: "The King is Back"



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