Comments about ‘Can you like a show with unlikable characters?’

Pierce has completely missed the mark this time. Indeed, it is distressing to read his claim that shows which contain depictions of disfunctional relationships, selfishness, and immorality are more entertaining than shows which do not. This is a sad reflection on the state of the modern entertainment industry. Historically, the shows that were successful were ones which promoted positive values. Apparently, Pierce has forgotten what makes a show successful.

Johnny!

I know talking to you is like arguing with a brick wall, but, well, it needs to be said that the depiction of "dysfunctional relationships, selfishness, and immorality" does not make something a promotion of those values. In fact, sometimes in a work of art the complete absence of those things that most humans long for (stability, happy marriages, etc.) serves as a way of pointing to those things, of enriching, and of showing how one should or should not live (though when done well it's not quite so didactic.) Do you really think that, say, "King Lear" - which contains all of those negative things you mention - is a paean to selfishness, dysfunctional families, etc.? Or take a film like, say, "Secrets and Lies" (or nearly anything else by Mike Leigh) - it's full of bickering family members and selfish characters and so on, and yet it ones of the most supremely entertaining, intelligent, and moral works of art of the last century. "Gossip Girl" isn't Shakespeare (duh) or even Mike Leigh, but far too often you make the mistake of assuming that the depiction of negative behavior is equivalent to a promotion of it.

We all need to take a big step back once in a while and evaluate what we are putting in our minds. Two years ago I did that and decided to take a personal stand so I cut out Greys Anatomy and Desperate Housewives. We sometimes watch a show then just can't walk away even though we don't really enjoy the show and to be honest, we are so much better as human beings than the subject matter of most of Hollywood's shows. So I challenge all of you....walk away. Spend time with your families, exercising or giving service to someone else. I've been amazed at how much happier I am.