The Least Favorable Characters in TV Series

When it comes to TV series, not all main characters are equally lovable. Some stand out as frustrating, manipulative, or just plain irritating. This article explores my least favorite main characters from two popular TV series: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Elite. We'll delve into their behaviors, the reasons why I find them less enjoyable, and how these traits impact the overall narrative of their respective shows.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Hidden Depths of Willow

Buffy offers a rich landscape of complex characters, yet one character stands out as particularly aggravating: Willow Rosenberg. Often seen as the heart of the series, Willow is a figure who embodies both charm and controversy. While her character has a surplus of immediate likeability, her occasional cruelty, manipulation, and arrogance make her a character I find difficult to reconcile.

Willow's Issues and Behaviors:

Sometimes manipulative with Xander, friend and former love interest to her. Arrogant and seemingly superior, feeling that her intelligence and magical abilities make her superior to others. Frequently gets away with her questionable actions, demonstrating a lack of accountability and consequences.

Revisiting Buffy only amplifies these issues, making Willow a character I dislike incrementally. Her manipulative nature towards Xander is one of the more egregious behaviors, displaying a level of psychological cruelty that remains unsettling.

Elite: Disliking Characters with Depth

Elite is a complex and engaging show with a diverse cast, yet some characters stand out as particularly off-putting. Two such characters are Cayetana Solano and Benjamin Sánchez. Unlike Willow, their issues are not as overtly manipulative but rather a combination of problematic attitudes and lack of character development.

Cayetana's Issues:

Appears to be a socialite at the start, but her true nature begins to show when her deception is exposed. No character development beyond her initial falsity, making it difficult to root for her.

As for Benjamin Sánchez, his presence is tumultuous and often abrasive. His behavior as the principal is particularly vexing, bordering on autocratic and even-Nazi-like in nature. His treatment of students, particularly Ari, and his own children, is deeply concerning and manipulative.

Benjamin's Issues:

Dictatorial and overbearing, leading to students and staff calling him a Nazi. Manipulative, using potential disappointment to control behavior rather than fostering growth or improvement. Homophobic, evident in his treatment of Ari, his opposite, and Patrick, the gay character he favorited.

Benjamin's character arc, or lack thereof, is particularly frustrating. His failure to recognize and cater to the true natures of his children and subordinates, such as Patrick, only adds to the sense of disappointment and frustration. His arrest is seen as a positive development, despite the circumstances, and the hope for a better outcome for Patrick in the next season is palpable.

Conclusion

Evaluating the least favorite main characters in TV series reveals a lot about the individual but also about the broader themes and narratives of the series. Willow and the characters in Elite, while flawed, contribute significantly to the depth and complexity of their respective series. However, their lack of accountability and manipulative nature make them stand out as less enjoyable viewing experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Willow's character so flawed?
A: Willow's character flaws include manipulation, arrogance, and a lack of accountability, which make her behavior particularly frustrating and difficult to root for.

Q: How does Benjamin's treatment of his children impact the show?
A: Benjamin's manipulative and autocratic behavior, particularly towards his children and staff, contributes to the show's overall negative tone and makes for an increasingly frustrating narrative experience.

Q: What can viewers do if they dislike specific characters in a series?
A: Disliking specific characters can enrich the viewing experience by fostering discussion and analysis of the characters' behaviors and their impact on the show. Fans can engage in discussions with others, write reviews, or even create their own projects examining the characters' motivations and actions.