Why I Stopped Watching These TV Shows: Characters I Couldn't Stand

As a TV enthusiast, I've had my fair share of favorite shows and characters. However, there are instances where a show's plot and characters stray so far from what I enjoy that I can't bring myself to keep watching. This article explores the reasons behind my decision to stop watching two popular shows: Little House on the Prairie and Boston Public.

Little House on the Prairie

I grew up loving Little House on the Prairie. The wholesome family dynamics and the simplicity of the times were a charm. However, there was one character, specifically, who broke my heart and broke the show's magic: Almanzo Wilder. His constant anger and impulsive actions made him a ticking time bomb. For instance, Almanzo wouldn't think twice before lashing out physically, which wasn't just impulsive but often senseless. His ill-tempered outbursts put pressure on the show's primary character, Laura Ingalls, and made every interaction between them a living hell. The line between the siblings spiraled into full-blown fights with Almanzo becoming more of a villain in his own story.

But that wasn't all. Almanzo's counterpart, Eliza Jane Wilder, added another layer of frustration. She was a representation of pure fraud, who tried to sell Laura's home behind her back. Her actions were not only deceptive but also damaging to the emotional fabric of the family. Both characters, Almanzo and Eliza Jane, carried their weight in baggage that overshadowed the novel's essence and rendered the show less watchable for me. Season 6, in particular, became a battleground, and I couldn't bear to watch any longer.

Boston Public

Boston Public was a show that I had to work hard to keep watching, especially during its later seasons. The show had a ton of potential, and I was really invested in the characters during the first season. However, as the series progressed, the writing deteriorated into a hodgepodge of cringe-inducing plots and characters.

New Characters and Plots

The introduction of new characters, especially Jeri Ryan, a rich lawyer, completely altered the dynamics. Her character and her boyfriend, Billy Zane, brought a level of arrogance and disrespect to the show that was unwelcome. Jeri's character, alongside the subplot where she emphasizes past lives and even considers a theistic angle to history, felt out of place. This shift in direction made the show less relatable and less enjoyable.

Michael Rappaport's entrance marked a new low for the show. His character, while funny in moments, seemed out of place and out of step with the rest of the characters. The show's plotlines reflected his character's out-of-touch approach, often using humor that felt forced or in bad taste. It felt like the show was trying to be edgy or modern, but it only succeeded in making the characters less believable and less likable.

Jon Abrahams, brought on in the third season, added yet another layer of frustration. His character's attempts to manipulate the plot, often by trying to win over Jeri Ryan, felt contrived and irritating. The soap opera-like drama surrounding his character overshadowed any potential he could have had with the show's original characters.

Child Character and Plot

Add to this, the introduction of a child character, frequently bringing in narratives that were unnecessary or even harmful to the show's tone. For instance, Harper's daughter's character added an extra layer of pressure to the show, with her manipulative behavior and frequent mistakes making it difficult to enjoy the show's core storyline. It's hard to be invested in a show when the focus shifts away from the main characters and into these child-centric subplots.

The show's last season attempted to address the issues brought up by its viewers through an art teacher character, which was a bit late and not entirely satisfying. By the time the series ended, it felt like a lost cause, and I found it more productive to turn off the TV and move on to other shows.

Conclusion

While these shows had their moments, the accumulated baggage of poorly developed characters and convoluted plots made it difficult for me to continue watching. It's important as a viewer to disconnect from shows that no longer resonate with you. Watching a show that's no longer enjoyable is a waste of time, and choosing to move on can signify a healthier relationship with media.

Ultimately, the decision to stop watching these shows was a necessary one for me. Whether it's the anger and chaos brought by Almanzo and Eliza Jane in Little House on the Prairie or the disappointment in the later seasons of Boston Public, it's crucial to prioritize content that nourishes and entertains you.