In today’s world, sometimes we’d rather escape politics when watching television, and sometimes it can add to the drama.
In these cases, running for office or social politics can hurt a character or the show as a whole. Some of these series have ended, while others, like When Calls the Heart, still have a chance to put things right.
Here are some examples of how politics can ruin a perfectly good show.
when the heart calls
When the residents of Hope Valley realize that Mr. Montague and the governor are corrupt, they work together to stop them.
The main problem is that Lucas Bouchard has become expendable.
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While Lucas had big dreams, he seemed content to bring those dreams (like broadcasting) to Hope Valley to help his friends and community. He wanted to start a home of friends with Elizabeth and little Jack.
Being appointed governor meant Lucas lost everything he cared about saving Hope Valley.
He had to move to the capital, and Elizabeth broke up with him because she would never leave her town.
What’s more, Lucas’ priorities changed. He wanted to build a resort in Hope Valley and was willing to invest with almost anyone because he thought it would help their economy.
a million little things
Regina Howard’s run for city council in the final season of A Million Little Things was unsuccessful, in part because the storyline didn’t begin until the final episodes. If they had started earlier, they could have shown Regina gathering at a women’s shelter or homeless shelter that she was passionate about.
Regina’s character changed dramatically in season five as she focused on social topics she’d never touched upon.
It’s not that Regina isn’t a well-meaning person, but she won’t meddle in Dustin’s life and try to force foster care on him and his daughter. She understands boundaries.
Foster care and women’s issues would have been great issues for her platform, but the series’ portrayal of her eventual storyline was completely wrong.
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Station 19
At one point in season six, we got a ridiculous storyline about Travis Montgomery running for mayor. While his intentions are noble, it mostly feels like they don’t know what to do with Travis as he tries to prevent paranoid Police Chief Dixon from winning.
He didn’t even want the job, was unprepared for any aspect of politics, and complained all the time. He was dragged into it, kicking and screaming, and it was ridiculous that he didn’t think about it.
This is when Travis is at his whinyest, and in true fashion, he also messes up by having an affair with his campaign manager.
yellowstone park
Jamie Dutton ran for attorney general in the first season of Yellowstone . Due to some machinations in the Montana government, he ended up becoming livestock commissioner and then acting attorney general.
Regardless, this will cover both the politics that undermine family relationships (Jamie and his father John become estranged) and the politics that undermine personal character, as Jamie begins to unravel as a result of his political manipulations.
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He goes from insufferable but capable to untethered, uncertain, and homicidal.
sweet magnolia
The mayor’s flashback storyline in Sweet Magnolias seasons 2 and 3 was the least interesting, and it didn’t paint a good picture of the Mulan team, especially Maddie.
Led by Maddie Townsend, the Magnolia family attempts to recall Mayor Trent Lewis as the town descends into chaos, which only angers his wife, Mary Vaughn, who digs deeper into Carl Maddox’s past, And try to get him fired.
It’s a good show, but it makes Maddie look like a busybody who invents gossip and makes Carl look violent.
Mayor Lewis eventually resigned amid rumors of mismanagement of the town’s funds and wanted to avoid humiliation. If the Lewis family did leave town, it would hurt the show by losing its main antagonist.
Law & Order: SVU
While much of the season has been politically charged, Law & Order: SVU Season 25 Episode 4 changes the plot when a neighbor rapes Chief McGrath’s daughter and Captain Benson investigates .
It’s a mix of personal and professional issues, and most members of the team are concerned about the political repercussions of becoming involved in the case of the chief’s daughter.
Olivia uses her sensitivity to get in touch with Shay, but things get complicated when McGrath loses his temper and the IAB steps in.
In some ways, he lashes out like any father, but he needs to control his anger so as not to jeopardize the case. While he deserves to lose his job, it’s hard not to feel bad for him.
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It seems odd to have Captain Curry and Shayna Sykes join the team after his departure. Having so many temporary staff assigned hurts the camaraderie of the team and hopefully we will have an acting director again in the fall.
Walker
Ever since Liam Walker lost the DA race at the end of Walker’s first season, he’s struggled in season two.
Learning that winner Stan Morrison killed Cordell’s wife Emily was a huge blow to him. In fact, their main rival Denice Davidson took over the position instead of Liam.
Then Liam lost. He filed a false arrest report against Dennis’ estranged husband, another rival, Dan Miller. This jeopardized his job as an assistant prosecutor, his statements to the North Side Organization, and his incarceration of Serrano. After several drunken confrontations, he eventually returned to normal.
These are just a few of the shows and characters that have been influenced by politics. What TV shows or roles would you choose?
Let us know in the comments below.
