In the last few days at least 3 shows that I'm aware of, have decided to take the opportunity just before Thanksgiving, to hit the audience right in the feels. They did this by killing characters, or giving them a health scare or just breaking up lovely couples for the heck of it. To these writers, I ask you one question: WHY!?
Why in the world would you choose the time right before family time, when things are supposed to be happy and sparkly, to start shredding your way through your cast of characters. Don't you know that, we the audience, are sort of attached to these people? Plus the holidays can be rough. Why would you attack our already fragile feelings by killing someone we all love? It's just wrong, people!
Now, I understand drama is good television. And I'm willing to chalk up some explosive storylines to dramatic effect. I understand that's part of the writing a good story. But Holiday episodes are supposed to be funny, and family-ish. Let me give you exhibit A: See every single Friends Thanksgiving episode. They're all perfect! And newsflash, no one died, had a health emergency or broke up. It was lovely! Another prime example: The West Wing. Even a show that prided itself on writing compelling stories that were at times heartbreaking (RIP Mrs. Landingham), managed to write a Thanksgiving story about the President wanting to call the Butterball Hotline. No one but the turkey died in that story. It's obviously possible; writers, take note!
Just a little bit of happy during the holidays when even a silly Christmas-themed Hallmark ad can make me tear up. That's all I'm asking.
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