With so many intriguing shows to watch, there certainly seems to be a peak in trending shows that follow a devious main character and even prompt the audience to root for these shady characters. This genre grants that thrill factor that this generation seeks while appealing to our innate human empathetic nature to feel for another human being. This style even entices us to overlook their crimes or justify them. There is something so exciting about getting to know a scummy character and watching them evolve, such as in The White Lotus, Dope Thief, Kaleidoscope, or Lupin. The episodes that follow such characters’ upbringing or hint at their horrid origin story provide the pretext for their current lifestyle or actions.
For example, in every season of The White Lotus, there are insufferable characters and characters that are “bad guys” while not necessarily portrayed as such. Episodes are set up in a way that has the audience subconsciously wanting these misfits or masterminds to succeed, without getting caught. A viewer may find themselves wanting these characters to get away with it after learning their reasoning or approach. Another longtime example of a show with this same frame is Breaking Bad, and The Mule with Clint Eastwood.
Shows like this somehow tug on our humanity and grant the audience a glimpse into a world of crime in which the criminals do what they must to survive. Their stories unfold and it becomes apparent what they are trying to avenge or how they are barely making it by in life. The plots in shows such as these grant them a sense of justification where the ends always justify the means. Should societal rejects be subject to a life of living on the streets if they have a hidden talent for thievery or drug dealing? These shows certainly don’t let one’s lot in life determine their outcome and leave them aimless.
In Season 3 of The White Lotus, Rick, the middle-aged, grumpy boyfriend of the young and free-spirited character, Chelsea, is barely getting by and seems to be verging on his midlife crisis. It is revealed that he is in Thailand trying to avenge his father’s death for reasons that are unclear, but it is apparent that this is the source of all his bitterness. In a vulnerable moment, he confirms that his father’s murder was what completely ruined his childhood, as it left him fatherless and sent his mom spiraling into drug use. As suspense built throughout the season and Rick sought to take the life of his father’s killer, it created a desire within viewers for Rick to succeed. Whether it’s wrong or right, this revenge became a ploy that would satisfy the plot. However, in this particular instance, Rick was not successful.
Another character in Season 3 of The White Lotus that grants this perspective is the Ratliff father, Timothy, who is caught up in fraudulence or a laundering scheme back home in the U.S. Due to his actions or ties to these wrongdoers, he starts contemplating ending his life while on his family vacation in Thailand. He knows his involvement in this scandal will cost him his family’s fortune and good reputation. Yet, instead of wishing him a life in prison for his actions and accomplice, most viewers feel sorry for him and recognize he’s in agony. While he may have made some illegitimate investments, he does not deserve to die or need to feel that this is his only choice.
These moments in shows that have us rooting for the bad guy give the audience goosebumps and help them find hope in someone else’s poor situation through these characters that fans grow to love. Perhaps there’s something these misfits can teach the world about love and understanding. Maybe there is some beauty in everyone rooting for the bad guy.
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