The show “Girls” on HBO, written by and starring Lena Dunham, is ending with its sixth season. During it’s time on television, it has received critically acclaimed reviews. However, it has also been the subject of some controversial topics. There is one thing that people seem to agree on, however. Each character in the show is arguably annoying and unlikable.
This phenomenon has been discussed in countless articles and Lena Dunham has been asked about the topic herself on several occasions. In a 2015 interview with other cast members and producers, Dunham said “…to see characters you don’t necessarily adore all the time is hopefully, in some ways, an inherently feminist action because its a form of representation that we’ve been lacking for a long time.”
But if everyone dislikes the show’s characters, why do they watch it?
Everyone from The Daily Beast to The Atlantic have written about how Marnie Michaels, played by Allison Williams, has been a top pick for the most terrible character on television for years. She is a high intensity pretty girl, perfectionist, and manipulator who serves her own ego. Marnie is the girl everyone hates, but nobody wants to tell her. Even if you did tell her, she would make it about herself.
Marnie isn’t the only character though. Characters such as Hannah, played by Lena Dunham, and Jessa, played by Jemima Kirke, can be equally as frustrating. Hannah is unlikable because of her oblivious actions and her neglect to take responsibility for anything. Jessa, although independent and ethereal, is perhaps the most pretentious character on the show.
Yet, people watch the show. There is something that drags the viewer into each episode. There is a quality, good or bad, in each character that one can relate to. The show has a realistic perspective when it addresses complex topics, such as friendships, sex, and more.
One of the most talked about topics on the show is the common use of nudity and sex scenes. These aren’t your average romantic, flawless sex scenes. No, these sex scenes make you cringe sometimes and they are never fantasized with beautiful music. There’s something you can really appreciate about that realism.
There’s also something so fascinating about watching a train wreck happen. Knowing that just about everyone is about to do something stupid makes it hard to look away.
Regardless of whether or not you like the show, it has undoubtedly made an impact on the ways in which women are portrayed on television. It’s messy, ugly, and incredibly frustrating, but in the best way possible.
Valley wants to hear your opinion on “Girls!”
