Exploring The Art Of Turning A Character Into A Punching Bag

[TMC]

http://uproxx.com/tv/2015/04/5-tv-ch...punching-bags/

Having one character that every other character absolutely cannot stand is a long-running TV tradition. Many prominent shows have used this trope; the punching bag who every other character takes out their anger and frustration on. What’s the best way to approach this? Let’s look at five examples that some shows have taken and see which ones are fun and lighthearted, and which ones are just cruel.

The Just-Treat-Her-Like-Absolute-Garbage-All-Time Method — Key Example: Meg Griffin (Family Guy)



Let’s be honest, the excessive Meg hate has gotten to be a bit much. In the first three seasons, the show made subtle references to the fact that Meg was the least popular character. When it returned to the air in 2005, that was immediately ratcheted up to an extreme level. Peter farts in her face, throws scalding hot soup at her, and in general, the family is just viciously cruel to her. There have been multiple episodes that involve either:

A. Peter deciding to be nicer to her

B. Meg telling the family how sick she is of them

None of it ever sticks, though, and Meg is always right back to being a punching bag the next episode. Honestly, this is one of the show’s most tedious qualities, and it would be nice if they dropped it in the future.

[king of comedy]

Dropping the Meg abuse and bringing real writers who can write for her would help Family Guy. Butters did get back at Cartman when Cartman was disguised as a robot to get back a video tape. But when Cartman farted while wearing the suit, Butters showed the tape of Cartman dressed like Britney Spears. LOL!! I'm glad that Meg stood up to her family but I wished she didn't let the abuse continue. Horrible message.

[KurtPikachu2001]

Heard on that youtube video titled 107 Things you never knew about Family Guy that the reason why Meg was a punching bag was because the writers are mostly male and they don't know how to write for or portray a teenage girl. Google t h e video and you'll see for yourselves.

That could be why some writers on Futurama, the show and comics make stereotypical and disrepectful things happen to Leela.

Also, don't forget Zoidberg was the punching bag of Futurama. Okay, back on topic, I agree the Meg bashing should stop.

[Race's Girl]

Poor Meg, I'd like it if she gave Peter what for

[king of comedy]

She did kick his ass in Dial Meg for Muder.