There are several moments in TV history where two or more characters face a conflict, and many viewers are forced to pick a side over who is right. ManyTV characters divide their shows’ audienceswith their actions, but there are times in which an argument or altercation can be understood from both sides.
When both parties make sense in some way, or a situation falls into a gray area,it’s hard to decide who is ultimately wrong. Whether it’s about the decision to move abroad, or the moralities of messing with a medical trial, these TV shows push viewers to think about who they’re siding with.
10Marshall’s Judgeship
How I Met Your Mother
Marshall and Lily’s relationship inHow I Met Your Motherhits a tough moment in “Unpause.”It’s disappointing in a way that after years of both Lily and Marshall wanting to be more successful and to follow their dreams, one is forced to compromise for the sake of the other. Marshall can do some real good as a New York City Judge, but their plans to move to Rome so Lily can be an art consultant for the Captain have been underway for a while now, too.
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Both sides of this argument are valid. Moving abroad is not a simple process, especially with a young Marvin (and an unborn Daisy Marshall is unaware of) coming along as well. However, Marshall’s opportunity is one that doesn’t come along very often, and the added pressure of his mother wanting him to stay in the country doesn’t help.Every time I rewatch this episode, I struggle to decide who is in the right, as both of them make good points.
9Jimmy’s Reaction To Alice And Brian Spending Time With Louis
Shrinking
I’m glad thatShrinkingseason 3will see Jimmy make better peace with Louis. At least I assume that is what will happen, considering how season 2’s finale sets things up.Jimmy’s reaction to Alice and Brian spending time with the man who killed Tia is perfectly understandable, butit’s also hard to see him bury his head in the sand when his daughter and best friend attempt to explain their actions. This is a tough situation for everyone involved, but Jimmy fails to realize how interacting with Louis isn’t the worst thing for Alice or Brian.
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Alice uses it as a way to seek closure, and just because her father can’t deal with his grief in the same way, it doesn’t mean she shouldn’t.Brian’s sympathy also offers a new side to the character, and if anything, Jimmy should be proud of the steps his best friend is taking.Jimmy’s reaction to Alice forgiving Louis inShrinkingseason 2doesn’t make a lot of sense, but it’s understandable that his anger is still directed towards his wife’s killer, too.
8Jim’s New Business In Philadelphia
The Office
Jim and Pam’s relationship problems inThe Officeseason 9is one of the most hated storylines throughout the show, andit’s rather frustrating to see such a solid couple start to break down. Pam struggles with Jim constantly being in Philadelphia, where he is working on his new sports marketing business with some old friends, and she feels like a single mother. Working at Dunder Mifflin, while balancing Cece and Phillip as well, is exhausting.
However, Pam sees Jim doing this as a bit of fun or like a vacation. Jim is risking a lot by launching Athlead, but he does it not just for himself, but for his whole family. Even though Dunder Mifflin gives Jim a future, a marriage, and his kids,it’s clear from the beginning that his fate is not to be a paper salesman forever. If anything,Jim and Pam’s relationship inThe Officeis what keeps him there for as long as he is. Jim wants to offer his family more, but is he pulling them apart in the process?
7The Gang’s Financial Divide
Friends
The episode “The One With Five Steaks and an Eggplant” focuses on theFriendscharacters’ wealth. After Chandler and Monica organize several rather pricey events to celebrate Ross’ birthday, Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey start feeling awkward about money. There’s undoubtedly a financial divide between the group, with one half earning significantly more than the other. The actor, waitress, and masseuse feel that the others don’t recognize their privilege.
Monica’s offer of making them a fancy dinner at home is also kind, but it’s just unfortunate timing, and the others take it the wrong way.
Initially, Ross, Monica, and Chandler’s response when this is brought up seems petty.However, they genuinely care about their friends, and they’re not trying to appear patronizing when they offer to pay for the concert tickets. Monica’s offer of making them a fancy dinner at home is also kind, but it’s just unfortunate timing, and the others take it the wrong way. The discussion of money is always complex, especially between friends, and both sides make sense here.
6Jane Leaving Rafael To Check Whether There Is Anything Still With Michael
Jane The Virgin
While Jane leaving Rafael behind to see if there is still a spark between her and Michael inJane the Virginis unbelievably aggravating, I do see the titular character’s point of view.Jane’s first marriage only ends because Michael is supposedly dead, and the reveal that her husband is still alive is aheartbreaking TV show plot twistthat still amazes me. She owes it to herself to find out if she and Michael have a chance, despite him living another life as Jason.
However, it’s shocking Jane does this to Rafael.She not only abandons the man she supposedly lovesbut also their son,and she’s confused as to why the two most important people in her life react so coldly to her upon her return.It takes a lot for Rafael to tell Jane that Michael is alive, and he has to trust that she loves him enough when doing this. It makes sense he is so hurt, especially because he wants to protect Mateo from more hurt, too.
5Send The Nukes Or Fry Earth’s Circuits
Paradise
“The Day” is hands downParadiseseason 1’s best episode, and I’m glad that Cal is redeemed in it. For years, Xavier believes that the President didn’t do anything to help get Teri on a plane to safety. However, Sinatra later reveals that Cal decided to use a secret EMP network to fry all of Earth’s electronic circuits, rather than activating the nuclear weapons in the remaining humans’ hope of scavenging whatever resources are left.
Sinatra tries to talk Cal out of this. While it makes sense that Cal does this, as it provides a small glimmer of hope to those who are far enough away from the explosions, it also seems a little cruel.
Sinatra knows she is safe, but she also knows that launching the nuclear weapons would also give Earth’s population a quick and less painful death, rather than those who remain slowly dying from starvation.It’s an impossible situation with two options that are just as depressing as the other, but one Cal ultimately has to make.
4Donna’s Breakup Story
That ’70s Show
WhenEric and Donna’s relationship inThat ‘70s Showfirst ends,both parties deal with their breakup in different ways.In the season 4 episode “Donna’s Story,” Donna writes a story for the school newspaper that resembles her relationship with Eric, but only to a certain degree. She uses symbolism and drama for the sake of her narrative, and it’s a creative way of processing her first real relationship coming to an end, but the events of the story aren’t literal.
While Eric’s reaction is a little over-the-top, it’s warranted as well. His classmates look at him differently because of Donna’s story, although him retaliating by writing his own is ridiculous.Donna is allowed to be hurt, especially as it’s Eric who chooses to end things, but she also villainizes things her ex did.For example, she makes out that Eric brutally kills Mr. Bonkers, when in reality, the cat’s death is a complete accident and something he feels awful about (despite taking his time to tell Donna about it.)
3Saving The Crew Of Bowie Base One
Doctor Who
The Flood creatures inDoctor Who’s “The Waters of Mars”pushes the Tenth Doctor to defy his own morals. When he decides to save the remaining crew members of Bowie Base One, despite their deaths being a significant point in human history, Captain Adelaide Brooke realizes the Time Lord is wrong. Despite her attempts to stop him, the Doctor succeeds and brings her, Mia, and Yuri back to Earth. Even though the Doctor acknowledges that his actions go against the laws of time,he’s adamant that they are his to control.
Adelaide cares about her family, but also the fate of humanity, and doesn’t see herself as someone significant enough to be able to alter history.
Adelaide commits suicide moments after her return to Earth in the last moments ofDoctor Who’s scariest episode from David Tennant’s era.She does this because she wants to ensure that her granddaughter will fulfill her destiny and birth the first of a new species with a Tandonian prince.Although Adelaide isn’t a time traveler, her short time with the Doctor allows her to quickly understand why fixed points in time are fixed. Adelaide cares about her family, but also the fate of humanity, and doesn’t see herself as someone significant enough to be able to alter history.
2Meredith Interfering With Derek’s Alzheimer’s Trial
Grey’s Anatomy
Derek’s Alzheimer’s trial inGrey’s Anatomyis a hugely important project to not just him, but also Meredith, seeing as his inspiration for doing so is Ellis Grey. When Webber’s wife, Adele, is accepted as a participant, Meredith switches the envelopes so she doesn’t receive the placebo.Meredith Grey’s career inGrey’s Anatomyis full of dramatic and unexpected moments, but this one stands out. Naturally, Derek is furious about this, but it can be argued that Meredith does this to try to help the Webbers, two people she cares deeply about.
However, it makes sense that this results in one ofthe two times Meredith Grey is fired inGrey’s Anatomy.Meredith’s actions not only go against her oath as a medical professional, but it also impacts Derek’s career, too. While Derek isn’t the one to interfere,Meredith altering the events of the trial discredits any of his work.Meredith is trying to be kind, but Derek’s response is absolutely fair, too.
1George Hiding His Illness From Charlotte
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
As Lady Whistledown explains,Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Storyis fiction inspired by fact.King George III’s illness in theBridgertonspinoffis something he attempts to hide from Queen Charlotte,fearing that his new bride will flee if she sees who he really is. It’s completely understandable that George keeps this under wraps. Mental health is a very private thing, and with George being a monarch, it’s essential that he continues to appear strong enough to lead a country.
However, even before themoment the mainBridgertoncouple fall in loveproperly, Charlotte constantly demonstrates that she is by George’s side, regardless of what happens. Charlotte brings out a different side of George,and it’s frustrating he doesn’t see how her influence makes him better.By sharing this part of his life with her, George could have a much easier time and more support. While Charlotte’s argument with Princess Augusta over being kept in the dark is justified, George’s decision to do so also makes sense.
