When Shows Center the WORST Characters

Main Argument

Some indie animated shows lose their original appeal when they shift focus toward characters who are difficult to sympathize with, while neglecting the premises and other characters that first drew viewers in.

Shows Discussed

The Amazing Digital Circus

The narrator feels the show began as an ensemble story about existential dread and being trapped in the circus, but increasingly centers on Jax. They criticize the gap between the story’s insistence that Jax is awful and its apparent expectation that Pomni—and the audience—extend him empathy without enough groundwork.

They suggest giving Pomni more meaningful relationships with Zooble, Gangle, and Ragatha first, so her eventual struggle to reach Jax would feel earned. They also caution against letting criticism discourage writers from creating irredeemable queer characters.

Helluva Boss

The narrator was initially drawn to the show’s chaotic hitman premise and heartfelt undertones, but feels the main series shifted toward Blitzø and Stolas’s troubled romance. Later shorts return to the IMP’s Earth missions, yet don’t recapture the first season’s appeal for them.

The narrator jokes that their biggest complaint about The Amazing Digital Circus might actually be that its theme song isn’t in every episode. They also praise Milky Melodies for continuing to make songs despite online criticism.

Broader Point

Stories can evolve, but a shift may feel jarring when the original setup is abandoned, character focus becomes lopsided, or the narrative asks viewers to sympathize with characters who mistreat others without earning that sympathy.

The narrator contrasts this with Amphibia, whose seasons change in style while maintaining the show’s central themes and character focus. They stress that this kind of criticism isn’t unique to indie animation, and that their own critiques aren’t intended as a personal vendetta.

People and Characters Mentioned

• Personalities: Sheriff Lasso (the narrator), Gooseworx, Vivienne Medrano (VivziePop), and Milky Melodies
• Characters: Pomni, Jax, Ragatha, Zooble, Gangle, Blitzø, and Stolas