Why do people quit watching when their fav. character leaves? ( Spoilers SG1/SGA)

[Cylean]

I did not stop seeing sg1 after doc Fraser got the axe nor when RDA left. But the show lost its quality, the writers were treating the viewers like they were some

Spoiler:

dumb-asses.

. The episodes lost tention, fun, charisma, deux ex machina in almost every episode? The show only got better when they finally canceled it because of bad ratings, like this was a really big suprise. You get that if you underestimate the viewers.

[ShadowMaat]

But the show lost its quality, the writers were treating the viewers like they were some dumb-asses.

I think the word you're looking for is "lemmings." Usually used in conjunction with words like "shrill" and "ill-informed."

I used to like the shout-outs to the fans but lately I've felt more like we're being insulted than cajoled. That makes me less inclined to be accommodating when changes I dislike are made. I don't know that I've ever stopped watching a show JUST because a favorite character was written off, but I've certainly stopped when I felt the writing turned to crap... and occasionally part of that has included the departure of a beloved character.

[Backwivthebaals]

It depends on what one finds the most compelling, their favorite character or the show as a whole. I know that if McKay left there wouldn't be much left for me to find interest in. IMO, Atlantis just isn't that stellar of a show overall thanks to simplistic plots and neglected characters.

How can you be "hurting yourself" if you stop watching a show that no longer interests you or engenders negative feelings? I would think that would be a positive thing.

simple really, we're talking about proper SG1 addicts who go into withdrawl if they aint watchin it

[Trialia]

It depends on what one finds the most compelling, their favorite character or the show as a whole. I know that if McKay left there wouldn't be much left for me to find interest in. IMO, Atlantis just isn't that stellar of a show overall thanks to simplistic plots and neglected characters.

How can you be "hurting yourself" if you stop watching a show that no longer interests you or engenders negative feelings? I would think that would be a positive thing.

IAWTP.

I watch Atlantis primarily for Elizabeth. Sure, I enjoy some of the banter, and I like Teyla, but I don't have enough affection for the rest of the cast without the character of Elizabeth Weir to be really interested in what the show may be without her.

[petemoretti]

Truthfully I didn't stop watching mid S9 because RDA left but because they didn't resolve my ship and I felt they're pushing towards Sam/Cam...

[Peoples_General]

Believe it or not... I actually watch the show for the good guys -vs- villains stories.

I never get too attached to any one character. I learned never to get too attached, when they killed off the Vorlon Ambassador "Kosh Naranek" from Babylon 5. I felt disappointed that they took out the most mysterious character in the show. But then they had another "Kosh" take his place, but this new one was like a militarist version of the first. What was cool was when the old Kosh came back and fought the new Kosh... both died though...

It's almost like when your in a relationship... don't do anything too much. Because if that person leaves you, at least the pain/anger won't be as bad.

As Ronon Dex said:"I try not to let things I can't change, bother me."

[Vala_M]

Well, what I meant is that if you're a big fan of the show and a certain actor and you quit watching because he/she left, then you're only hurting yourself BECAUSE you're missing out on the series because you aren't watching because of protest or something like that which won't work. I didn't mean if the only reason you watch is because of a certain actor, if that is the case, then my post doesn't apply to you. But here's a question to the people who only watch it to see their fav. actor. Why? If that is the only reason and you don't care about the show, why not just look at photos or something like that of this person instead?

I was never a fan of watching a show just because it had someone you like on it. Take AT's "Proof Positive" series back in 2004, I first watched it because AT was in it and I continued to watch it because it was an interesting show (I like paranormal activity type shows), if I hated the show, then I wouldn't have kept watching it. I hate that they canceled it though. Anyway, what I'm saying is, sure, bringing in big name actors like Mitch and RDA does bring in viewers, but if that is the only reason you watch the show and the show doesn't grow on you in time, then why bother watching at all then?

AGT58

[Night Spring]

But here's a question to the people who only watch it to see their fav. actor. Why? If that is the only reason and you don't care about the show, why not just look at photos or something like that of this person instead?

Well, seeing someone moving and speaking is a lot more interesting than just looking at their photos.

Whether or not I sit through a show I don't like in order to watch a favorite actor depends a great deal on how much I like the actor in question. I've found that I can sit through some pretty horrendous crap in order to see David Hewlett or RDA. But while I enjoy Michael Shanks and Joe Flanigan, I haven't exactly succeeded in sitting through horrible movies just to watch their performances.

[Trialia]

Well, seeing someone moving and speaking is a lot more interesting than just looking at their photos.

Whether or not I sit through a show I don't like in order to watch a favorite actor depends a great deal on how much I like the actor in question. I've found that I can sit through some pretty horrendous crap in order to see David Hewlett or RDA. But while I enjoy Michael Shanks and Joe Flanigan, I haven't exactly succeeded in sitting through horrible movies just to watch their performances.

Exactly. Your favourite actor being there helps you sit through crap -- that's exactly how I managed to watch the Atlantis episode "Irresistible", the one time that I did.

[Atlantis1]

I don't get sci-fi channel so I have to ask my sister to tape it for me. Sheppard was the character who won me over to watching the show. While I have loved watching the series if they remove Sheppard there is no use to have my sister tape it. I would probably at that point wait for the dvd sets to come out to watch the show. The characters to a huge degree make the show what it is so without them or if they are replaced then the show becomes a new series and not the one I love.

[ShadowMaat]

Well, what I meant is that if you're a big fan of the show and a certain actor and you quit watching because he/she left, then you're only hurting yourself BECAUSE you're missing out on the series because you aren't watching because of protest or something like that which won't work.

I don't think there are many who are quitting a show they love solely because a character they like is written off. Most people either have other issues with the show which makes it easier for them to stop watching or they love the show enough to keep watching in spite of the loss. People might SAY they're going to stop watching and they may even stop for a while, but if they really do still like the show, most of them will come back. At least in my experience.

It's kinda like all those people who scream and rail about being horribly mistreated here on Gateworld and how rotten everyone is and they're leaving FOREVER and you'll NEVER see them again... but the next day they're still posting. Some of 'em might make it a couple of days or even a week or so, but for the most part they only SAY they're leaving, but their love of the forum (or whatever) brings them back.

[Night Spring]

It's kinda like all those people who scream and rail about being horribly mistreated here on Gateworld and how rotten everyone is and they're leaving FOREVER and you'll NEVER see them again... but the next day they're still posting. Some of 'em might make it a couple of days or even a week or so, but for the most part they only SAY they're leaving, but their love of the forum (or whatever) brings them back.

And then there are those who just leave, often without saying anything, and nobody really notices that they've left.

[Trialia]

TBH, I've just lost interest in SGA since learning the casting spoilers for the new season. Normally I obtain episodes before they air in England and watch them as soon as I get them, but I haven't bothered for a few weeks now.

[ShadowMaat]

And then there are those who just leave, often without saying anything, and nobody really notices that they've left.

Yup. And likewise there are fans who just stop watching the show without making a big production out of it. But the quiet fans aren't the ones being discussed... because no one knows to discuss them.

[ToasterOnFire]

Speaking of checking attitudes, who are YOU to decide who is and isn't a fan?

You know how Godwin's Law states that a thread is finished if Nazis or Hitler are ever mentioned? We need to name the Law that states that a thread is finished as soon as it devolves into this "true fan" nonsense.

[Peoples_General]

Just edited my previous post to emphasize on a line Ronon stated duing that episode, that some fans might've missed...

[prion]

You answered your own question. For some people, one actor/character IS the reason they watch. After all, there were a number of RDA fans who quit SG fandom/watching the show when RDA left. They ONLY watched the show because RDA was in it.

If the show no longer interests a viewer for whatever reason, why waste the time to watch it?

[ShadowMaat]

You know how Godwin's Law states that a thread is finished if Nazis or Hitler are ever mentioned? We need to name the Law that states that a thread is finished as soon as it devolves into this "true fan" nonsense.

Toaster's Law: "The longer a fandom discussion continues, the greater the chances that someone will mention what constitutes a real/true fan. Once this occurs the discussion is rendered null and void."

Close enough?

The ONLY determining factor in whether or not someone is a fan is how that individual chooses to label him/herself. If I say I'm a fan, I am one. End of story.

[HyperCaz]

heheh true-fanness. Are they saying that despite seeing every SG1 and SGA episode aired and growing up on the former, that I am not a true fan because Carson was the apple of my eye?

I kept watching SG1 past season 8 but I wished I hadn't (like a moth to a flame...). To me, Jack WAS the show. I know that sounds stupid and I don't thunk him or anything. I loved all the characters and plots but without the Jackisms and his presence, the show lost...itself.

Spoiler:

While Carson wasn't such a key player as Jack was to SG1, I still felt that he had a irreplaceable role on SGA. I haven't stopped watching the show, but I have stopped caring. Atlantis has a few good plots and characters (some are great characters ) but Paul was the reason I kept tuning in each week, no matter how wonky the plots got. Apart from being attractive his character brought a much needed sensitive side to the show. Without this angle, I care less.

I started watching the show for explosions and amusing character interactions. I became attached to a character who made it all worthwhile. Now the show has lost a meaning for me to watch.

I will buy the season 3 DVD boxset, but I'll avoid s4.

[nowvoyager908]

I'd like to throw my two cents into the discussion. Every fan has his or her reason for watching SGA. In my case, as great as the action and production values might be, I can’t connect with any program unless I can connect with the characters and the actors playing them. I like the entire SGA cast and when the storylines were less than engrossing, that is what kept me watching. I enjoyed their chemistry and I wanted to see that dynamic explored more, not less. In three years, SGA has killed off one major character, sent one to recurring limbo and is about to do the same to another. IMHO cast chemistry has been blow to bits. Add the prospect of a “soft reset” (whatever the hell that means, but I don’t think it a stretch to infer a completely new direction), and basically you’ve got a show that has little to do with what I sat down to watch three years ago. Natural evolution is one thing; slash and burn is something else entirely.

Obviously there are a lot of fans who will watch regardless, who are willing to go along for the ride and see what happens. More power to them. I don’t question why they are so trusting of a writing staff that seems to be in serious search of a clue. But there a lot of us who have had our good will and loyalty stretched to the limit and these latest moves are just the final straw. It is as simple as that.

Rant over.