The icon says it all

[frayadjacent]

I don't have anything to say about this week's Person of Interest (3x09) that other people haven't already said, but seriously writers: KILLING OFF CHARACTERS MID SEASON IS NOT A NEW THING THAT YOU INVENTED.  It's not the brutally honest truth we deluded viewers need to get pushed out of our comfort zone (or to keep from getting bored).  Even Doogie Howser, MD killed off a character for chrissakes.  It is actually far, far less common to have a well-written, dynamic black female character who is developed carefully over multiple seasons, who gets interesting storylines, and whose actions and motivations aren't just there to prop up a white character.  And who FUCKING STAYS ON THE GODDAMN SHOW. 

Comments

[skieswideopen]

The problem, as I understand it, is that Taraji Henson wanted to leave. Of course, they could have had the FBI reconsider and let her join or something along those lines rather than killing her off (which I would have preferred), but it sounds like Carter staying on the show simply wasn't an option.

Which doesn't make it any less disappointing that she's gone. She was so, so awesome. :(

[frayadjacent]

Really? I was hoping that was the case, but the impression I've gotten from, e.g., this EW interview is that, while she did know going in that the role would only be a few seasons, and she was fine with that, it was the writers' decision for her to leave the show. I don't think she was trying to get out for a specific reason right now. If that were the case I'd feel better about it, though not totally.

[skieswideopen]

Hmm...she said in one of the interviews I read that she didn't generally commit to shows for more than two or three years, and that she wanted to go do movies while she was still getting calls. Unfortunately, I can't remember which interview that was.

ETA: Oh, it was this one. On second read, it doesn't sound like she necessarily asked to be written off, but it sounds like she might have asked soon? Or maybe she's just spinning. I don't know.

Disappointing either way.

[frayadjacent]

Disappointing for sure, but on a Doylist level I'm at least glad that Hensen appears to be happy with the arrangement. Because part of my problem is that really want more roles -- and more good roles -- for women of color actors.

Though in the other Doylist sense, I'm still annoyed by how self-satisfied the writers come off in their interviews, like killing a character is groundbreaking material.

Nice icon, BTW! :)

[cesperanza]

Yeah SERIOUSLY. THAT would be edgy! Keeping Carter going as awesomely as she's been--now THAT would be edgy!!!