This is certainly bleak, but it’s tough to argue that it isn’t true. I suppose some solace might be had by remembering that each of these shows had, somewhere in its storyline, a few characters who tried to do the right thing, or at least held onto their loyalties or their love. That didn’t always bring them peace or happiness, and it may have gotten them killed.

But without them, I’m not sure these shows would have been tolerable. And isn’t that what we have to do in America right now? Fend off utter despair by clinging to hope, and trying to do the right thing, and looking for leaders who might do that, too?.