So, let me first start off by saying I do enjoy this show. It is apple pie small town USA. However, there are a number of story lines I take issue with. First, I know abortion continues to be a hot button issue but clearly the writers are VERY anti-abortion. When an 18 year old is asking to get an abortion because her predatory piano teacher leaves her pregnant, the message of the show is clear; abortion is a sin. There is a Frank's attempt to assuage the audience into thinking they are trying to show "both sides" but the show ends with the doctor who performed the abortion going into a confessional saying forgive me father for I have sinned. Second, the depiction of depression and psychotropic medication is AWFUL. The message here is people who take medication are weak. Amy's father in fact gets upset when she asks to be placed on medication and initially refuses. When she then desperately goes behind his back he is furious and relents. The depiction of mental health and medication is antiquated and perpetuates stigma. The fact this is almost a twenty year old show does not excuse this problematic message.
That being said, i still watch this show and do enjoy it. Take it for what it is: white town USA.
That being said, i still watch this show and do enjoy it. Take it for what it is: white town USA.