Merritt Wever’s Malaise in 'Godless': How Negative Performances Can Ruin TV Shows

In the television industry, a show can fall from grace due to the involvement of a particular actor or actress. Merritt Wever’s portrayal of Mary Agnes McNue in 'Godless' has become a point of contention, significantly impacting the viewer's experience of the series. This article explores how misrepresentative or underwhelming performances can alter the course of a show's success, using Wever's performance as an example.

The Impact of Negative Performances on TV Shows

The principle of actor performance as a pivotal factor in the success or failure of a television show is well-established. Many factors contribute to a show's success, including writing, direction, and overall production quality. However, actors' performances often hold a significant weight in influencing viewer engagement and satisfaction. When an actor's charisma is lacking or their portrayal is unsympathetic, the show can suffer.

Examples of Actors Ruining TV Shows

Several actors have been synonymous with negative impacts on TV shows in the past. For instance, Charlie Sheen's erratic behavior during filming of 'Two and a Half Men' contributed to the show's decline. Similarly, Megan Fox's role in 'Gone Girl' was criticized for its lack of depth and authenticity. Other notable examples include Katherine Heigl in 'My Best Friend's Wedding' and Terrence Howard in 'The Steve Harvey Show'. Additionally, Nina Dobrev's exit from 'The Vampire Diaries' was a significant pivotal moment for the show.

Specific Critique of Merritt Wever in 'Godless'

Recent viewers of 'Godless' may be familiar with Merritt Wever's performance as Mary Agnes McNue, a young childless widow in a New Mexico mining town. My initial three episodes in have left me unimpressed. Her character is often described as 'sullen and moody' with occasional 'grouchy' moments, but these behaviors are executed with little depth or variation. The character's surliness, for which Wever seems to have a knack, is seen as incredibly boring and frustrating.

Confidence and Performance

In a therapy interview, Wever herself admitted to being self-doubting during the shoot. This lack of confidence is reflected in her performance: "I spent so much of this shoot thinking I would come off as a fool that nobody would buy me as this and it wouldn’t be believable."

Experts in this industry have noted that theatrical confidence is crucial for a strong performance. Mature actors typically appear more natural and less guarded, providing a more engaging and believable experience for the audience. Wever's performance suffers from a lack of confidence, leading to a bland, uninspired portrayal that fails to make an impact.

Character Development and Sympathy

Further, beyond her confidence issues, Mary Agnes is an unlikable character. Arrogant, patronizing, and aggressive, she is described as a 'determined, pragmatic, and intrepid' widow with a penchant for bipartisan quests like hunting and wearing men's clothing. However, her behavior is often outrageous and unexplained. For instance, her relationship with the town’s hooker-turned-schoolmarm is particularly contentious and hard to digest.

Plot Contribution

The character serves little purpose beyond serving as a thorn in the side of the rest of La Belle's townswomen and a babysitter for her brother's children. She occasionally propels the plot forward, but this contribution is sporadic and often unsatisfying, such as when she strikes a deal with the Quicksilver Mining Company, sparking no real reaction other than the surface-level agreement in the scene.

Given her lack of dynamic motivations or relatable traits, Wever's character feels static and unengaging. Her inability to make Mary Agnes more sympathetic or relatable further compounds the issue, leaving viewers frustrated and disinterested.

Conclusion

The case of Merritt Wever's performance in 'Godless' highlights how an unconvincing actor can significantly tarnish a show's quality. While other aspects of the series may have merit, the constant portrayal of an unlikable and unmotivated character can severely impact the overall viewing experience. It serves as a reminder that while some shows can withstand major shake-ups, others, particularly ensemble casts, require uniformly strong performances to thrive.

If Wever can't transmit Mary Agnes's contradictions in a compelling way, viewers like me will be hard-pressed to find enjoyment in the series. My experience with the character suggests that improvement is necessary if the show and its creators hope to gain and maintain an engaged audience.