Okay. I'm really becoming concerned about where they are going with Horatio. Watching the writers on this show destroy other characters to the point where I can't stand to even see them in a scene, really has me worried about what their planning is for Horatio.
Their first mistake was getting rid of Megan, or at least a character like her. While I didn't see it at the time, because I don't think it was necessary at the beginning, Horatio REALLY needs someone to get in his face and tell him the truth.
Megan kept Horatio in check. While I didn't care for the character, she served an important function. She kept Horatio honest and made him see the other side - not just his. Apparently Calleigh "looked up" to Horatio too much in the beginning to fill that position and in the last 4 years she's been so focused on her sex life she has no clue what Horatio's been doing. If she truly is his second-in-command, she should be the one calling him on his unacceptable behavior. Maybe she doesn't because on a couple of occasions her boyfriend has been a willing participant!
Their second was getting rid of Stetler. While Horatio and Rick had a "strained" relationship, Rick kept an eye on Horatio. And we certainly could use him right now. Rick was becoming more and more human as the years went by. He demonstrated a real understanding and compassion for the team and Horatio at times. There were even hints that he and Horatio might be able to work together regarding Ron Saris.
The only show I can think of at this point that comes close to the leader taking the law into his/her own hands like this is NCIS' Gibbs has been known on occasion to step outside what is acceptable. But it is rare and when it happens the writers on that show are able to get the information to the viewer in a subtle, quiet manner that allows the character to retain his dignity.
Not with Horatio. It is always delivered in a testostrone driven, threatening manner that, at this point, has most viewers rolling their eyes and saying, "Jeez! Not again!"
Through the years the writers have chisled away at the respect the viewers started out with for, what used to be, a unique character. That respect has been eroding for years. While he is still unique, it's for a different reason. He is possibly the only police officer in a position of authority who is over and over again showing a complete disregard for the law. Yep. That's unique and quite distasteful when it a repeated occurrance.
The writers on this show seem to love to destroy the dignity and integrity of their best characters. What they don't realize that once it's destroyed it can never really be restored in the eyes of a lot of viewers. To do that to your lead character is at the least problematic and at the most can lead to the show's demise.
I do wonder this, however. Will Horatio being out of control tie in to the introduction of a possible love interest we've heard about from TPTB? Will she be a new boss (since we know that they don't care about superior/subordinant relationships), take Stetler's place or, possibly be the mental health professional that Horatio really should be seeing at this point.
I'm really hopeful that they get where they are going with this issue and end it. I'm really tired of watching a character whose whole persona in the beginning was a devotion and respect for the law he was sworn to uphold and an integrity that was unmatched by any other character on television.
Bring that Horatio back. This character deserves better. The writers need to find a better way to get the character where they want him to be. The destruction of the character to accomplish their goal, again, is unacceptable.
Happy Birthday David
