There is makeup that can cover tattoos.I'm more inclined to think they just don't want to do it. I've always maintained there was a little bias going on when it came to the characters. I know there are some that say the writers can't be biased,but they have proven to me that that's not true.
I'm still sending in feedback at least on a weekly basis,sometimes more often.
I have to agree with the bias part.
I like to think I'm generally pretty good at keeping things in perspective. But no matter how hard I try to shake it, I always get the feeling that either the writers have something serious against Ryan, or that they just haven't taken the time to figure out what they want to do with his character. (And thus tend to treat him more like a backup plan or whipping-boy rather than the well loved main character that he is.)
Same here, I really do think it's a little of both,the writers having something against him and they can't seem to figure out what they want.Instead of building on the character that was first introduced,the writers keep changing him a bit .We all remember he was smart,dedicated,eager to work and please and not afraid to stand his ground when he started. He seemed a little geeky,and of course he was also OCD,all great for good storylines and a good character.The writers started out so well with Ryan,but I could see a change by the end of his very first season. I have my own ideas why this was done,and yes he does seem to be treated like a whipping boy.