The article critiques the portrayal of wealth in contemporary television, particularly exemplified by the show Mountainhead, which coincides with real-life issues of technology and wealth disparity. It argues that while the representation of wealthy antiheroes is on the rise, the broader issue pertains to the pervasive display of luxurious lifestyles that detracts from relatable storytelling. Examples include shows like The Better Sister and And Just Like That, where characters exist in a constant state of affluence, leaving viewers detached and preventing meaningful engagement with the narratives.
Gajjar's point is well made, but the truth might be a little more insidious than that. It's the rich, full stop.
If you watch enough TV, you might have noticed a slow creep of aspiration. Houses are getting bigger, and home furnishings are becoming universally luxe.
Characters in shows like The Better Sister or And Just Like That live in a heightened state of monied comfort, making them impossible to engage with.
Mountainhead, while entertaining, added to the issue of the wealth glut in television, reflecting broader themes of disconnected lifestyles amidst ongoing crises.
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