Charles E. Cullen: Worst Television Shows Ever Made?

The shocking death of Elam Ferguson in “Hell on Wheels” at the hands of Cullen Bohannon has sparked debate among viewers. Was this a necessary tragedy or a poorly written plot twist? Some argue that the brutal depiction of Elam’s mental health struggles and his eventual demise was gratuitous and unnecessary, potentially landing the show among the worst television shows ever made.

Elam’s descent into madness after suffering a severe head injury was portrayed realistically, highlighting the lack of understanding and treatment for mental illness in the 19th century. However, the decision to have Bohannon, his closest friend, mercy kill him was controversial. Many viewers felt that this act betrayed the deep bond between the two characters and undermined Bohannon’s previous attempts at redemption.

The aftermath of Elam’s death was equally disturbing. The townspeople, unable to comprehend his mental state, quickly dismissed him as a madman. This erasure of Elam’s true character and his contributions to the railroad added another layer of tragedy to the story. The lack of any real justice or recognition for Elam further fueled the criticism of the show’s writers.

The impact of Elam’s death on the remaining characters, particularly Bohannon and Eva, was profound. Bohannon’s grief and guilt were palpable, leading him to question his own morality and future. Eva’s devastation at the loss of her love and the father of her child was equally heartbreaking. Some argue that the show’s writers failed to adequately explore the psychological consequences of these events, opting for sensationalism over nuanced character development.

The brutality of the scene, coupled with the perceived lack of narrative justification, led some viewers to label “Hell on Wheels” as one of the worst television shows ever made. The criticism centered on the gratuitous violence and the seemingly arbitrary decision to kill off a beloved character. While acknowledging the historical context of the story, critics argued that the show’s creators could have found a more meaningful and less shocking way to address Elam’s mental health issues.

The controversy surrounding Elam’s death raises questions about the responsibility of television writers to portray sensitive topics with care and avoid exploiting tragedy for shock value. While some viewers appreciated the show’s willingness to tackle difficult themes, others felt that it crossed the line into gratuitous violence and poor storytelling. Ultimately, whether “Hell on Wheels” deserves to be ranked among the worst television shows ever made remains a matter of individual opinion. However, the strong reactions to Elam’s death underscore the importance of thoughtful and responsible storytelling in television.