I hate Arthur
I know his character is supposed to be off putting - that's his "schtick". But man, I just find him so abrasive. And I find it really irritating how Carrie let's him be downright abusive to her and Doug.
shareWhat choice does Carrie have, really?
He's a 75- or 80-year-old guy. He will not be changing his ways any time soon. And he is her Dad.
What realistic choices does she have?
The show is very "realistic" (as far as a sit-com goes) in relaying the strained relationships (and conflicts) between a middle-aged daughter and her elderly father, for whom she is caring. (Not to mention, the son-in-law.)
Arthur, of course, has a personality of his own. As does Carrie.
They are both quite similar in personality. Hence, the conflicts.
But, Carrie has little choice other than to "put up with" Arthur and his shenanigans.
As I said, he is not going to change his ways at age 75-80.
The best Carrie can do is to "accept the situation" and to "not fight it".
A predicament to which she and Doug have pretty much resigned themselves.
Yes! Carrie and Arthur do have quite similar personalities. Carrie is her father's daughter.
They are both hilarious to me and played well off of each other.
The relationship and situations were obviously slightly exaggerated for TV, but they were also very realistic in showing the stubbornness and set in ways elderly people often have and how their children or loved ones put up with it!
Arthur is a perfect example of an elderly person who thinks they can say whatever they want to everyone because they are older - although I wouldn't be surprised if Arthur has ALWAYS said whatever he wanted to people :-)
Exactly.
Arthur is an obstinate and stubborn old man. Oblivious to the ways of the world.
I am quite sure he was exactly the same, when he was a younger man.
His personality did not surface overnight.
It was 80 years in the making!
"...a middle-aged daughter..."
During the run of the show, Leah Remini was twenty-eight to thirty-seven years old, and there's no indication that Carrie was supposed to be older. That's not "middle-aged".