MovieChat Forums > Six Feet Under (2001) Discussion > David abusive towards Keith?

David abusive towards Keith?

posted 8 years ago by mizkex
3 replies | jump to latest

Not physically, but emotionally and mentally.

I don't think David is a bad person, or even bad in terms of a member of the family, but I hate how he always has to have total control over Keith. I'm up to season 5 where Keith and David are hosting Durell and Anthony and they've just broken the PS2.

Keith always came to his rescue, and shortly there after David would return to criticizing him for being too angry or too insensitive.
Keith defended himself and too often had to defend David, because he couldn't do it himself. David put so many expectations over
him and would frequently emotionally blackmail him into getting his way. At least that's what it seems to me.

I'm surprised no one else has brought this up, as David is nowhere to be found on the annoying characters thread.
I don't hate David, but he's so inconsiderate with Keith but too lacking in self awareness to make it manipulation and it seems he knows deep down how to play Keith like a wind up doll.

Am I the only one who thinks this?

[–] Jennie_Portrait 8 years ago

I agree that Keith was a wonderful man. But he and David had a very symbiotic relationship. Look he was a cop and a lot of people go into that profession precisely because they want to save people. I agree that David could be needy and annoying at times, but he was well matched with Keith.

___________________________________
Never say never...

[–] asktheages 8 years ago

They both fed off of each other's insecurities and weaknesses, you can't really single one out as being this horrible person and the other a saint. However, I think Keith was more consistently in the wrong. I mean, Keith was definitely too angry and insensitive. Just as David was too needy and controlling, Keith had major anger problems he took out on David, wasn't comfortable discussing his feelings, and was generally almost impossible to please. They both got a lot better by the end of the series, but I think if either of them were to be called emotionally abusive, it'd be Keith. David, while OCD/controlling, still assumed the more subservient role in the relationship, while Keith unconsciously stepped up and dominated David, making him walk on eggshells much like Keith's own father did to him. But, just like real life, it's complicated and no one is either entirely good or bad.

[–] LetsDriveSomewhere 8 years ago

Yes, Ball even said he wanted to explore a relationship where there was love, but required a lot of work on a consistent basis. My marriage is similar, so I certainly relate. Nobody could point at either one of us as blameless or to blame.