I hate Leela

[on:]

Anyone else feel the same?

I know she's obviously an important character to the show, but, IMO:
- She contradicts herself way too often
- She takes Fry for granted and treats him poorly
- She barely has any funny lines
- She's boring
- She's stuck-up
- She's patronising
- She's rude
- She's depressingly morbid

These reasons, especially the first, make her one of the least likable characters for me, and possibly the worst of the main 7.

And it's nothing to do with her being a female character either, because I really like Amy and rank her much higher.

Anyone else feel the same?

[Reply #1 on:]

This thread needs a poll.

[Reply #2 on:]

No, I like Leela. And I like Amy too (Probably more than Leela actually).

I'm not really into a lot of the Leela episodes, but I do like her character.

I know this is a Leela thread, but may I ask why you like Amy more? I happen to notice all you posted were Leela's bad points, I'm interested to know if you think she has good points, and if Amy has more of them.

EDIT: I just realized I didn't post what I thought of Leela as a character, but Sof and MYK summed up my feelings on her.

[Reply #3 on:]

Of corse not,I don't hate her sometimes I can't stand her because she's very unfair with everyone else also what you said she contradicts herself often,but in general I like her,all depends if she gets a good writter,well Leela can be cute character.I dunno I like to see her act as a big sister for everyone.

Also,all the bullying that she got in her childhood,made me respect her,Leela had a hard life.

[Reply #4 on:]

There was a similar thread here a while ago.

Leela's certainly no saint, and she does some quite dislikable things from time to time, but when all is said and done, I think she's still a good-natured, morally sound person who has her heart in the right place. If anything, her faults and failings make her a realistic character.


As for some of your points,

- She contradicts herself way too often How so?
- She takes Fry for granted and treats him poorly In previous episodes, I understand this complaint, but I don't think that was out of her being cold, just nervous and uncertain about the future.
- She barely has any funny lines True, but comedy needs a "straight man" sometimes. She could be funnier but I feel like her "all-business" personality is effective in enhancing some jokes.
- She's boring She drives a lot of plots because she's probably the most devoted to her job at Planet Express.
- She's stuck-up I don't get this vibe from her.

[Reply #5 on:]

About the contradiction thing,well I think I can see it,I mean she is supposed to love and care about animals in early seasons but then we see her trying to kill a whale in Möbius Dick. 

[Reply #6 on:]

- She contradicts herself way too often How so?

There's a trope for that!

[Reply #7 on:]

About the contradiction thing,well I think I can see it,I mean she is supposed to love and care about animals in early seasons but then we see her trying to kill a whale in Möbius Dick.  

Yeah this is one example. Another example more recently is the latest episode where she purposely objectified herself infront of those prisoners, whereas in previous episodes, she is disgusted by things like that (for example in parasites lost). It's just little things like that really that I was referring to.

[Reply #8 on:]

There was a similar thread here a while ago.

Leela's certainly no saint, and she does some quite dislikable things from time to time, but when all is said and done, I think she's still a good-natured, morally sound person who has her heart in the right place. If anything, her faults and failings make her a realistic character.


As for some of your points,

- She contradicts herself way too often How so?
- She takes Fry for granted and treats him poorly In previous episodes, I understand this complaint, but I don't think that was out of her being cold, just nervous and uncertain about the future.
- She barely has any funny lines True, but comedy needs a "straight man" sometimes. She could be funnier but I feel like her "all-business" personality is effective in enhancing some jokes.
- She's boring She drives a lot of plots because she's probably the most devoted to her job at Planet Express.
- She's stuck-up I don't get this vibe from her.

Fair point about her being a more straight, serious character. You're right, comedy needs that. I just could do with some funny moments from her though. I can't really remember many at all.

[Reply #9 on:]

may I ask why you like Amy more? I happen to notice all you posted were Leela's bad points, I'm interested to know if you think she has good points, and if Amy has more of them.

To be honest I think it's just a case of Amy having less bad points. I don't find her as contraditive or boring as Leela, and I find her generally more bubbly and likable. True, Amy is no saint. And she can patronise Leela's looks etc. But I think it's because Amy is so dim that this makes me take her less seriously.

I also find Amy to have funnier moments than Leela. Although not a totally funny character, Amy has made me laugh out loud at least a few times, mainly with her dim klutzy lines, and her Cantonese cursing.

Edit: Leela's good points? Well, as mentioned, the fact that she is so grounded gives us that balance that we need. And she has had a hard life indeed, therefore has an interesting backstory. I just think she lacks in the comedy department though. One thing I did like though was Leela's disgust of Zapp. But that was kind of ruined in 'in a gadda da leela'.

[Reply #10 on:]

poorly
- She barely has any funny lines
- She's boring
- She's patronising
- She's rude

One word: HI-YAA!

Ya know, you can edit your posts so you won't have to post trice in a row:3

This thread needs a poll.

I second that


Also: Leela can be rude at times, and actually quite an annoying character. .. She does add a lot to the story and the whole show (and not only cus: main character) I didn't like her in the start, now I actually do appreciate her:)

[Reply #11 on:]

I think Leela has gotten better as a character. Aside from some contradiction (I.e. the prisoner thing in the last episode) she has really calmed down and gotten less serious. It's probably because she's dating Fry and his habits have rubbed off on her, in a good way. I find that she's more likable now, to me at least, because she's less bossy and seems like she wants to have more fun like Fry and Bender do.

[Reply #12 on:]

I don't genuinely hate any fictional character. It seems stupid to me.

[Reply #13 on:]

Leela has been established as a hypocrite from the very first season, so contradictions are to be expected. It's part of her character.

I'd agree with all your other points except perhaps "Boring" and "Takes advantage of Fry". However; none of these really make her a bad character. If anything, they make her a stronger, more believable character because nobody's perfect.

I think the writers have actually done a really good job of making Leela more likable recently. She seems to slip out with more jokes and less nagging than before season 7.

[Reply #14 on:]

I think Leela has always had something of whimsy in her, just that it's been played up more in this run. Not that I'm counting how many times she mentions desserts or anything, but back in "Time Keeps on Skippin'" she tells Bender she wants to lick the beaters, in "A Farewell to Arms" Fry mentions to Bender how she's great because she always has room for dessert, and in "31st Century Fox," she eats everyone's ice cream and blames it on a bear. Someone who enjoys dessert that much can't be all business, all the time.

[Reply #15 on:]

I actually really like Leela. Like others here have said, I appreciate that she's flawed and think that those flaws make her a stronger, more sympathetic character.

I know she's obviously an important character to the show, but, IMO:
- She contradicts herself way too often
- She takes Fry for granted and treats him poorly
- She barely has any funny lines
- She's boring
- She's stuck-up
- She's patronising
- She's rude
- She's depressingly morbid

The only one of your points I fully agree with is that she contradicts herself too often, but as UrL said, she's been established as a hypocrite from the beginning. I also agree with MYK that whenever she seemingly took Fry for granted, it wasn't due to a true lack of caring about him but instead that she was uncertain of their futures. I also see her as having abandonment issues, and her fear of getting too attached to him in case he became tired of her may have caused her to come across as cold or ambivalent toward Fry.

I would also disagree that she's boring and has no funny lines. I think she's been funny before, such as when she set Zapp's flowers on fire in AWITM. Also, even though she's the "straight man," I don't think she's boring. Like AllEggs said, she has a certain whimsy, and I think her flaws (hypocritical, a bit too bloodthirsty,  etc.) make her more interesting.

As far as being stuck-up, I don't really see that at all. I do agree that she can be patronizing, but I believe she usually only has that attitude with Fry and Bender when they're being very lazy or immature. I suppose she can be rude sometimes, but I don't think she is anymore so than the rest of the characters.
I don't really see where she's been very depressing or morbid either.

[Reply #16 on:]

I think Leela has always had something of whimsy in her, just that it's been played up more in this run. Not that I'm counting how many times she mentions desserts or anything, but back in "Time Keeps on Skippin'" she tells Bender she wants to lick the beaters, in "A Farewell to Arms" Fry mentions to Bender how she's great because she always has room for dessert, and in "31st Century Fox," she eats everyone's ice cream and blames it on a bear. Someone who enjoys dessert that much can't be all business, all the time.

Can't forget about eating two meals in "The late Phillip J. Fry"... twice!

[Reply #17 on:]

Leela's a cool character.    There is absolutely nothing wrong with her.  Sure, she was flaws like all the others do.   Scruffy's the one who should have tentacles and locked in a cage!

[Reply #18 on:]

Leela's a cool character.    There is absolutely nothing wrong with her.  Sure, she was flaws like all the others do.   Scruffy's the one who should have tentacles and locked in a cage!

Well...Scruffy didn't do anything.
But stare at Leela's fine rack.

[Reply #19 on:]

- She takes Fry for granted and treats him poorly

Not Really anymore  :/

[Reply #20 on:]

How do you hate Leela? She doesn't treat Fry badly, and how the hell is she morbid? Last time I checked, she doesn't sit around talking about death and sorrow.

[Reply #21 on:]

I really don't think there's anything wrong with Leela, I may just be starting to know the show but, I know that she isn't "boring". I mean she's a freakin mutant with one eye, in the future, with purple hair. I'm afraid you have the wrong definition of boring.
And she can be slightly rude, but that's to enhance the opinions throughout the show with the audience.

For instance, If Fry thinks something is awesome, while some audience members think it's dumb, then Leela might share her opinion that some of the audience could agree with to make the show have a range in the variety of opinions. Personally, I think it was quite smart for the makers of futurama to give Leela a sassy, hard to get, lovable personality.

[Reply #22 on:]

I don't really have a problem with her either. I mean, I guess she does contradict herself at times, but she's essential to the show. She can be funny at times, too.

[Reply #23 on:]

I don't really have a problem with her either. I mean, I guess she does contradict herself at times, but she's essential to the show. She can be funny at times, too.

Yes. Still, someone please tell me how she's morbid. Please?

[Reply #24 on:]

I don't really have a problem with her either. I mean, I guess she does contradict herself at times, but she's essential to the show. She can be funny at times, too.

Yes. Still, someone please tell me how she's morbid. Please?

The times where she's morbid are usually the times highlighting her hypocrisy.

For example, she compared her attempt to squash Mr. Peppy in "Fry Am The Egg Man" to "stomping on a puppy". Normally she'd be pro-puppy, but she's a very fickle-minded woman.

Also, she was very persistent in trying to save the fox in "31st Century Fox", but as soon as she found it that it was a robot being torn to bits, she kind of went "Actually... I don't care anymore." Similarly, she wanted to rescue the desert muck leech in ITWGY, but made no hesitation to stomp (and laser) it into oblivion.

Overall though, "morbid" isn't a word I'd generally use to describe Leela. Someone like Bender, Professor or even Hermes would better suit that description.

[Reply #25 on:]

What would you like to see happen to Leela?  This?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNRmP5WIKrc


Just a joke. 

[Reply #26 on:]

Get her own range of ice cream? Sure, why not?

[Reply #27 on:]

What would you like to see happen to Leela?  This?

Hating Leela is usually not a motive for "wishing something happen to her", as this would still leave the character on screen. A dislike for Leela is rather manifested in a "Keep her away from the story as much as possible, and let other characters handle the plot" opinion.

Take Police Academy as comparison:
Harris and Proctor were constantly the butt of most jokes.
Yet, these two were also the most popular characters, BECAUSE of the things happening to them.

[Reply #28 on:]

Similarly, she wanted to rescue the desert muck leech in ITWGY, but made no hesitation to stomp (and laser) it into oblivion.

Don't you think the fact that it was painfully sucking out her blood at the time is a kind of important point?

But she overcomes that to let the leech live off her for most of the movie.

And then the thing is revealed as an evil entity intending to destroy all life. Pity such a large reset button was pushed at the beginning of Season 6, they could have really played up her guilt about that...

I almost wrote a fanfic about that, but didn't have time to develop it...

[Reply #29 on:]

I think the contradictions make her a more real and better character and less of a one note archetype.  All the Futurama characters have the right combination of selfish self interest and caring for their friends.  Her lack of funny lines is because she's the straight-man (straight-person) setting up jokes for the others. 

[Reply #30 on:]

I like her personalities. She's a jealous type i know but the face she makes when she's jealous is cute for me. And her hair type, is my favourite type. All of them.

[Reply #31 on:]

I really don't understand how a person can hate a fictional character. But if I could understand that, then furthermore, I don't understand why people find Leela hateful. From what I've read on other threads, it seems like many cite that she kept turning Fry down. So...if you are attracted to someone and make those feelings known, do you automatically dislike him/her when he/she does not reciprocate the attraction?

I think the more reasonable stance about a fictional character would be, is she an effective one? Does she enhance the story universe? Of course, without a doubt Leela does that.

[Reply #32 on:]

I really don't understand how a person can hate a fictional character.

You once understood, young padawan:

I'm sorry, but this poll is rather ridiculous. I guess I don't take TV seriously enough where I downright hate an imaginary person. I think the better way of posing the question is, who is the least effective and least relevant character in the series?

Well, of course it does not make sense to hate a fictional person.
Yet, there are certain characters who do not only add nothing valuable to a show/movie. There are some with the potential to downright ruin the whole thing.

E.g. let us look at Star Wars: Jar Jar Binks was for many people not just a character who did not add anything positive to the movie. He was also seen as something so unfitting that he managed to drag the whole movie down. A character that is considered so pointless/annoying that people would consider that characters complete absence as a gain to the show.

That (completely legitimate) opinion qualifies as "hate" in my eyes.

Yousa make a very very bombad point. Missa isa very very annoy character. He definita detract from da movie, but it was no bombad inda first place.

[Reply #33 on:]

Oh, yeah, I remember that. All posting is circular. I basically said the same thing almost a year ago. Lemme just slow down and shoot Hitler from the time machine, instead of stopping.

[Reply #34 on:]

I really don't understand how a person can hate a fictional character. But if I could understand that, then furthermore, I don't understand why people find Leela hateful. From what I've read on other threads, it seems like many cite that she kept turning Fry down. So...if you are attracted to someone and make those feelings known, do you automatically dislike him/her when he/she does not reciprocate the attraction?

I've noticed that, too, sparky, and it's always irritated me. Even though he has done wonderful things for her, she was under no obligation to go out with him simply because he's sweet and devoted to her. I've also heard people claim that she's lead him on, which I don't see at all. In the first four seasons, she was quite blunt that she wanted to be friends only; even in season 6 when they were on-again-off-again, I never had the impression she was intentionally leading him on or using him. In my opinion, she was just insecure, likely due to her upbringing at the orphanarium and possible abandonment issues, and maybe a bit callous. The only instance I really thought she was nasty was in FATEM when she was flirting with McZongo; however, Fry slept with the mayor's wife in Ghost in the Machines, so I can't give her much flak for mere flirting.

Also, I've gotten the impression that many people don't focus on the times Fry's been less than charming, such as in TKOS when he made that time-proof shelter. That was downright creepy in my opinion and would have really turned me off as well. Furthermore, the way he always talked about trying to "make" her love him often came across as stalker-ish at worst and obnoxious at best.

Many people may disagree with this as well, but in addition, I wouldn't be surprised if she thought he would get bored and dump her shortly after they started a relationship. I had this thought because prior to Leela, he seemed to really only have one night stands and brief relationships without much depth. He wouldn't intend to hurt her, but I don't think it would be unreasonable for her to think he may become tired of her after he's "made her love him" due to his immaturity. The audience sees how much he loves her, but we've seen actions of his she wasn't privy to, such as his love note in TKOS or getting rid of the worms (she knew he got rid of them, but she never saw that he had to risk his life or the danger he placed himself in for her).

I'm absolutely not saying I dislike Fry or think Leela's perfect; I love Fry's character just as much as Leela and recognize that she has many flaws. I just think she's frequently judged way more harshly than he is.

[Reply #35 on:]

I think the kind of people who say they don't like Leela because she wouldn't go out with Fry or because she "led him on" (which is ridiculous) are probably the kind of entitled misogyinists who think that they "deserve" affection or sexual favours from women merely because they said some nice things to them once.

I also agree with Donaldbain that Leela's flaws and contradictions are what make her a more real and believable character.

[Reply #36 on:]

Some people don't like Leela because she's a hypocrite.

Flaws and undesirable attributes don't make a bad character, however, or an unbelievable one -- just an individual who would have difficulty remaining likable in real life.

[Reply #37 on:]

I love Leela.

[Reply #38 on:]

I love Leela.

You, sir, have just won this thread.

[Reply #39 on:]

I love Leela.

This.