Boy Meets World actress Trina McGee recently revealed her thoughts on the character dynamics within the beloved series, suggesting that Cory Matthews, played by Ben Savage, exhibited more toxic traits than commonly recognized. Airing on ABC from 1993 to 2000, the show followed Cory as he navigated the complexities of growing up, including his romance with Topanga Lawrence (Danielle Fishel) and his friendship with the notorious womanizer Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong). Over its seven-season run, the show tackled a multitude of adolescent themes, leading to pivotal developments in both friendship and romantic relationships.
On her Instagram, McGee defended her character Angela and made a compelling case for Shawn, refuting claims that he was the toxic character in the narrative. She contrasted Shawn’s flaws with what she perceives as Cory’s more significant red flags, noting that Shawn’s one instance of aggression—when he drunkenly pushed Angela—should not overshadow the obsessive tendencies displayed by Cory. McGee’s comments emphasize the complexity of both characters and contribute to a deeper understanding of their dynamics.
I hear this a lot. “Shawn is the toxic one.”Why is he really the toxic one? Is he really the toxic one? Just because he might have pushed Angela one time? That was one time! One time, okay? And he got over his drinking problem really, really quick. Let’s just think about who is toxic and who is not. If you have a totally obsessive guy after you, or always just, I don’t know, I feel like Cory’s more toxic. Maybe I need to look inside myself about what it…no! No! Shawn is not toxic, okay? Shawn was just working through his stuff. There’s toxic, and then there’s real. Shawn was real. I don’t think he was toxic. I don’t know. I’m racking my brain.
The Implications for Boy Meets World
McGee’s Observations on Cory’s Character
The classification of toxic behaviors among the characters in Boy Meets World remains subjective, as both Cory and Shawn demonstrate personality traits that can be interpreted negatively. Originally a family-oriented sitcom, the series evolved into a more dramatic narrative, especially with the introduction of McGee’s character. Importantly, the show tackled significant issues, such as domestic violence and substance abuse, although some of these plot lines, like Shawn’s battle with alcoholism, were resolved rather quickly, potentially glossing over the severity of these topics.
Additionally, Cory’s relationship with Topanga is revealed to have underlying complexities that belied the show’s often-nostalgic portrayal. Their relationship fluctuated, marked by Cory’s jealousy and infidelity, which often served as comedic elements rather than serious considerations of relationship health. However, when the sequel series, Girl Meets World, was produced, Cory and Topanga were presented as having achieved a more stable and loving marriage.
Analysis of McGee’s Perspectives
A Perspective on Aging Themes
As a defining show of the ’90s, Boy Meets World continues to provoke discussions about its character portrayals and story arcs. Given that the series consists of 158 episodes, it’s unsurprising that some elements haven’t aged well, as is often the case with long-running programs. For example, Shawn’s struggle with alcohol was insufficiently addressed, even as it aimed to resonate with young viewers dealing with serious issues.
While McGee rightly highlights the toxic behaviors exhibited by Cory, it’s essential to acknowledge that Shawn also faced his set of challenges and flaws. The series often amplified these qualities for comedic or dramatic effect, contributing to the show’s enduring legacy yet also revealing the complexity of its character development.
Source: Trina McGee/Instagram