@Charlie Jane Anders: Well, considering that part of what makes adulthood so traumatizing for some is the realization that their dreams won't come to fruition, capturing the sense of wonder, or nostalgic reminder of innocent childhood, is important to many forms of escapism.
It depends on the story as to whether it fits or not.
I never try to define why I like what I like. Nor do I try to define why others like what they like. It takes all the fun out and also makes you look like a pompous ass. The latter is something that should be avoided at all costs.
"Stories in which there are no consequences, in which the choices are easy and the heroes always right, aren't escapist — they're just bad."
That's merely your opinion, and is noted, and colored the whole piece for me. You like your morals gray, your heroes confused and uncertain about their decisions, and their eventual actions weak and hesitant. Now that's what I call bad storytelling. If I want to read about weak people, I can always open up the newspaper. If I'm going to read something for escapism, I want entertainment, not a "gritty" reminder of the times I live and love in.
Or, we could not give a crap if anyone is gay or not and just ask for a show with well-written characters. I couldn't give a crap if someone is gay, straight, has a fetish for leather and ho-hos. As long as they are portrayed honestly and earnestly, why should anyone care about their specific "Special Category" that makes them a "different" character from all that have gone before? Gay =/= interesting or unusual.
TL;DR: She's gay? Who cares.
