15 times we actively rooted against love

Donna and David — Beverly Hills, 90210

Any fan of this show, and not just some passive viewer, knows exactly why no one in their right mind would ever want these two together. As toxic as Carrie and Big, but far less glamorous, this zip code’s it couple were the worst. The absolute worst.

There is a lot to be said about both of these characters, outside of their relationship with each other. Donna acted like a dumb baby for most of the ten seasons, and David was a controlling narcissist who yelled at Donna (and everybody, for that matter) every time he shared screen time.

Looking back, from my convenient 21st century position, it’s very easy for me to classify this ’90s relationship as emotionally abusive. Donna’s character was always drawn as a softer, more compassionate member of the gang, and her interactions with David become increasingly more worrisome.

He treated Donna like a problem child that he had to parent. But even as a parent, he was abusive and harsh. He manipulated her into doing what he wanted, pouted when she had a mind of her own, and generally thought he should control her every move. I know Donna’s mom, Felice, wasn’t a fan favorite, but looking back, I can totally understand why she hated David all those years. He was a total jerk.