Steve Urkels Stalking on Family Matters: Annoying or Iconic?

Introduction:

Have you ever found yourself watching a sitcom character and thinking, 'Why does this person keep stalking my family?' This is a common thought when it comes to Steve Urkel on the classic TV show Family Matters. While many viewers may have initially found Urkel's behavior annoying, his character has evolved over time to become a beloved part of the show's fabric. Let's dive into the character's journey and explore whether his behavior fits the bill of being creepy or if it's simply one of the highlights of the series.

Initial Reactions:

When I was growing up, Family Matters was a staple in my household. Recalling my early memories, I can almost hear my siblings and I trying to stifle laughter as Urkel repeatedly barged into conversations, much to the chagrin of the Winslow family. This initial reaction, which many others may have had as well, was often one of annoyance. In the pilot episode, Family Matters introduces us to Urkel, abowsessed high school student with a seemingly endless stream of random questions and pragmatist solutions. His line, "There is no such thing as coincidence," sets the tone for much of his interaction with the Winslow family.

As the show progressed, Urkel's character evolved. While annoyances still persist, his journey from an intrusive neighbor to a member of the family became more evident. This evolution can be seen in how the Winslow family began to view Urkel more as aSupporting character rather than a recurring irritant. This change was gradual, and it required several seasons to fully develop, but it is ultimately what made Urkel stand out as a significant part of the show.

Character Development:

One of the strengths of Family Matters is how it handles character development. The creators of the show recognized that a one-dimensional character would not resonate with the audience for long. Therefore, Urkel's character was allowed to grow and change, ultimately becoming a cherished part of the family dynamic.

Initially, Urkel seemed like an invader, but as the series progressed, his stunts and pranks transformed into endearing behaviors. Urkel's willingness to help, his unique perspective, and his unwavering dedication to helping the Winslow family earned him a special place in their hearts. By the end of the show, Urkel was seen as more of a reluctant member of the family, always ready to offer support, even if it meant getting into some trouble.

Ancient Mother and Telma Hopkins:

Through the years, Family Matters had a few changes in its cast, with some characters coming and going. One of these was the inclusion of Helen, Urkel's ancient mother, and her niece Telma Hopkins. Helen and her offspring were often seen as sources of friction, but with their removal from the show, Urkel's character could stand on his own. It's a testament to Urkel's character that even without these characters, he remained a significant and endearing presence on the show.

Similarly, Telma Hopkins and her illegitimate kids were shown for a brief period, but they were not well-liked by the other characters. Her presence was often disruptive and frustrating, making her a less effective choice to enhance Urkel's story arc. The removal of Helen and Telma Hopkins allowed for a clearer focus on the evolving relationship between Urkel and the Winslow family, making Urkel's character more relatable and compelling over time.

Conclusion:

To conclude, Steve Urkel's reputation on Family Matters was initially marked by annoyance but undoubtedly transformed into a beloved character over time. While his "stalking" behavior may have been seen as overly intrusive at first, the show cleverly developed his character to align with the family's needs and dynamics. Despite occasional viewers' complaints about Urkel's persistence, his endearing traits and dedication to helping the Winslow family won the hearts of many. So, the next time you catch yourself thinking, 'Why does Urkel keep stalking my family?', you might just wish you had more of the Urkel that viewers have come to love over the years.