Why is Hyde Not in “That ’90s Show”? A Tale of Two Eras and a Shocking Twist
Remember the lovable, if slightly rebellious, Steven Hyde from “That ’70s Show”? The guy who sported a leather jacket, a perpetual smirk, and a penchant for trouble? Well, he’s conspicuously absent from the sequel, “That ’90s Show,” and the reason isn’t some elaborate storyline about him becoming a Buddhist monk in Tibet or joining a traveling circus. It’s a bit more complicated (and a whole lot less fun) than that.
The Real-Life Drama Behind Hyde’s Absence
Let’s cut to the chase: Steven Hyde isn’t in “That ’90s Show” because his actor, Danny Masterson, was convicted of raping two women in 2023 and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. The news broke just before the sequel premiered, leaving fans stunned (and perhaps a little bit heartbroken). Remember that time Eric accidentally set his dad’s car on fire? Remember the time Hyde got caught smoking a cigarette in the bathroom? Those shenanigans were child’s play compared to the real-life trouble that unfolded for Masterson.
The Ghost of Hyde
It’s a bit awkward, to say the least. “That ’90s Show” makes a point of mentioning Hyde’s absence, but it doesn’t go into any detail about his whereabouts or fate. No, there are no heart-wrenching montages of the gang reminiscing about their dear friend. No, they don’t speculate on where he might be. Instead, there’s a casual mention that he’s “off doing his own thing,” which feels a bit like a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy when it comes to Hyde’s character.
The Elephant in the Room
So, how do you handle a character like Hyde when his actor is facing serious criminal charges? It’s a delicate situation, and Netflix clearly chose to avoid addressing the elephant in the room. The writers could have gone a few different routes:
- The “He’s Gone” Approach: They could have simply said that Hyde had moved on to bigger and better things, leaving the viewers to assume the best. But let’s be honest, that wouldn’t have explained why Hyde, the guy who loved those classic rock concerts and cheap beers, wouldn’t be seen at least once at the Forman house.
- The “He’s Changed” Approach: They could have written a story where Hyde had radically changed his life and become a dedicated husband and father. But that would have felt incredibly out of character, and it might have even been seen as disrespectful to the victims in Masterson’s case.
- The “We Don’t Know” Approach: This is the route they went with, and in some ways, it’s the most honest approach. It acknowledges that Hyde’s absence is due to real-life circumstances that are difficult to address on screen.
The Lost Potential
It’s a shame because Hyde was a fan favorite. He was the wildcard, the one who kept things interesting. He brought an element of chaos and unpredictability to “That ’70s Show,” and his absence is definitely felt in the sequel. The show could have explored some interesting storylines with him. Imagine Hyde as a struggling musician trying to make it in the competitive world of the 90s music scene. Or perhaps, he’s still stuck in his old ways, but now he’s got a new set of problems to deal with.
The Legacy of Hyde
Despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Masterson’s real-life legal troubles, Hyde’s legacy lives on. He was, after all, a memorable character who left a lasting impression on viewers. He represented a certain type of cool, the kind of guy who didn’t play by the rules and always seemed to have a plan. But now, his story is forever intertwined with the harsh realities of his actor’s past.
Moving On
For those who loved “That ’70s Show,” the absence of Hyde is a source of sadness. It’s a reminder that the lines between fiction and reality can sometimes blur and that the heroes we adore on screen may not always live up to the ideals we hold them to. It’s also a reminder that life is full of surprises, some good, some bad. But it’s up to us to decide how we deal with those surprises. So, let’s raise a glass to the memory of a great character, even if his real-life counterpart’s story is far from ideal. And let’s hope that “That ’90s Show” can find its own footing without him.
Remember, this whole situation is a stark reminder that even our favorite TV characters are played by real people with real lives. And sometimes, those lives are far more complicated than the storylines we see on screen.
