MovieChat Forums > The Cable Guy (1996) Discussion > Steven was mean to the Cable Guy

Steven was mean to the Cable Guy

posted 15 years ago by whitecp2
36 replies | jump to latest

The Cable Guy bent over backwards to help Steven. Let's see what he did:

a. Free Cable
b. Got him off his couch to stop feeling sorry for himself because Robin kicked him out (ie. Medieval Times, the satellite, etc.)
c. Made Steven gain confidence in himself again
d. Big Screen TV, entertainment system, etc.
e. The biggest of all, he initiated it so Robin and Steven could get back together.
g. Some other things I might have left out.

The Cable Guy did all this for Steven and once he gets Robin back he just blows him off. I know the Cable Guy was a crazy cable man, but he was good hearted. Steven was just an *beep* who was a whiny crybaby because he wasn't with Robin 24 7. I'm on Chip's side, anyone else? I'd hang out with the Cable Guy anyday!

[–] Plissken_1996 13 years ago

Chip just wanted a friend. But because of his neglectful upbringing, he didn't know how to go about it the right way. The old saying "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." comes to mind.

Anyway, I enjoyed seeing Carrey play this type of character.

§ Humans! You're not worth the flesh you're printed on! §

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] thelocalantihero 12 years ago

I agree with you to an extent on your thesis about Steven since when I reflect on this movie, Steven was a bit of a dick. Yes, Chip should've respected Steven's personal space, been less intrusive and not meddled in his life, but it was very clear Chip was lonely. It also makes sense as Chip's only interaction was with the TV and didn't develop well people skills due to his upbringing. Had I been in Steven's shoes during the scene where he ends his friendship with Chip, I would've told him "Chip, I appreciate everything you've done for me, but I need my life too. So I am asking you to give me space at times and don't interfere with my life" rather than telling him "I don't want to be your friend." I really thought that was harsh. And had Chip not listened, then I would've cut him off. Then again, I'm nice like that.

[–] dan-willi84 11 years ago

It does not excuse Steven's behavior and the way he treated Chip. But Chip didn't respected Steven's personal life and he was stalking Steven and he meddled in Steven's life. But, you do have to feel sorry for Chip. He had a lonely childhood and his mother neglected and didn't spend any time with him. Chip was looking for a friend. I don't think he realized stalking Steven and not giving Steven some space was the way to go about it.

[–] Duragizer 11 years ago

Had I been in Steven's shoes during the scene where he ends his friendship with Chip, I would've told him "Chip, I appreciate everything you've done for me, but I need my life too. So I am asking you to give me space at times and don't interfere with my life" rather than telling him "I don't want to be your friend."

Agree all the way. I can understand Steven's rationale for breaking it off with Chip (the hooker thing), but the way he handled it - and the excuse he gave for it (I'm back with my girl, so you're out) - were all wrong.

Life is like a box of chocolates. A cheap, thoughtless, perfunctory gift that nobody ever asks for.

[–] rizdek 11 years ago

OK, I'll go ahead and state the obvious...this movie was intended to present a controversial situation where different viewers, based on how they view the world, are going to come down on one side or the other. What other point does this movie really have? It has a star spangled cast so there's no lack of talent, but the story IS about an uncomfortable relationship. Without it...no story, IMHO.

[–] andromache3 9 years ago

I can't believe people are defending the cable guy. No matter how much of a jerk Steven was, nothing justifies what the cable guy put him through. How would you guys defending that nutcase react if you went through what Steven went through, thanks to the cable guy?

Don't let anyone ever make you feel like you don't deserve what you want.

[–] bucksfan1996 10 years ago

I totally agree with the OP. I mean Chip even went out of his way to get Steven a hot prostitute and he even PAID for it to cheer him up. PLUS he was extra considerate to make sure that Heather was top quality by sleeping with her himself and making sure that she was free of any venereal diseases. Now that's a true friend.

[–] andromache3 9 years ago

Yeah, Chip is a prince among men.

Don't let anyone ever make you feel like you don't deserve what you want.

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] csweetleaf2 (3562) 5 years ago

BUMP

[–] csweetleaf2 (3562) 2 years ago

I wouldn't exactly consider Steven to be a mean guy but I felt he could've handled it better when he told The Cable Guy he didn't want to be his friend anymore, I thought it came across a bit cold and unsympathetic in Steven's part to tell The Cable Guy this.

[–] Ismailov (140) a year ago

To be fair, Steven is shown in earlier scenes (e.g. at Medieval Times) starting to tell Chip that they can't be friends, only for Chip to interrupt him.

And when Steven finally gets to talk to Chip, he says that he currently doesn't have any room in his life for a new friend. Chip then asks what he's trying to say. Only then does Steven bluntly state "I don't want to be your friend."

Steven could have said something like "in a year or two my life might get back to normal and we can possibly hang out," but he probably didn't want to give Chip any wiggling room to keep hanging around him and Robin, and was upset since Chip was just excitedly saying how he "got Robin back" for him (without his foreknowledge let alone permission to intervene in his personal life.)