Moira Rose might be having a moment thanks to The View co-host Sara Haines and her magnificent Halloween costume, but she didn’t experience the same kind of character arc that David Rose did. While all the characters underwent tremendous growth on Schitt’s Creek, David, the misanthrope of the group, was the least comfortable around people, making his development even more impressive.
David longed to be understood and accepted for who he was but often found himself in superficial circles of people who took advantage of him. This changed when he arrived in the quaint, sometimes corny town of Schitt’s Creek. Through the embrace of the community and the dismantling of the wall he’d built around his heart, David began to feel like he belonged, while also repairing the broken connections he had with his family. By the series’ end, his journey culminated in a happily ever after.
When David first arrives in Schitt’s Creek, he wants nothing more than to pull his hoodie over his head and hide from the world. Losing his luxurious home and amenities, he can’t bear the shame of living in a motel shared with his family.
David initially resists connecting with people, but despite his best efforts, he eventually forms a tentative acquaintanceship with the motel’s manager, Stevie. United by their common dislike of most people, they make the best of a miserable situation, proving that misery loves company—until it transforms into true friendship.
The only person David opens up to at first is Stevie, who is the most like him. Candid, introverted, and selective about whom they socialize with, David and Stevie form a close bond because they both want to leave town as quickly as possible.
David might be open with Stevie in ways he isn’t with others in the community, but she pushes his boundaries while still building a foundation of friendship that helps him embrace change. Like the best of friends, Stevie’s unique olive branch helps David take his first step toward growth.
When David first arrives in Schitt’s Creek, he sees himself as a lone wolf, focused on protecting his own mental health and not worrying about anyone else. This mindset leads him to run away to the local Amish community at the slightest provocation.
Eventually, his family shows genuine concern in tracking him down, making him realize that forming closer bonds with them might not be such a bad idea. The trust he develops with those closest to him plants a seed that encourages him to become a more emotionally generous person.
David tries his hand at dating in Schitt’s Creek, but it doesn’t go well. After ending a relationship with Stevie and entering into a throuple with her and someone else, he swears off romance for good. He thinks no one will meet his standards, not considering that he needs to alter his perspective and be more receptive to a different kind of partner.
By pursuing romantic partners in his usual way, David achieves the same results. Once he starts seeing Patrick, he has to change his approach, which makes him nervous and flustered but also excited and hopeful for the future.
Like the rest of the Roses, David has a particular way of viewing the world. Moving to Schitt’s Creek disrupts this, leaving him unable to find his footing at first. He doesn’t trust that people like the chatty and effervescent Jocelyn are genuine in their interactions.
David expects that, like his old friends, the people of Schitt’s Creek only befriend him because they want something, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. He has to understand that sometimes people mean what they say, and projecting mistrust onto them will only close off deeper connections. David’s sarcastic but lovable quotes won’t help him find authentic bonds and only hide his better qualities from potential friends.
Though David pretends not to care what people think, deep down, he wants to be accepted for who he is and not thought of as a hollow urban stereotype. Thankfully, his best friend Stevie takes him at face value. Though she teases him, she acknowledges who he is as a person.
David has lived in a superficial world, far removed from the community of Schitt’s Creek, where a person is valued for their words and deeds rather than their designer clothing or flashy car. While his friends back in the big city might not have taken him seriously, the townspeople of Schitt’s Creek love him for being himself, quirks and all.
David doesn’t think he’s suited for giving romantic advice, but to help his sister and her boyfriend, he makes the effort by going to the vet clinic and having a heart-to-heart with Ted. In this iconic quote, David explains that he’s “been burned so many times” that he resembles a toasted “marshmallow,” and understands Ted’s struggle. Ordinarily, Ted is the one giving advice, but he’s happy to receive it from David.
Before moving to Schitt’s Creek, the Roses kept to themselves. Johnny focused on his business ventures and video stores, Moira planned lavish parties, and Alexis traveled the world with her boyfriend-of-the-week. This led to all of them becoming self-involved, David included, and unlikely to open up to one another.
