Gone Too Far (MTV)

Unfortunately, since Gone Too Far is being aired after Goldstein’s fatal overdose, many of the earnest messages he offers about recovery and empowerment are overshadowed by his own inability to beat drug addiction. Goldstein’s reactions to the addicts’ behaviors now seem ironic, since the same behaviors are what ultimately killed him. The end-of-episode tributes offered by the people that Goldstein helped before he died also make the show seem more like an homage to him than an earnest attempt to highlight the successful stages of recovery.

But while you could argue that airing the series after Goldstein’s death is more exploitative than helpful, the show definitely succeeds at underscoring how addicts -- even after reaching a positive turning point in their recovery -- can still succumb to their addiction at any time. And it shows viewers how an addict, despite his or her own battles and failures, can still reach out to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Sadly, the series also serves as a tragic warning about what the end result of drug use can too frequently be.