Quillmagic said:
Are there any Stardew villagers that most of the community doesn't like that you like/don't mind? What are your reasons for it or theories that make some villagers more likable?
I do like all villagers, each in his or her own way and I'm here to clear good old Lewis.
From what I've read, the main griefs about him are: that he is always sneaking here and there, that he is a proud and greedy selfish who has (probably) stolen money from Pelican Town to buy a golden statue of himself (instead of buying stuff for the town or repairing the bus or community center), that he is selfish by wanting to keep secret his relationship with Marnie and probably more.
Those are probably wrong perceptions of real facts. Let's make them straight.
The fact that Mayor Lewis is always sneaking here and there is a proof that he is doing his job well. He has nobody to help him running the town: no gardener, no caretaker, no policeman or people helping him to do the paperwork. Hence yes, he is always going everywhere to meet everyone, doing the good stuff by ensuring everybody is fine, befriending with villagers so they will help in tending the town like Evelyn. But Mayor Lewis also does the "bad" stuff by collecting taxes or reminding villagers to be respectful like when Sam is riding with his skate on the flowers on Emily and Haley's front yard. And he has dedicated himself to do that for the past twenty years. Good old man.
Concerning the Solid Gold Lewis statue. They are about twenty people in Pelican town and many of them are kids or youngsters still living with their parents. Does someone really believe that town income from taxes is high enough to fund a man-size statue in pure gold? There are not enough money to repair a bus or do some woodwork in the community center. See how much Robin charges for farm upgrades with full new rooms and and a new basement while community center only needs repairs and painting here and there? If these can not be afford, that gives an idea of how low are taxes incomes in Pelican Town and I assume many of those are used to fund the various festivals, decorations and free food! Free. Food. For Linus and Pam.
No, there is only one possible explanation for the Solid Gold Statue. Mayor Lewis comes from a wealthy family as we can see from his manor. He probably grew up in a family used to sponsor young artists until they rise to fame. Thus, when young Leah arrived in Pelican Town, he gave her her first job: create a statue of himself. In gold. Why in gold, one may ask? Because he could provide the materials (probably from his adventures with Marlon and Gil deep in the mines in the old days) and because he knew that the carving process would generate a lot of gold scraps that Leah could keep to herself and convert into extra-cash that would help establish herself in the valley. A gentleman's move.
The same thing can be said about his relationship with Marnie.
Though deep in love with her, Mayor Lewis knows that letting their relation go public would harm Marnie in the long run. In such a small town, gossips would go out of control quickly and people may wonder if Mayor Lewis is not lending her public money or minimising her taxes or providing whatever privilege because of his feelings for her. No, wise and gentleman, Mayor Lewis thinks about the peace of mind and the reputation of Marnie so she only has to worry for her beloved animals.
And finally, Mayor Lewis is a nice guy: he sets up the cottage (including bed sheets) for the farmer arrival and he comes every night, grabbing whatever the farmer has to sell, shipping it all by himself and sending the money back. In the same night. Even in winter. Every. Single. Night.
Yes, Mayor Lewis is a nice old man.
