Tidelands places considerable emphasis on its diverse female lead and supernatural elements, at times prioritizing modern identity themes over traditional storytelling depth. The protagonist's gender and background are featured front and center, sometimes at the expense of nuanced character growth or believable struggle, making the narrative feel formulaic.

The series often undermines traditional family and religious roles, with unconventional relationships and morally ambiguous characters taking the spotlight. Masculinity is depicted as problematic or weak, while female and non-traditional characters are depicted as dominant and highly competent.

Tidelands generally paints alternative perspectives or traditional values in a negative light, offering little room for genuine debate or diversity of thought. Traditionalist characters are often depicted as antagonists or out of touch, reinforcing a single approved worldview throughout the series.