Isn't that so often the case... the image still remains a negative/scammy one in MSM. I was kinda amused/disappointed by the portrayal, although he does become a likable character towards the latter episodes, or at least, he did to me.

Why are cryptos always portrayed negatively in TV shows?

I dunno, but I think the over-the-top negative portrayal does signal something interesting. It's not just a matter of saying to the gen pop "this is bad, don't". After all, drug dealers/users and serial criminals get portrayed with some degree of compassion, complexity and understanding. Though those are obviously cases of "bad, don't". Anything they try so hard to discourage is worth looking at, at least.