Reliable Characters

When you watch a TV show/movie, whether you like the main character or not, you will probably seat yourself in their place -you'll be watching the story unfold from their viewpoint. You'll be very invested in their emotions.

I do enjoy watching shows in which the main character is always screwing up, and then uncovers the murder plot by tripping over a mat or something. Basically, a bit useless on the whole, but has his/her heart in the right place. You know they'll figure it out through twists and turns and all that.

But please can I just take a minute to appreciate strong, reliable characters? You know, the ones who know exactly what they're doing, and are extremely good at what they do. Because you feel at ease, knowing that you're seated in the point of view of these characters who are very much in control; it makes you feel in control. You know they'll handle all that's thrown at them (at least in the first few seasons).

So I compiled a mini list. It's mini because this was done in a Sociology class and now I'm to lazy to expand on it :

• Dexter Morgan, Dexter

Watching Season 1 of Dexter was an absolute pleasure because well, this guy's a serial killer, what could possibly harm him? Nothing, except a psycho long-lost brother, apparently. You're not at all worried, because Dexter WILL know what to do, no doubt about it. It also helps that he doesn't have emotions (he doesn't find them till like, season 2) and that he works in the police department.

• Temperance 'Bones' Brennan, Bones

Apart from being hilarious in her overly logical way of looking at things, Bones is an expert at forensic anthropology. You know that she will figure out the problem and all that. Although it gets pretty frustrating to watch her deny her feelings all the time, I really used to enjoy watching the show mostly because of the Booth/Bones angle, but also because when the episode was done I'd want to adopt a poker face and lay out facts intelligently.

• Harvey Specter, Suits

He's self-assured, hard working, ambitious - basically everything I want to be but will never achieve. Harvey Specter inspires a lot of confidence on the whole. Plus it turns out he's not a soulless lawyer like everyone expected; he has a conscience and all that. 

• Sherlock, Sherlock

Here is a classic example of a character in control. Sherlock is super intelligent and super observant and he's already solved the case while everyone else is still collecting the evidence. Sure, he doesn't care for his emotions (or anyone else's for that matter), but these are things that can be overlooked.

• Captain Adama, Battlestar Galactica

 

 Haha, not that Adama. I'm talking about this guy -

While watching BG, I was really impressed by Adama's control over his fleet and his overall efficiency. He's what I imagined God to be like, when I was younger. He's a really GOOD human being, and he's totally dedicated to his job of saving humanity. In the first season, as a viewer you're kind of at ease because of the fact that Captain Adama is the guy who heads the fleet. He's got his shit together, and he's in absolute control. Like I said, he's a bit of  a God figure (with family issues and stuff).

These are the people you ALWAYS want on your side.

Yes, I have noticed that all of them have really intense expressions. And yes, I have noticed the lack of female characters on this list. Please keep in mind that this was done in a Sociology class.

I know all of them seemed to be missing out on emotions. But if they were had emotions and tact, the loving, sensitive sidekicks would lose their jobs of teaching the heartless handlers-of-situations how to FEEL, wouldn't they?