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Which character from a tv show do you admire and want to be more like?
I'll go first.
I'm currently rewatching Veronica Mars right now and find myself really admiring many of her traits. She is witty, sarcastic, intelligent, and capable. I think what sets her apart from many other female protagonists is that she is not a martyr. If someone wrongs her, she will stand up for herself and in most cases get even. Her need to "get even" probably isn't actually a great personality trait, but I find it kind of refreshing.
Does anyone else wish they were more like a certain character on tv?
Captain Jean-Luc Picard of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'. Reasonable, logical when he needs to be but without losing his compassion, secular, preferring diplomacy to violence, intelligent... the list goes on. He's my main role model from television.
I also like the version of Wonder Woman played by Lynda Carter in the 1970s television series (before she became more violent during the third season). She was wise and compassionate and absolutely non-violent. She believed in rehabilitating criminals rather than punishing them (in the original comics, she actually did help rehabilitate her arch-enemy, Baroness Paula Von Gunther, who ended up as Wonder Woman's ally).
I'd prefer to be William Rikers beard, whom was all of those things, and much more!
But on a serious note, Picard is a great choice. I actually have a friend who went into defence law because of the "Measure of a Man" episode.
https://vimeo.com/142741959 Still such a powerful scene.
"Measure of a Man" is one of my all time favorite episodes.
I can understand why someone be inspired to go into defence law after seeing it.
EDIT: Damnit now you guys have me rewatching TNG, I do not have this kind of free time.
I agree with you on Picard. He was high-ranking and business-like when needed, and was also a true renaissance man -- a fan of the arts, music, literature and poetry. He was gracious in both victory and defeat. He was a boss, a friend, a father, and a mentor.
I remember dressing up as Captain Picard for Halloween when I was nine. Like you say, an excellent role model.
I've never seen the 1970s version of Wonder Woman, but she sounds like a great character. Have you seen the new Wonder Woman movie? She definitely engages in a fair bit of violence, so I'm curious to know your thoughts on how she is portrayed now.
I was extremely disappointed in the movie - because of that violence. The original version of Wonder Woman in the early comics did occasionally punch bad guys (and girls), but violence was never her primary focus. She was a bit witty and more focussed on having a good time and helping people than getting into a punch-up. While her lasso was supposedly a coded meta-reference to bondage, it also meant that she could use it to capture criminals without having to beat them into submission. Similarly, the rebooted version in the mid-1980s comics also tended to avoid violence.
Also, the movie had the common superhero trope of everything being dark. Wonder Woman's bright red, blue, yellow, and white costume turned into a series of muted shades which could barely distinguished from each other. The overall impression is of a dull brown.
And of course the lighting has to be dark... because... well... I don't know. But good lighting just doesn't seem to be permitted in science fiction and superhero movies these days. Not only must the characters be angst-filled, but the movie must be filmed in shades of darkness so that we can really feel that angst (and, incidentally, not be able to see some of what happens).
I don't like the style of a lot of modern science fiction and superhero movies, and I was disappointed but not really surprised when the Wonder Woman followed many of the same tropes.
The 1970s TV series portrayed her (originally) as mostly non-violent. She never throws a single punch in the first two and a half seasons. She tosses people around, but never hits anyone. She uses her golden lasso to capture and restrain people. I like that, being a pacifist myself. (Wonder Woman does start punching people around the middle of the third season of that show. I find that a disappointing shift.)
EDIT: I accidentally a word.
Picard is the first and really the only thing that came to mind. Though there are some other good choices from the Trek universe: Geordie, Data, Guinan, Dax, Seven, Kai Winn. Too many to choose from.
I tried to think of another fictional show with role model characters and I'm actually having a hard time. Most of the shows I enjoy don't have such clear-cut heroes and villains. I'm watching Better Call Saul and I admire the methodical rationality and ability to compartmentalize of Gus Fring. He's a great character but obviously not a hero to emulate. Um... MacGyver might be a good choice.
Just kidding about Kai Winn, BTW.
You see Kai Winn as someone to admire? Wow. I think I'll just stay away from you. :)
See my last sentence in the comment. 😉
Obi-Wan has to be one of the all time greatest characters. Easily the best acted character in the prequel trilogy. He tries to mentor Anakin. Really goes out of his way risking his life against the most powerful bad guys in the known universe.
Then he takes the high road and defeats what is basically his son in Anakin when he falls. Putting everything above his emotions.
Then he not only handles the fighting, but takes the son and hides him. Watches over him for years.
Trains him.
But then gives his life so the son of his best friend and biggest enemy can get away to fulfill what he hopes to be bringing down Anakin.
Even after he fucking DIES he comes back through the force specifically to pick Luke up one more time. Oh and actually is responsible for Luke using the force and actually hitting the shot that takes down the death star.
Oh... and he's actually the one that tipped off Yoda that there was a way to even become a force ghost. So he shares the credit for that with Qui-Gon and Yoda.
And he does ALL of that while never faltering his values or morals. Dudes a real hero and easily the strongest character in the series.
I just really hope we get a good obi-wan movie with ewan cast. Disney. please.
Ewan said he would remain open to the role but seriously with the quality they put into Solo and Rogue One I would love to see him return.
Wait, what?
Qui-Gon contacted Yoda from beyond death and Yoda is the one who told Obi Wan.
So I'm assuming you've haven't seen the clone wars animated series if you're missing this bit (spoilers ahead if you haven't, I highly recommend watching the show over just reading about it, it's very well done).
But during a very weird episode arc, they find the planet Mortis which is identified as some nexus point for the force. They hide out in a cave overnight and Obi-wan dreams/sees Qui-Gon in the cave who tells Obi that there is a way to survive after death, basically describing the force ghost. When Obi gets back to the temple he tells Yoda who begins meditating on the issue and then it's Yoda who makes the further contact from there. They have a whole arc where Yoda follows clues left by what we are supposed to assume is Qui-Gon reaching through from the other side to lead Yoda to the secret. Eventually Yoda defeats his inner evil self and visits Morriban/Korriban and speaks with Darth Bane in a sith temple there.
After that the show essentially insinuates that Yoda figured it out and we know that Yoda teaches Obi the technique. Eventually Obi is the first one to test that out and confirm that it works when he's killed by Vader.
Didn't read past the first paragraph because spoilers (thanks for the warning).
I've seen the first couple seasons and I'm slowly making my way through it.
Glad I warned you then. Seriously keep the party rolling when you finish. Go to Star Wars: Rebels after.
The stuff from clone wars (no spoilers in this one) I was talking about doesn't occur until literally the last episodes of the last season, but you see some parts of it in the 3rd or 4th. So keep trucking and I literally have never met someone who dislikes where it hits in the later seasons. It's that good.
I've been binge watching Parks & Rec lately, and there's a moment that really stuck out to me, and has stayed with me for a few weeks now.
In season 3 (I think) there is a scene where Leslie goes to great lengths to butter up the local police chief, so that he will have his men provide security for an event.
The plan gets ruined by another character, who later goes back to appeal to the chief on Leslie's behalf. The police chief immediately agrees to help, without question. When he is asked why, he responds with this.
I feel like this is a great example of a selfless character, who does everything they can do to help others.
Leslie being a never ending positive influence to everyone around her is like 90% of the reason P&R is one of my favorite shows. Her personality just makes the show so feel good, and makes me want to be more like her every time I watch it :)
I love Daisy Johnson (Skye) from Agents of SHIELD. She smart, witty, compassionate, loyal and just generally so capable. I also really enjoy that she doesn't fall in the damsel in distress with no agency ever! How she played along with Ward after realizing he was Hydra is just one of many examples of why I like her. Also doesn't hurt that I really like Chloe Bennet too.
Seeing S.H.I.E.L.D talk is always nice! I also am a Skye fan but think my favorite(s) are Fitz and Simmons, still haven't watched season 5 on netflix but will be shortly, those two have always been great. Might just do a full series rewatch into season 5.
I really thing this show should be way more popular than it is. I love Fitz/Simmons too! They're so good apart and together. There' one of the few tv/movie couples I'm honestly invested in too.
It's too bad the universe seems to be against them :(
Just cursed! :(
I love Daisy! Also another highly intelligent character who is both physically a badass and incredibly kind and empathetic.
Actually, I love most of the characters on Shield. Wish it was a more popular show.
Me too! I love so many characters and their interactions and relationships.
I admired John Locke on Lost (at least until the weird shit later on). He'd been through so much adversity because he was differently abled, but refused to let anyone tell him what he could not do. I want that depth of conviction in my own abilities.
Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender. He was always kind and compassionate, and most importantly was patient with his nephew, who eventually absorbed what Iroh tried to teach him.
G'kar from Babylon 5 went through a pretty serious transformation throughout the series. Went from a vengeful man into a forgiving and thoughtful one.
Iroh! Great choice, I forgot about that guy. I should definitely watch the series over again.
Oh I love Iroh. He was such a wise and good character.
MacGyver - mullet MacGyver. I love that he's a hero who consults his brain first when deal with a problem. When he gets stuck he doesn't get flustered, he just looks at the problem in another way.
The man used a gun exactly once, and he used it as a wrench.
Mr. Rogers.
I can have a temper. I can be reluctant to or outright refuse to see someone elses point of view.
I am aware that I have these character flaws but it's difficult to change them.
I would like to be more like mr. Rogers. Able to have a pleasant conversation with anyone, no matter their points of view, no matter what is being discussed. Able to approach someone in a discussion in a way that makes them feel comfortable.
I don't really have a TV role model but if I had to pick one character I'd want to be more like, it's Leslie Knope. She is passionate and incredibly hard working, has an excellent moral compass, and is astoundingly dedicated and helpful to her friends. Plus she has a healthy appreciation of the male booty.
I always admired Samantha Carter from Stargate SG-1. Badass scientist and fighter, flexible around authority... Admittedly a bit of a Mary sue but still, super cool.
Admiral Adama from BSG and Ned Stark from Game of Thrones. It's a cliche but I find stoicism to be the best character trait, and I like characters who display the trait in different or new ways.
But, as per the original question of this topic, is Baltar really someone to admire? He spends mort of the series just coasting through, taking the line of least resistance, and not taking a stand on anything. One might identify with him, but I'm not sure he's admirable.