Compelling Characters
Dive into the TV characters we love, or maybe love to hate
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Andy Botwin and Weeds — The Great (and Careful) Work Begins
We know the basic premise of Jenji Kohan’s Weeds, right? Widowed suburban mom makes ends meet by selling pot, becomes danger junkie, shenanigans ensue. The show is of course about Nancy Botwin (Mary Louise Parker), the mom in question. I, however, always seem to go for the character actor sidekick of a show like this […] More
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If Krycek Were the Main Character of The X-Files…
Last year I wrote what I believed would be my one and only Krycek essay, into which I poured nearly everything I could possibly deduce about his character. If you haven’t read it (I won’t take it personally, although I assure you it’s good stuff!), I will reiterate the most basic summary of his character: […] More
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Gonna Catch ‘Em All ‘Cause He’s Danny Phantom
Danny Phantom is many things. A show with one of the most loyal fanbases. A character with so much heart along with corny humor, unforgettable episodes, and sidekicks/friends to boot. I remember watching the very first episode on its premiere night in April 2004. I was hooked. It became a tradition to watch each episode’s […] More
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Utopia: Where is Mr. Rabbit?
We are here to talk about Utopia’s Milner (Geraldine James/Rose Leslie). Milner assumes the role of “Mr. Rabbit” in the series and is responsible for a plan to save the world. But it’s not that simple. Her story is one of passionate, disciplined, extraordinary commitment to eco-terrorism that leads her to power, murder, and deceit. […] More
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Gilmore Girls’ Paris Geller: An Unintentional Queer Icon
Surrounded by shows like One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek, and even her fellow characters in Gilmore Girls, where female characters rarely existed outside a relationship, Paris Geller (Liza Weil) was unique. She was a main character who wasn’t interested in dating. The few instances in the early seasons when she did date, it didn’t amount […] More
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CJ Cregg: The Smartest, Funniest, Saddest Girl in Dayton
I’ve been putting off writing this article on Bartlet White House Press Secretary (and later Chief of Staff) CJ Cregg for years now, and the reason for my procrastination has simply been—what’s there to say about her that hasn’t already been said? Sure, I could rant for a couple thousand words about my love for […] More
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Faith: The Fall and Redemption of a Slayer
Season 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer introduced a few new characters, one of whom would continue throughout the show’s run, as well as the spin-off Angel. No, I’m not talking about Wesley. The character I’m referring to is Faith Lehane, who entered the series in the Season 3 premiere “Faith, Hope & Trick,” as […] More
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Anya Jenkins: The Human Heart of Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Angel and Spike aren’t the only demons who reclaim their humanity in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Anya, everyone’s favorite vengeance-demon-turned-cashier, endures the same journey with much less fanfare. She doesn’t get her own spinoff or fulfill some grand prophecy, but her arc runs parallel to the show’s most beloved stories. Across 1,000-something years, Anya goes […] More
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Darla: Buffy’s Got Nothing on Her
Allow me to paint the picture for you: a young-looking couple breaks into a darkened school after hours. He looks like your typical leather-jacket-wearing “bad boy,” and she’s completely innocent, or so we’re led to believe, in her Catholic schoolgirl uniform. A spooky score helps make the eeriness of them being alone much more noticeable. […] More
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What It Means for Denise Bryson To Be Who She Is
From the moment she appears on screen, Denise Bryson is a wilful and charismatic presence in Twin Peaks. And from that moment, my head has been spinning—what does it mean to have a transgender character who is this well written but portrayed by a cis actor? Am I allowed to enjoy this? Should I revoke […] More
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Meet Clare Devlin, Derry Girl and Unlikely Heroine
Derry Girls is A Big Damn Deal. Channel 4’s teen comedy series set during the Troubles in Northern Ireland is not only funnier than its premise would suggest, but has become the most successful comedy on the channel this millennium. The show avoids accusations of insensitively mocking a period of political turmoil that’s a little […] More
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That Girl’s Adorable and Sweet Ann Marie: A Star in More Ways Than One
When I grow up, I want to be Ann Marie. She’s sweet, adorable, charming, anxious, intelligent, brave, clever, witty, an impeccable dresser and, of course, one of the most lovable characters I’ve ever come across. Marlo Thomas was the perfect actress for the part; she made Ann Marie a part of TV history in That […] More
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