This is a collection of characters that are eminently watchable (and not in the Jersey Shore train-wrecktastic kind of way). They are independent, outspoken, and complex. They are flawed and hesitant and uncertain, but simultaneously bold, ambitious, and brash. They are the characters I identify with if only for that delicate and truly human combination.
Diane Lockhart (The Good Wife) – On a show full of ball-busting ladies with killer wardrobes, Christine Baranski is the ball-busting and sartorial stand-out as a partner in a Chicago law firm triumphantly perched atop a shattered glass ceiling. She speaks in clipped four word sentences, but damn do those four words speak volumes.
Debra Morgan (Dexter) – Miami Metro’s newest sergeant is foul-mouthed, narrow-hipped, and woefully insecure. The six seconds it takes to fall apart and then pull oneself back together is Jennifer Carpenter’s six seconds of brilliance. Just watch her face, it wavers, crumples, and recomposes before you can say “fuckballs.” Between tracking murderous Floridians, wrangling her staff of misfits, and pointedly not knowing her brother is a serial killer, Deb’s got her hands full.Robin Scherbatsky (How I Met Your Mother) – Everyone’s favorite 4 am news anchor has had a lot of meaty stuff to work with this season on HIMYM (blame the writers for any shark-jumping, it’s not Robin’s fault!) Cobie Smulders’ comedic timing is impeccable, and her Canada-defending never ends, but her plaintive portrayal of a modern career women’s misgivings about motherhood and marriage is spot-on.
Penny Hearts (Happy Endings) – ’90s Long Island Bat Mitzvah, anyone? Happy Endings is all about the dynamics within the gang, but Casey Wilson is the lady standout as the resident spaz who only speaks Italian when she’s wasted. I love her because she dreams for Prince Charming, but buys herself a condo while she waits.
LaDonna Batiste-Williams (Treme) – In a cast full of knock-outs, Khandi Alexander’s raised eyebrow should get it’s very own credit line, and probably an Emmy. LaDonna embodies all of the dashed hopes and chronic disappointments of post-Katrina New Orleans. And Season 2′s personal tragedy (no spoiler!) is quite possibly the most emotionally agonizing television hours I’ve ever not cried through. If I had cried, I might have missed a split second of Alexander’s incredible performance.
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Inspired
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Smart
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Tickled
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Hungry
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Empathetic
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Smash!
My list would also include Amy Farrah Fowler.
Every woman on Community. All of them. Especially Shirley.
Oh, Cersei. There is so much that could give you reason to hate her, but there are so many sides and reasons to her (saying as a book-reader) .. I can only be awed.
How about Liz Lemon from 30 Rock? I’m a huge fan of pretty much anything Tina Fey does, though.
I also love the ladies on Castle, Robin Tunney on the Mentalist, and Leslie Knope! (<3 hearts <3 and *sparkles* for Leslie!)
Also, Amy Pond and River Song.
OMG how did I forget Leslie Knope! Great addition!
Leslie Knope was MY first thought, too!
I’m partial to the ladies of The Vampire Diaries: Caroline especially. Blonde bubbly cheerleader with a twist…
I also have a soft spot for the Dowager Countess, Anna, and Mary on Downton Abbey but whether they’re really fully-realised characters is something that’s up for debate, perhaps.
I’m partial to the ladies on Castle, myself, but I cannot overstate how excited I am about Game of Thrones and Cersei. I have read ahead (through the 4th book, anyway), and she is one of the most amazing characters I’ve ever seen in a fantasy series.
Agreed! Stana Katic has been absolutely outstanding this season as Beckett, and I love Lanie and Alexis and Martha.
Ooh! Maybe I have to try Castle next!