Yes, I know that’s an old meme, but there’s no better way to describe those characters who are just amazing. We’re living in such a dynamic age of TV and there are so many amazing characters out there. Tough ones, funny ones, quiet ones…but personally, I’ve always loved the good ones. The ones that are just rays of sunshine. So smiley, so nice, so pure, so dedicated, or so smart. Too good for this world, too pure. So here is a fun list of some of my favourite pure characters from the 2016-17 TV season.
1. Phil Dunphy (Modern Family)
Phil is the best. Not only is he a great husband who cares so much for his wife, and an amazing father who loves his kids so much, but he’s so kind and unique and fun. From teaching his daughters how to dance to playing games with his son to raising baby ducks, Phil never ceases to be so thoughtful and happy. He’s always quick with a pun and always trying to have a good time, and rarely at the expense of others. Plus, he’s never afraid to be himself and does his best to pass this confidence onto his family. Phil Dunphy is husband goals for sure.
2. Felicity Smoak (Arrow)
On a show as gritty and dark as Arrow, having someone like Felicity is so needed. Oliver is brooding and quiet, the perfect antithesis to Felicity, who is so smiley and positive and never afraid to say what she’s thinking. She never lets anyone suffer alone and is always ready to give a pep-talk. Not to mention that she’s always wearing fun, brightly coloured dresses that really stand out in the Arrow bunker. She’s so dedicated to the cause and does it with a smile, which is really endearing. While she obviously does bring a certain set of skills to the team, she also brings a unique and lovable personality.
3. Sue Heck (The Middle)
Okay, first of all, The Middle is a very underrated show. And secondly, so is Sue Heck. For eight years we’ve seen Sue grow up and face life. Despite her failures and struggles in high school and in her own family as the middle child, she maintains such an infectiously positive attitude. She’s so smiley and caring and happy. No matter what life throws at her, she always manages to see an upside to it. Why waste time being sad and bitter? I’m so glad that she has good friends and is having fun in university because she deserves it.
4. Jake Peralta (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)
Cops are subjected to a lot of scary things on the job so you’d understand if they were a bit more reserved and sullen, right? But that doesn’t work for Jake. He’s always joking around, always looking to have fun, and always trying to get his coworkers to do the same. On top of that, he’s a great friend and a great cop. As much as he’s always goofing off, it doesn’t affect his job at all, making him a real inspiration. No matter what you do, you’re capable of enjoying yourself and being a good person. May his coolcoolcools and noices never die.
5. Ray Palmer (Legends Of Tomorrow)
Ray really got a chance to shine on Legends. He’s on this crazy team that’s traveling through time and is often escaping someone trying to kill him, but he still manages to smile and be positive. He embraced life on the Waverider and I love learning more about that, like how he made a chores chart for everyone on the ship. He’s got such a nice smile and a quirky sense of humor, and even though he had some hardships (Anna dying, being stuck as the Atom, being stranded with Kendra for years, Kendra leaving…) he’s still joking around and looking out for his team. He’s a huge part of the show’s wonderful comedy and I adore him.
6. Fernando Sucre (Prison Break)
Sucre is the physical embodiment of the phrase ‘ride or die’. After becoming friends with Michael Scofield in prison, he played a vital part in many of Michael’s brilliant plans, and did it all willingly and with a smile. He was so dedicated, but so cheery, usually ready to pitch in when he can. He cared about Michael and Lincoln and though he was cautious of the law, he knew that friendship came first. Prison Break wasn’t the funniest of shows, but Sucre was always good for a pure laugh. I understand why he wasn’t a huge part of the reboot season, but I did miss him a lot. And we saw a bit of him, just as smiley and loyal as ever.
7. Claire Temple (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist)
If you’ve read any of my articles on Marvel’s Netflix series then you know I adore Claire Temple. She’s the best. She’s not as smiley as other people on this list, but she’s smart and loyal and funny. Though Claire was not thrilled about her connections and position to these enhanced humans at first, she came to accept it and do everything she can to be a hero too. Not to mention that she does it all while being so witty and real. She’s not afraid to snap at anyone and let them know that they’re out of line, but is also loyal and always looking out for her friends. She doesn’t deserve to be put in danger like every other day, but watching her control the situation and do it all with a sarcastic comment is always a pleasure. I can’t wait to see her in The Defenders next month.
8. Beth Pearson (This Is Us)
Not many wives would be cool with your husband’s birth father moving in all of the sudden, but she took it in stride. She dealt with it to the best of her ability, and even came to form a wonderful bond with William. She’s a great mom, and an amazing wife, as she manages to be there to support everyone in their time of need, no matter what. She’s levelheaded and kind and funny. She brought a lot of sweet, funny moments to This Is Us, even though she wasn’t really in the spotlight too often.
9. Wally West (The Flash)
Wally is everyone’s little brother and it’s great. For the majority of the last season, he struggled to be respected and heard amongst all of Barry’s drama, but when he does get a moment, it’s great. Sure, he has a lot to learn and needs to listen to directions a little better, but he’s excited about his powers and genuinely wants to help and be a bigger part of the team. Barry has gotten to be sullen and a little angsty after all his losses, so it’s refreshing to see Wally enjoying the speedster life now. He’s got a mesmerizing smile and I want to see more of it! On a slightly similar note, since we’re talking about The Flash, Cisco Ramon and Joe West are also very pure characters who I also love.
10. Antoine Triplett (Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.)
He came back to us in the Framework this year so I can add him to this list. Trip is as pure as they come. From his smile to his confidence to his dedication to S.H.I.E.L.D., he is a joy to watch. Garrett was his S.O. too and yet he remained wholesome and kind and brought such light to the team at a time when it was really needed. Even in the Framework where things were different, he was the same. He was just as smiley and dedicated and bright. I am so glad we got to experience the pleasure of seeing him again. Dead but never forgotten, his purity will live on on Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.
It’s characters like these ten that make watching TV so fun. It’s characters like these ten that we connect to. It’s characters like these ten that inspire us. These characters have heart and they care about their friends and family and we should endeavor to be more like them. There are so many more characters from this past TV season that could have made this list. Who are your favourite too good for this world, too pure characters?
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