Still waiting...

[quinara]

...for an English character in US series who (a) is not evil/morally compromised, (b) does not use alcohol as an emotional crutch and (c) does not have an abusive father.

I suppose there was Stephen Fry in Bones... But I distinctly recall him apparently not knowing what a barbecue was so I may have to add (d) is not generally ignorant about life and (e) is not some toff with a secret and repressed rebellious past.

Maybe this is a tall order, but, really, is it that hard?

Comments

[next_to_normal]

Heh. I am somewhat convinced that making the character English is meant to redeem them from being otherwise unlikable because of those qualities. You know how we Americans swoon at an English accent! Who cares if he's evil, alcoholic, and emotionally damaged? LISTEN TO HIS ACCENT.

[quinara]

See, I'm fairly certain this is just what Hollywood thinks England is like (I know I've ranted before about Tahmoh Penikett saying that Jamie Bamber had 'the perfect accent for a gunrunner', but it really gets on my nerves). I mean, I'm never entirely sure why American shows always seem to have these token English characters (usually in positions of power, where they can be harsh and ev0l). Clearly Joss has issues, but I don't understand what's going on with everyone else too, at least not in this century.

[next_to_normal]

We are still pissed about that whole taxation without representation thingy. We are the best grudge-holders EVER.

[quinara]

And here was me thinking it was just a general fear about taxes full stop. I mean, obviously they signal socialism. ;)

[next_to_normal]

Well, yes. But you also burned down our White House.

Really, the Brits are just bad news all around. Don't know why we didn't take you over years ago.

[quinara]

I'm sure it was all very sad... Didn't you build another one anyway? (And, blimey, if we held a grudge every time someone burned/bombed/invaded us, we wouldn't have anyone left to invite for tea!)

[next_to_normal]

Yes, we built a new one. We built a better one - and you're not invited! Well, except for diplomatic things, of course, because we don't want to arouse suspicion by being rude to you, even though we're secretly plotting your demise. Shh - don't tell. We want it to be a surprise. :)

[quinara]

Ooh, we do like surprises... *sneakily gets on the phone to MI5*

[next_to_normal]

*quinara's house suddenly explodes*

Oops, sorry. I did warn you not to tell.

[quinara]

You do know I live in a house with some/at least one of your dear expatriates, right? :P

[next_to_normal]

Acceptable loss. If they were true Americans, they wouldn't have left. :)

[quinara]

*snort* Touché...

[evilawyer]

I think it is that we are jealous of the cool accents. We do petty with the very best!

[quinara]

But half the time the accents aren't even realistic! I'd really love to know who in America decided UK accents were 'cool'...

[evilawyer]

The same people who decided French accents were romantic, maybe?

[quinara]

Possibly.