Cookie Cutter Characters

On the Jukebox: "Island in the Sun" by Weezer
Mood: Optimistic
Advice: Never lick a flyswatter
Flair: Chicken Butt

Do you wanna know a pet peeve of mine? Too bad, I'm telling you anyway. I hate when I read a book or watch a movie or TV show and the character is so cliche. Sometimes I can predict what they're going to say. This is no credit to my great skill as a writer, rather that the person who wrote the character was lazy. They didn't reach for a fresh take on the archetype. They didn't twist or exaggerate for a more interesting effect. Boo!

Recently I've gotten back into watching "NCIS" on USA. Now some of their plots are razor thin and could be something I saw on "Murder She Wrote","Matlock","Monk", or one of the other show these are cloned from... but I am amazed at how much I like the characters. They are complicated in wonderful ways and their dialogue often surprises me. Sure, they look cookie cutter characters at first - but there are many layers to them. It's yummy the way the details have been sprinkled in. Let's examine a few...

Forensic Specialist Abby Sciuto: Her archetype is the Liberian with dashes of Spunky kid and Free spirit. I love her goth wardrobe and the fact that she not only goes to church but is on a bowling team with nuns. And who doesn't love the caf-pow addiction, farting stuffed hippo, and how she gives all her machines names and ranks?

Special Agent Tony DiNozzo: He's the combo archetype of the Charmer and the Swashbuckler. A good lookin', wise crackin', well dressed, smart ass that you can't help but like anyway. Tony loves his wardrobe almost as much as he loves the ladies. He can be prissy, condescending, and insecure which I find very entertaining.

Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs: Definitely the archetype of Chief with a sprinkle of Lost Soul and Warrior. He's the best at what he does because he doesn't give up. He's stoic - he feels deeply but bottles his emotions. The others see him a father figure. What keeps his character fresh is his failed marriages, boat building skills, and the mystery of what he does in his personal life away from the office.

Chief Medical Examiner Ducky Mallard: The Professor archetype through and through. The twist is that he comes across as classy and brainy. I like that he has to deal with an aging mother and her dogs. He restored his Morgan. He wears quirky hats and likes to go off on avante-garde topics of conversation. This guy will kick your butt in Jeopardy but then pay for dinner afterwards.

Special Agent Tim McGee: The Professor meets Best Friend as archetype. He's the beta hero. Always underestimated, but reliable. The plucky comic relief. Yes, he's a geek at core and the others tease him about his lack of assertiveness, yet he still gets the girls. He just doesn't kiss and tell.

I also love that they're not soapy the way some other shows are. I can't watch "Without a Trace" because I just want to slap those people around. Solve the mystery and stay out of each other's bedrooms. If I wanted that kind of show I'd watch more reality TV! I want a TV show where I can like the characters but their lives don't get in the way of telling the story. This way I can stop by and visit when I have a moment without being lost in the secondary storyline. If you miss an episode or season of "NCIS" it doesn't matter, where you'd be lost if you tried that with "Lost" - which also blurs the lines on archetype characters. Who's a good guy and who's a bad guy? I guess it depends on what season. That's how real life is, we all have flaws and strengths.