tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119990365479009764.post6416414243574455614..comments2024-03-14T18:09:09.667-05:00Comments on Do Some Damage: Why is Everyone Always So TiredUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119990365479009764.post-87033389132188476252012-04-28T05:14:20.386-05:002012-04-28T05:14:20.386-05:00Veterans are necessary in procedural fiction and T...Veterans are necessary in procedural fiction and TV because audiences take some comfort in the fact that at least one of the characters, if not the main character, knows what he's doing.<br /><br />There have been several book and TV with newbie characters. I think of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, hair stylist turned bounty hunter; ALIAS's Sydney Bristow; PSYCH's Shawn and Gus; COVERT AFFAIRS' Annie Walker.<br /><br />Newbie characters are particularly effective at the start of series. As you say, audiences can identify with them. Newbie characters can become as tired as veterans can, though, if they never learn, if they're continually wide-eyed and naive.<br /><br />One TV series that has had a good balance of veteran and newbie characters is NCIS. Gibbs has always been the jaded veteran, but early on Kate was the newest member of the team, then McGee. Even though McGee was the youngest he knew more about computers and high-tech crime than Gibbs ever would. After McGee, Ziva became the newbie. I don't know that they have one currently.<br /><br />The reason for all this is to deliver something for everyone. Older viewers may empathize with older characters at the same time younger viewers empathize with younger characters. That way, a series appeals to the largest possible audience.Gerald Sohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03571407711439433431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119990365479009764.post-78239042996127947022012-04-28T05:10:53.928-05:002012-04-28T05:10:53.928-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Gerald Sohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03571407711439433431noreply@blogger.com