9 Unlikely Romantic Leads – Playful Heroes You Can Laugh With
When it comes to romantic heroes we tend to favour a particular type. He’s often a Byronic hero, intelligent, serious, mysterious, handsome, morally ambiguous and often hiding something dark in his past. I love these characters as much as anyone. After all, Mr. Rochester is my all-time favourite romantic hero.
But today I’d like to celebrate a very different kind of hero, a type which I personally don’t feel get enough love. These are the unserious romantic leads, the ones that can laugh at themselves and are tremendously fun to be around. So here are nine examples of playful heroes because sometimes you want to spend time with someone you can laugh with.
#1 Peter Bishop of Fringe
The Peter we meet at first is quite cynical and resentful of being forced to work with his estranged father. However, as he worked closely with Walter, Olivia, and Astrid, he developed a bond with each and began to be more hopeful. He also began to see Olivia in a different light. Peter’s wry commentary on the continuing weirdness surrounding him contributed much to the humour of the show.
Joshua Jackson has an insanely likable quality which can’t help but translate into his performances. Jackson’s other famous role as Pacey Witter on Dawson’s Creek would also qualify at times.
Content Note: Fringe is rated TV-14 for violence and unsettling imagery (think X-files).
Where to Watch: Amazon Video and DVD.
#2 Malcolm Reynolds of Firefly
Captain Mal Reynolds is not a man who can stay serious for any length of time. Embittered by his time fighting for a lost cause, he pretends to be a self-serving criminal with no sense of honor. However, he is fiercely loyal and protective of his crew, with his own unique set of principles.
Content Note: Firefly is rated TV-14 for non-explicit sexuality and violence. Some profanity.
Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Video and DVD.
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#3 Henry Tilney of Northanger Abbey
Unlike Austen’s much more famous heroes who have a penchant for seriousness, Mr. Henry Tilney is sociable, jovial, self-deprecating and has even been known to enjoy Gothic novels. Of course, this is much to Catherine Morland’s delight as she is also an avid reader of popular novels such as The Mysteries of Udolpho. Like Catherine, we are instantly charmed by his quick wit and easy-going temperament.
Content Note: There is no explicit content in either the novel or its adaptations.
4# Flynn Carsen of The Librarians
While Flynn certainly embodies aspects of a more traditional romantic hero, his idiosyncrasies have a tendency to overwhelm everything else. Of course, this only serves to make him more lovable. Ezekiel Jones and Jake Stone also qualify on occasion.
Content Note: The Librarians is rated TV-14 for mild profanity. The rating seems a bit harsh for this particular TV series.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video and DVD.
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#5 Chuck Bartowski of Chuck
Despite being played by the extremely handsome Zachary Levi, Chuck is about as far away from being a typical romantic hero as it is possible to be, at least at first. Through his adventures with Sarah and Casey, he becomes a hero in his own right. However, he never quite loses his nerdy, goofball charm.
Content Note: Chuck is rated TV-14 for mild sexuality and violence.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video and DVD.
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#6 Dave the Laugh of The Confessions of Georgia Nicolson Series
Dave the Laugh began his role in the series as someone Georgia dated to make Robbie jealous. After the events of the first book, he and Georgia became increasingly good friends. It gradually becomes clear that Dave still has feelings for Georgia and whether she likes it or not she can’t seem to stop thinking about him.
Content Note: The books are aimed at people in their early to mid teens. Nothing explicit. Some innuendo.
#7 Hatter from Syfy’s Alice
Not altogether trustworthy at first, Hatter is the eccentric guide who helps Alice find her lost boyfriend Jack. However, Jack is not exactly who he claimed to be. During their journey, Hatter and Alice find themselves falling in love despite themselves.
Andrew Lee Potts has a knack for making oddball characters much more appealing than they have any right to be. Conner Temple of Primeval being a prime example.
Content Note: Alice is rated 12 in the UK. Nothing explicit.
Where to Watch: DVD
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#8 Andrew Prichard of Classic Alice
Andrew begins Classic Alice as her close friend with an adorably obvious crush on our heroine. Loyal, funny and passionate, Andrew is one of many reasons to check out this original, fun web-series.
Content Note: No rating but there is nothing explicit in this web-series.
Where to Watch: Youtube
RELATED POST –Web Series Adaptations: An Exploration
#9 Fox Mulder of The X-Files
What list could be complete without the frequently goofy Fox Mulder? While Dana Scully had her own comedic moments, it was often Mulder’s job to bring levity to a show that could venture into some quite dark places. He brought a special charm and silliness to the show which was missed during his long absence. It’s no wonder Scully (and half the audience) fell for him.
Content Note: Rated TV-14 for occasional sexuality, violence, and unsettling imagery.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, DVD and Hulu.
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Do you enjoy spending time with heroes who make you laugh? Who is your favorite?
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This is a list I didn’t even know I needed, but I already love the vast majority of these men. Since you have Mal from Firefly, may I also suggest Richard Castle?
Good suggestion!