gryfndor_godess | Meme: Brought to you by the letter 'J' (Reply)

What do all of these lovely characters have in common? All of their names start with the letter 'J'! (courtesy of

eilowyn , btw) All of their first names, anyway, 'cause I had a really hard time thinking of J names (and I couldn't find many women).

Click the cut to find out what I think about these characters, and then if you want to participate, follow the instructions below.

1. COMMENT WITH A MYSTERIOUS COMMENT OF YOUR CHOICE.
2. I will give you a letter.
3. Post the names of five fictional characters and your thoughts on each.

Jayne Cobb (Firefly): From the beginning Firefly when he makes fun of Kaylee wanting Simon to be a gynecologist, you know Jayne is the character you’re going to love and snorfle at even though he’s a complete jerk. Firefly is one of the rare shows where I liked all of the main characters, but Jayne was one of the most compelling. The scene where he joins Mal by betraying his old boss is so indicative of his nature, and his arc in “Ariel” makes sense even though it’s disappointing. After his betrayal he does seem to change; maybe it’s grudging and unwilling and a mostly silent process, but he finally starts accepting the siblings, and that shows character growth. I love the part in Serenity where he picks up River in the bar when she’s going nuts, and he says “Gorram it, girl, it’s me,” like they’re a team and he cares about her and she should trust him (and then she grabs his nuts, hee). No mention of his character would be complete without acknowledging the brilliance of “Jaynestown”. I love all his quirks, like being a tough, macho guy but also a big softie when he gets his hat. I would love to know more about his background.
   I also tip my hat to Adam Baldwin, who is fantastic and a large part of what makes Jayne so lovable despite his flaws.
   Lastly, I’m an unapologetic Jayne/River shipper. Not at any stage in the show itself because she’s so young and crazy and he still has a lot of growing up to do, but afterward I can totally see it. She’d bring out his vulnerable side, and he’d feel so guilty for “Ariel,” and they’d keep their relationship a secret from everyone, and it would be excellent when the crew found out. Seriously, can you imagine their faces? I think Simon would faint.

Javier Esposito (Castle): I have taken to saying after I watch an episode of Castle, “I want my own Ryan and Esposito!” (and my parents look at me like I'm insane). And I do, very much. I want them for BFFs and I would totally take them in bed as well (I actually had tired!punchy!thoughts once about which one I would want to spoon in front of me and behind; I think I decided on Esposito behind because he’s bigger and could just kind of encompass us DON’T JUDGE ME).
   I love Javier first and foremost for his friendship with Kevin; I thought at first I would ship them in a bromance sense, but I actually don’t- they are so perfect as friends who would do anything for each other. The episode about Javi’s old partner? Perfect. When he and Kevin are being tortured and trying to take care of each other? Perfect.
   I love Javi’s affection for Beckett and the lengths he and Kevin go to for her in trying to help solve her mother’s case.
   I love him with Lanie. That was such a surprise, and they’re adorable, and I hope they go somewhere with that, especially since Kevin has Jenny.
   I love that he’s Hispanic. Maybe that’s a weird reason, but I’m so glad that Castle takes racial diversity in its cast seriously.
   I love his body. Phoar, he’s hot.
   I love his macho attitude and the looks he gives Kevin when Kevin says certain things. But despite his machismo, he definitely respects women.
   Javier is the kind of fictional character I would ‘do’ or ‘marry’ in a heartbeat. I’m not sure how he’d feel about that threesome idea though…

Jean-Luc Picard (Star Trek: The Next Generation): What can I say about this man? His awesomeness speaks for itself. He’s Captain Jean-Luc Picard. He’s the best captain (suck it, Kirk, both of you) of the greatest U.S.S. Enterprise crew. He’s pragmatic and hardens himself (cough*Beverly*cough) and children freak him out, but he’s also caring and devoted to his family and his crew, and he stands up for what he believes in.
   He was my first TV crush ever. I was four years old. I think that sums up my feelings on the matter.

Jenny Calendar (BtVS): Oh, Jenny. I think she was an excellent character who went too soon. Which is not to say that I wish her death hadn’t happened, but I wish we had gotten more out of her. There’s so little Jenny after “The Dark Age,” and then suddenly she’s a GYPSY with an awful SECRET and all the Scoobies must HATE her. Sigh. I’m not sure how I feel about the twist (was it a retcon or always planned?), but Robia LaMorte always played it very well. I wish she had come back as the First in S7.
   I liked Jenny because (at first) she was someone we otherwise didn’t see in the Buffyverse: a normal teacher who cared about her students and wasn’t there for nefarious purposes. Plus, she was a woman. Plus, she was young, and hip, and teased Giles about computers, and they were so sweet together.
   My one complaint related to Jenny (not even about her) is that I think her death turned out to be not as integral as it was supposed to be. It certainly makes an impact in S2, both by shocking the viewer (first major death!) and for what it does to Giles and Buffy, but its most important impact, what it shows about Angel, fades away after S2, except for briefly in “Amends.” After S8 everyone was saying how it’s not who dies that matters but who kills them, and that certainly applies to Jenny Calendar. The problem for me is that because of the soul crap, most fans don’t hold Angel accountable for Jenny’s death. It becomes a non-issue after a point, and that’s really disappointing. Perhaps I’m a broken record for finding some way to bring Spike into all this, but I think murdering Jenny is worse than the AR, and yet many fans will still say that Angel’s deeds on the show are less heinous than Spike’s.
   You deserved better, Jenny.

Jean Bob (The Swan Princess): Was there ever a more awesome frog? No, there wasn’t (sorry Tiana and Naveen; you guys aren’t real frogs anyway). Jean Bob was loyal, and hilarious, and brave, and had a fantastic friendship with Speed. I would kiss him in a heartbeat.