Category: Character Review

Miss Scarlet Character Review: Barnabeus Potts

I apologize for the lack of posting as of late. There is only so much energy in a day.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the TV series Miss Scarlet (formerly Miss Scarlet and the Duke). Read at your own risk if you have not watched the program. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right before us, as flesh-and-blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

Part of being human is, unfortunately, stereotyping people we don’t know or like. Another part of being human is meeting that person and hopefully overturning that pre-conceived notion of who they are or aren’t. On Miss Scarlet, Barnabeus Potts (Simon Ludders) works at the city coroner’s office. Like many men of his time, he is not thrilled when private detective Eliza Scarlet (Kate Phillips) comes calling. Eventually, he comes not only to appreciate Eliza, but he also respects her and becomes an ally in her work.

This change also opens the door to unexpected romance. A connection with Eliza’s housekeeper/mother figure, Ivy Woods (Cathy Belton), turns into a relationship, which turns into a marriage. He also has a change in careers, attempting to become a novelist.

To sum it up: Though Barnbeus is a man of his era, he is wise enough to understand when he is wrong. By doing so, he represents the slow change toward equality and respect towards women.

Which is why he is a memorable character.

Miss Scarlet Character Review: Moses Valentine


I apologize for the lack of posting as of late. There is only so much energy in a day.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the TV series Miss Scarlet (formerly Miss Scarlet and the Duke). Read at your own risk if you have not watched the program. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right before us, as flesh-and-blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

No person is an island. Whether in life or business, we need other people. On Miss Scarlet, Moses Valentine (Ansu Kabia) is a foe turned into an ally. Originally from Jamaica, he is comfortable in the not-so-proper underbelly of London. Working for  Eliza Scarlet (Kate Phillips), he becomes her connection to a world that would be dangerous for her to traverse alone.

He is charming, intelligent, and is often two steps ahead of the “proper” authorities. When Moses returns to the UK, he comes back as the owner of his own detective agency in Paris. He also pairs up with Clarence Pettigrew (Paul Bazely), creating a unique buddy comedy/crime caper-esque story that adds light to what could be a dark narrative.

To sum it up: Moses is a man who can move between worlds, giving him opportunities that the other characters cannot have without putting themselves in danger. Add in charm and a quick mind, and you have a person who can survive in multiple cultures.

Which makes him a memorable character.

Miss Scarlet Character Review: Ivy Woods

I apologize for the lack of posting as of late. There is only so much energy in a day.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the TV series Miss Scarlet (formerly Miss Scarlet and the Duke). Read at your own risk if you have not watched the program. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right before us, as flesh-and-blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

Just because one is born in a lower position in society does not mean that they are meant to stay where they are forever. All they need is the will to succeed and someone willing to help them get there. On Miss Scarlet,  Ivy Potts (nee Woods) (Cathy Belton) is more than Eliza Scarlet‘s (Kate Phillips) cook and housekeeper. She is a mother figure who knows Eliza inside and out.

With Eliza’s help, Ivy learns to read and write. With this education, her job opportunities expand. When an opportunity to do clerical work at the police station opens, she takes it and eventually becomes department head. She marries Barnabus Potts (Simon Ludders), and becomes a woman ahead of her time. Though she still lives with and works for Eliza, she is a woman thoroughly ahead of her time.

To sum it up: Ivy proves that even in a time when a woman’s opportunities were extremely limited, she can have it all. Which in our time, is still a question that many wrestle with.

Which is why she is a memorable character.

Miss Scarlet Character Review: William “Duke” Wellington

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Saturday from now on.

I apologize for the lack of posting as of late. There is only so much energy in a day.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the TV series Miss Scarlet (formerly Miss Scarlet and the Duke). Read at your own risk if you have not watched the program. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right before us, as flesh-and-blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

Our childhoods play a large role in who we become as adults. On Miss Scarlet, William “Duke” Wellington’s (Stuart Martin) early years were not happy ones. Orphaned as a boy, he worked as a child before becoming homeless and being taken in by Henry Scarlet (Kevin Doyle/Tim Downie). The foundation of the friendship/will-they/won’t they relationship with Henry’s daughter, Eliza (Kate Phillips), starts when they are teenagers. After witnessing a murder, Eliza wants to jump in and solve the case, but her father won’t let her.

As an adult, Duke joins Scotland Yard. He frequently clashes with Eliza, who is attempting to step into her father’s professional shoes. Despite this, they understand and respect one another. As the romantic feelings between them start to bubble to the surface, a relationship with Eliza’s former classmate Arabella Acaster (Sophie Robertson) may break them up before it can begin.

In the end, Duke realizes that he is in love with Eliza. But her hesitancy to potentially put her job (despite the mutual feelings) aside sends him to New York for a year. Eventually, he decides to make the move permanent.

To sum it up: Despite the difficulties he experienced as a child, Duke became a man of honor, dignity, and respect. Going down a dark path would not have been unexpected. But he chose to walk in the light.

Which is why he is a memorable character.

Miss Scarlet Character Review: Eliza Scarlet

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Saturday from now on.

I apologize for the lack of posting as of late. There is only so much energy in a day.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the TV series Miss Scarlet (formerly Miss Scarlet and the Duke). Read at your own risk if you have not watched the program. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right before us, as flesh-and-blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

To be a woman in a man’s world in a time when we were confined to certain roles is to have both a thick skin and a backbone made of the strongest steel on Earth. On Miss Scarlet, Eliza Scarlet (Kate Phillips) is ahead of her time. The only child of the late Henry Scarlet (Kevin Doyle/Tim Downie), she was raised by her widower father and housekeeper/mother figure Ivy Potts (nee Woods) (Cathy Belton). She could, of course, marry, as is expected. But Eliza has no interest in marrying. She would rather take over her father’s detective agency.

It goes without saying that she is underestimated. Even when she pairs up with her unofficial adopted brother, William “Duke” Wellington (Stuart Martin), a Scotland Yard detective. Though they know how to push each other’s buttons, there is an underlying respect and appreciation for the other.

After meeting as teenagers, they have a will they or won’t they relationship for years. The spark finally turns into a flame, but it burns out before it can go anywhere. Eliza is not ready to put her professional life on hold, not even for Duke. He leaves, forcing her to reckon with her choice.

Though in the moment it seems like it all went wrong, Eliza may be able to have it all. She is handed the reins of another agency, previously run by Patrick Nash (Felix Scott), and is trying to turn it into a success. There is also a new man in her life, Detective Inspector Alexander Blake (Tom Durant Pritchard). He is Duke’s replacement and a widower with a young daughter. Though their relationship has its moments, it looks like Eliza may finally have found the right person.

To sum it up: Eliza Scarlet is a modern woman. Though she wears the clothes of the Victorian era, she feels like she could sit comfortably in 2026 without a problem.

Which is why she is a memorable character.

Mean Girls Character Review: June George

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Saturday from now on.

I apologize for the lack of posting as of late. There is only so much energy in a day.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the film Mean Girls. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the movie. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right before us, as flesh-and-blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

Being a parent is far from easy. Each makes their decision (for better or for worse) on how to raise their offspring. In Mean Girls, June George (Amy Poehler) is the mother of  Regina George (Rachel McAdams). In her words, she is a “cool mom”. Instead of acting like the adult in the home, she acts as if she were her daughter’s friend. Nothing is off limits, including offering Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) alcohol.

She is seen at later points in the story, participating in Regina’s activities, but without the standard rules and boundaries that another adult might set for their offspring. Despite her husband’s disapproval, June’s first priority is to encourage her daughters to have fun without the inconvenient responsibilities of being the parental unit.

To sum it up, June George reflects a parenting style that, in the real world, might lead to a child’s inability to become a successful adult. But within the universe of Mean Girls, she is a mother who just wants to be Regina’s pal.

Which is why she is a memorable character.

This will be my last Mean Girls Character Review post. Come back next week to see the new group of characters that I will be reviewing.

Mean Girls Character Review: Ron Duvall

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Saturday from now on.

I apologize for the lack of posting as of late. There is only so much energy in a day.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the film Mean Girls. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the movie. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right before us, as flesh-and-blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

If being a teacher can feel thankless, then the job of a principal is even more thankless. On top of managing instructors, staff, and students, there is a whole other level of politics involved with superintendents and local officials. In Mean Girls, Ron Duvall (Tim Meadows) is the Principal of North Shore High School and the potential love interest of Sharon Norbury (Tina Fey).

When word of the burn book reaches him, he pulls Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) and the other Plastics (sans  Regina George (Rachel McAdams)) into his office. Upon hearing the news, Regina creates disorder, giving Ron no choice but to turn on the water and knock the proverbial sense into them. If they do not stop mistreating their fellow students, prom will be canceled. The kids amend their ways (at least long enough to get to prom), and he is surprised by Cady’s acceptance as prom queen.

To sum it up: When a child misbehaves, sometimes an adult needs to do some tough love. Ron’s actions are the very definition of tough love and the required actions to guide the young person to act in a better manner.

Which is why he is a memorable character.

Mean Girls Character Review: Sharon Norbury

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Saturday from now on.

I apologize for the lack of posting as of late. There is only so much energy in a day.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the film Mean Girls. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the movie. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right before us, as flesh-and-blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

As impactful as teaching can be, it can also be a thankless job. Apathetic students, politically motivated higher-ups, annoying parents, lack of supplies, etc. In Mean Girls, Sharon Norbury (Tina Fey, who also wrote and produced the film) is Cady Heron‘s (Lindsay Lohan) math teacher and the coach of the Mathletes team. She is introduced when Cady accidentally forces her to spill her soda all over her shirt.

Forced to take it off due to the stain, she is startled by the Principal, Ron Duvall (Tim Meadows). They have a will they or won’t they that eventually turns into a relationship. Before that, Sharon was previously married and is bitter about her recent divorce. She also tries to explain to her female students that putting each other down only brings out the worst in each other.

To sum it up: Despite the cracks in her personal life, Sharon recognizes that the girls in her care (Cady specifically) are capable more than they want to appear to be. She also sees that they are in need of guidance in how they treat each other.

Which is why she is a memorable character.

Mean Girls Character Review: Damian Leigh

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Saturday from now on.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the film Mean Girls. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the movie. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right before us, as flesh-and-blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

Introducing minority characters that are bordering on stereotypes is walking a literary tightrope. They need to feel like an organic part of the world without coming off as an afterthought. This person also has to be more than what the audience expects them to be.

In Mean Girls, Damian Leigh (Daniel Franseze) is introduced by his best friend Janis Ian (Lizzy Caplan) as “too gay to function”. Pairing up with new student Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan), they plan to take down the school’s queen bee,  Regina George (Rachel McAdams). After Cady takes Regina’s place, Janis and Damian turn on her.

When they finally make up at the Spring Fling, he catches a piece of Cady’s Spring Fling Queen crown. He and Janis (who are wearing matching tuxedos) also kiss briefly, but are turned off by the kiss and decide to stay strictly in the friend zone.

To sum it up: Though Damian does border on a gay stereotype, he is also a loyal friend who stands by what he believes in and does not fold when push come to shove.

Which is why he is a memorable character.

Mean Girls Character Review: Aaron Samuels

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Saturday from now on.

*I apologize for the lack of posting for the last couple of weeks. There is only so much time and energy in the day.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the film Mean Girls. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the movie. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right before us, as flesh-and-blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that nothing spices up a story like a love triangle. In Mean Girls, Aaron Samuels (Jonathan Bennett) is the popular guy at North Shore High School. When he is not focusing on his studies, he is part of several sports teams and gives his mother a helping hand at home.

When it comes to his romantic life, his former flame is Regina George (Rachel McAdams). When Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) enters his calculus class, Aaron is immediately interested. Upon seeing the potential between Cady and her ex, she tries to get him back. They briefly get back together, but break up when he is told by Cady that Regina has cheated on him.

Though the relationship between Cady and Aaron seems to be put on permanent hold when she takes over the leadership of the Plastics, they make up and make the leap to boyfriend and girlfriend.

To sum it up: Aaron is the type of boyfriend that appeals to everyone. He is amiable, warm, loyal, and an overall nice guy.

Which is why he is a memorable character.

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