In keeping with Father’s Day, AV published this article: “Worst Fictional Dads”. Some great choices there, but even so, there are still more fictional bad Dads I can think of who would qualify. So many bad Dads!
But what about Best Fictional Dads? It’s a lot harder to come up with more than a handful. Here are my picks:
Film:
Donald Sutherland - Ordinary People
Roberto Benigni - Life is Beautiful
TV:
Bill Cosby - The Cosby Show
Andrew Duggan - The Waltons
Literature:
Atticus Finch - To Kill a Mockingbird
Hans Hubermann - The Book Thief
So what about you? What fictional Dads are your idea of a great Dad?
And Happy Father’s Day to all the real life wonderful Dads on the Dope!
Just because I’ve been watching it so much, my first thought was Hal from Malcolm in the middle. A bit clumsy in life in general, but he tries. Having said that, I’m surprised Walter White didn’t make it on to that Worst Dad’s list.
Ward Cleaver was actually a great dad. Hopelessly square of course, but willing to give Wally and the Beav plenty of independence while making sure they learned from their mistakes.
Greg Universe. Steven doesn’t live with him, due to reasons, but he clearly supports him well, and they spend a lot of time together, where Greg dispenses good advice, moral support, and fun. Except when he’s trying to not have a heart attack from hearing what Steven’s up to.
Ah, you’re right! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen it. I was only thinking of the three marrying daughters, the third of whom he behaved unconscionably toward. Of course, the two youngest daughters having to witness that cruelty, couldn’t have been good for their emotional development. So, Tevye now scores only two out of five.
Mike Brady (a) was exactly as good with his three daughters as with his three biological kids: bring him a problem and slow music plays as he patiently notes that things could be worse, but, yeah, you could’ve handled it better, so here’s a little sensible advice from someone who cares; and (b) who doesn’t love Gary Cole?
