# Name a TV character who doesn't belong in a series **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** tv-shows-scripted, actor-characters\ **Created:** [February 3, 2023, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248 "2023-02-03T10:45:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2023, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/182 "2023-02-25T18:57:30Z")
I just saw an episode of _Law & Order_ that reminded me of this thread. There really was no way to replace Lennie Briscoe on the show, but Det. Joe Fontana (Dennis Farina) wasn’t it. I don’t know who it was who said “what this show needs is a violent asshole as the senior detective,”, but they were wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Andy\_L](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c67d28/32.png) [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2023, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/183 "2023-02-25T22:00:40Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I don’t know who it was who said “what this show needs is a violent asshole as the senior detective,”, but they were wrong. Agreed. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/184 "2023-02-26T02:05:43Z")
I’ve heard of this phenomenon called **The Paula Marshall Effect**. Apparently, she is the kiss of death for TV shows and I cannot explain it. There’s nothing wrong with her. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/185 "2023-02-26T03:20:40Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > I guess in Starfleet’s “feelgood” way of doing business, you really can be anything you want. Even the only petty officer in the entire service. Doesn’t matter anyway - the pay’s the same. Ohmigosh, I thought my boss was just being loosey-goosey when she stopped by my drawing table and said: _“I’m ordering business cards, what title do you want?”_ “Hmmm well, it’d look good on my resumé if I’d made it to Art Director already.” _“Okay!” [over her shoulder]: “Congrats on the promotion!”_ But just now I realized that I was working for a business patterned after Starfleet! Speaking of O’Brien, he must’ve gotten bored standing behind the transporter controls, waiting for the two times that day that someone had to beam somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/186 "2023-02-26T04:12:57Z")
> [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](#): > > I’ve heard of this phenomenon called **The Paula Marshall Effect**. Apparently, she is the kiss of death for TV shows and I cannot explain it. There’s nothing wrong with her. Another example is Allison LaPlaca, who was cast in a leading role in at least five series, all of which were quickly canceled. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/187 "2023-02-26T04:20:08Z")
And don’t forget Ted McGinley! > **[In defense of Ted McGinley, television's supposed show killer](https://www.metv.com/stories/in-defense-of-ted-mcginley-televisions-supposed-show-killer)** > > The actor hardly deserves his reputation. Though he has been enjoying it. ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/188 "2023-02-26T04:42:43Z")
there’s another actress sela ward that always ended up in several shows usually in the last season or two of the show … but she had to retire from acting due to MS complications ---
**Author:** ![zbuzz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/e19b73/32.png) [@zbuzz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zbuzz)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/189 "2023-02-26T04:53:23Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Señor Chang was the one they could do without. Chang was a great character when he had actual authority over the study group as a teacher. Insane Spanish teacher = laughs; cartoonishly insane security guard/student, not so much. > [@TriPolar](#): > > Not like Chevy has been funny in years. He was very funny on Community because he was playing Chevy Chase without realizing he was playing Chevy Chase. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/190 "2023-02-26T05:15:50Z")
> [@digs](#): > > Speaking of O’Brien, he must’ve gotten bored standing behind the transporter controls, waiting for the two times that day that someone had to beam somewhere. Any of them, as far back as TOS. They won’t even give them a chair! ---
**Author:** ![Eclipse\_Chaser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@Eclipse\_Chaser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eclipse_Chaser)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 9:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/191 "2023-02-26T09:38:41Z")
Neelix. I always just thought he was insufferably irritating but this time round I noticed much more his really abusive treatment of Kes. Jealous, manipulative and bullying. Every time he calls her “sweeting” I want to throw up! ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/192 "2023-02-26T14:10:26Z")
I never really got into ST:VOY because I didn’t care for most of the characters, but OMG I thoroughly detest Neelix, especially the way he calls Tuvok “Mr. Vulcan”. I guess it’s supposed to be cute but just seems racist to me. ---
**Author:** ![abcdefghij](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/43a26b/32.png) [@abcdefghij](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/abcdefghij)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/193 "2023-02-26T14:16:20Z")
> [@digs](#): > > Speaking of O’Brien, he must’ve gotten bored standing behind the transporter controls, waiting for the two times that day that someone had to beam somewhere. > **[CHIEF O'BRIEN AT WORK](https://chiefobrienatwork.com/)** > > For fans of crappy jobs, space travel, and ennui. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/194 "2023-02-26T16:48:16Z")
> [@nightshadea](#): > > there’s another actress sela ward that always ended up in several shows usually in the last season or two of the show … but she had to retire from acting due to MS complications - Cite? I don’t see anywhere that Sela Ward has MS. Are you maybe thinking of Selma Blair? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/195 "2023-02-26T16:55:05Z")
Either way, Sela Ward has a second career as a regular answer in crossword puzzles. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/196 "2023-02-26T17:49:29Z")
> [@digs](#): > > Speaking of O’Brien, he must’ve gotten bored standing behind the transporter controls, waiting for the two times that day that someone had to beam somewhere. Except when some bad guy needs to rush into the empty transporter room and do something evil. No locks I guess. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2023, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/197 "2023-02-26T18:17:20Z")
I did see something about her being ill while working and mention of a hyperactive thyroid, not MS. Unfortunately Selma Blair does have MS, as does the chronically unlucky Christina Applegate. ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2023, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/198 "2023-02-27T04:10:28Z")
oops i confused the two again iys not the first time ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2023, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/199 "2023-02-28T18:04:39Z")
The actress who played the triple-breasted woman in Total Recall later portrayed Ensign Sonya Gomez in TNG. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2023, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/200 "2023-02-28T18:12:29Z")
As does Teri Hatcher (taking over for Teri Polo) and Esai Morales. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2023, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248/201 "2023-02-28T23:20:11Z")
> [@Author\_Balk](#): > > > [@Palpatine1](#): > > > > Getting back to “Frasier,” the character who never made sense to me was Niles and Frasier’s Dad. How could such a blue-collar type have produced those uppercrust WASPy-preppy intellectuals?! > > There was an episode, Fathers and Son, with David Ogden Stiers that has that as part of the plot. The David Ogden Stiers character fits the type of father they should have. And he spent time with their mother. Maybe he is their real dad, or so the story goes. Didn’t that episode end with Stiers confessing his character was gay? 🤨 And yes, Nancy Marchand played Hester on _ **Cheers** _. She threatened to kill Diane if she didn’t break it off with her son, so she was obviously a bit unbalanced herself. When it comes to Batman and Robin, watch this clip. Aunt Harriet was **not** fooled! [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/PNAfX3Iyr1U/maxresdefault.jpg "Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNAfX3Iyr1U) I love the shots of the Batmobile. They make me feel eleven years old again! 🥰 I haven’t had time to read the whole thread, but has it really grown this long with no mention of Wesley Crusher??? (Or any of the children on board the _Enterprise-D_, for that matter?) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-a-tv-character-who-doesnt-belong-in-a-series/979248.md?page=11)