Because then I can write it off as a character flaw instead of feeling like the show is approving the doucheness.
Exactly. The writers go out of their way to show that Ted isn't always right or sympathetic just because he's the lead... sometimes he's a pretentious jerk, and that's just the way he is. So I accept it, laugh at it, forgive it as a part of a multifaceted character. He may not be my favorite character, but he has his moments, and he *can* be fun to write in fanfic.
I feel like this aspect of Ted's characterization isn't something I noticed from the first season, either. It's sorta crept up...I really noticed it mostly in season 3 and 4. I feel like the times when Ted's not cooing over Robin are the best times because it means we see other parts of his personality.
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Re: "Come on, Lily, nobody likes a Ted." --best running joke ever
Date: 2009-04-19 02:09 am (UTC)Exactly. The writers go out of their way to show that Ted isn't always right or sympathetic just because he's the lead... sometimes he's a pretentious jerk, and that's just the way he is. So I accept it, laugh at it, forgive it as a part of a multifaceted character. He may not be my favorite character, but he has his moments, and he *can* be fun to write in fanfic.
I feel like this aspect of Ted's characterization isn't something I noticed from the first season, either. It's sorta crept up...I really noticed it mostly in season 3 and 4. I feel like the times when Ted's not cooing over Robin are the best times because it means we see other parts of his personality.