Far from avoiding the compromises of series television, in which flawed characters get flabby and lovable over time, "The Sopranos" dares to make its hero more reprehensible.
At least that seems to be the idea, with the introduction this week of a brand new figure in the corporation's timelessly lovable good-time gang of fast-food friends.
And the 15 characters who live there -- including the know-it-all Bavarian professor, Heinscheveye VanDerNoggin; Angus MacDougal, a Scottish owner of the local tavern, the Breezy Kilt; Crazy Calhoone, a lovable looney; Father Time, depended on for historical perspective; and Problem Man, who answers listeners' solutions by giving them the problem -- are Mr. Brannigan's different voices.
"The Cubs have been lovable losers at times, but Dusty Baker has done a great job".
In the study, participants repeated the phrase, "I am a lovable person" multiple times during a period of several minutes.
You are equally lovable at all times.
At 69, Stallone finds the idea that Rocky has now come full circle — from small-time lovable loser to world champion to grizzled mentor — both fitting and strange.
It's a rare comedian who can be so completely repulsive and at the same time so lovable.
Puddles is an interesting construction, a clown who is both sinister and somehow lovable at the same time, and who veers between chewing-gum nonchalance and a desperate need to be loved.
Not to be outdone, Mr. Giamatti twirls his moustache to denote his character's villainy, and Mr. McAvoy does what he usually does, which is mime wet-eyed, stricken, lovable innocence, but this time in a more Russian way than he has before.
