History KnightInSourArmor / LiveActionTV

* The title character of ''Series/{{Merlin|2008}}'', a DeadpanSnarker HurtingHero who nevertheless has a strong set of values and is determined to free his people.

* After being on ''Series/{{Degrassi}}'' enough seasons you either end up here or JadeColoredGlasses, just a fact of life for teenagers. Best examples for this side of things would be Spinner, Darcy, Jimmy, Marco, Sav, Clare, Alli, and Jenna. The series is abundant with drama and cruelty for them, but they still believe no matter how the world sucks... it's what they have and it's worth it to not give up. But the world unquestionably sucks, they are all more than clear there.

* Almost every single good cop in ''Series/TheWire'' knows that their objective is ultimately a futile effort and that the city of Baltimore is in far more disarray than they could possibly hope to rectify. However, this sure as hell doesn't stop them from trying.

* ''Series/TheLordOfTheRingsTheRingsOfPower'': Galadriel might wear a shining armour, but she is as far as possible from an IdealHero. She's a jaded BrokenBird who lived things that deeply traumatized her. She tries to do good, but she is slowly consumed by her desire for revenge.
* In ''Series/MrRobot'', Elliot is cynical and jaded but does try to help people and bring down those who are hurting others. Often he puts others' safety before himself. He ultimately decides to tip off police about Shayla's abusive boyfriend, who's a drug and weapons dealer, even if it means not being able to get his withdraw medication, though he was hesitant at first. He also dislikes any innocent people getting hurt, even if the end result is something he wants. This differs from Mr. Robot, who doesn't care who gets in the way of his goals, as he believes he's creating a better world.
* ''Series/GameOfThrones'':
** Ser Loras Tyrell becomes this in Season 2 after [[spoiler:his lover King Renly Baratheon is murdered]]. It's even shown symbolically, as his once spotless suit of armour (which practically made him look like a walking mirror in Season 1) is now somewhat tarnished.
** Brienne of Tarth also undergoes a similar transition when she [[spoiler:fails to protect Renly, whom she harboured feelings for, from a monstrous LivingShadow]].
** The Hound, much like his book counterpart is hinted to be this beneath his BloodKnight exterior, especially after [[spoiler:leaving King's Landing during the Battle of Blackwater Bay]]. After that, pretty much anyone he meets who talks about fighting in the war gets this line:
--->'''The Hound:''' [[spoiler: "'''''Fuck''''' the king."]]
*** It becomes even more evident in season 6 and beyond. The Hound is as bad-tempered and cynical as ever, but he keeps fighting for a cause that's bigger than him because he understands precisely what is at stake.
** Robb Stark becomes one, especially as the war goes on.
** Jaime Lannister is much closer to this as of Season 4. For a long time, he was scornful of the double standards of chivalry as far as how Westeros regards his "kingslaying" and how in their eyes, he's dishonored himself for all time. Despite this, Jaime does value the Kingsguard and does aspire to the example of the likes of Ser Barristan. He tells his father, Tywin, that while he has soured his honor for killing a king, he won't sour it by abandoning the Kingsguard altogether.
** Despite his cynical outlook of the world, Tyrion still tries to do the right thing.
** Serving kings that were either AxCrazy (Aerys) or a drunkard (Robert) greatly jaded Ser Barristan, but still does his duty with full dedication.
* Joe Caputo, the prison administrator in ''Series/OrangeIsTheNewBlack'' is sleazy, bitter, angry, and generally hard to like. But a lot of that comes from his noble but frustrated attempts to protect the inmates and guards from corruption, underfunding, and callous corporate interference. [[spoiler:It remains to be seen whether he will remain any kind of knight after the season 3 finale, where he opts to sell out for a promotion.]]
* Max Black of ''Series/TwoBrokeGirls''. She basically had to raise herself and her mother. If something needed to be done Max got it done. Her attitude fits this to a T. She is seen to be able to do the right thing when it all comes down to this.

* ''Series/{{Arrow}}'': Sara Lance to a certain extent. Her family thought she was dead and she spent years away from her home trapped on an island, training, and being forced to kill. She considers herself the furthest thing in the world from a hero. Despite this, she's willing to risk her life to check on her family, protect women that she has never met from assault, and run into a burning building to save a baby.
* Most people involved with the government in ''Series/TwentyFour'' seem to believe this. Despite their constant sacrifices to save America, even Redshirt agents seem to realize that their victories are Pyrrhic at best, and rarely make attempts to mask how jaded they are.
** Prior to the first season, Jack Bauer probably was not. After [[spoiler:Terri dies because of Jack's job]] and having to face down the reality that saving lives and {{Obstructive Bureaucrat}}s do not mix, his armor gets mighty sour.

%%* Pretty much everyone in ''Series/{{Torchwood}}''.
* Dr. Cox of ''Series/{{Scrubs}}'' is a cynical, angry, egotistical man, who firmly believes everyone should get the best treatment possible and often tries to stop injustice in the system. Indeed, many a DrJerk could be described as this. Why do you think they're doctors?
** "Chicks, money, power, and chicks." As said by Cox in "My Bed Banter and Beyond". In the same breath, he admits that he doesn't get any of that.
%%* Natalie from ''Series/SecretArmy''.
* ''Series/{{Angel}}''. Hell, the entire cast of that show could fall under this, especially Angel and Wesley. [[note]]We could say, the series' script was written by a [[MeaningfulName DeKnight]] in Sour Armor.[[/note]] Angel's philosophy is stated by Angel himself in the Season 4 episode "[[Recap/AngelS04E01DeepDown Deep Down]]":
-->Nothing in the world is the way it ought to be. It's harsh and cruel but that's why there's us. Champions. It doesn't matter where we come from, what we've done or suffered, or even if we make a difference. We live as though the world were as it should be, show it what it can be. You're not a part of that yet. I hope you will be. I love you, [[spoiler:Connor]]. Now get out of my house.
** Summed up beautifully (it's the show's mission statement) in "[[Recap/AngelS05E22NotFadeAway Not Fade Away]]", when Gunn is helping Anne unload supplies for her teen homeless shelter from a truck on a day when the world might very well end:
-->'''Gunn:''' What if I told you that none of it mattered? That the world is controlled by forces much more powerful than we are, and that those forces will never, ever let things get better? What would you do then?\\
'''Anne:''' I'd tell you to finish getting those supplies off that truck and take them inside.
* Boyd in ''Series/{{Dollhouse}}''. Ballard seems to be on his way to this from his original KnightInShiningArmor characterization. Then [[spoiler:Boyd turned out to be both TheMole ''and'' the EvilOverlord (and a KnightTemplar)]].

* Almost every single good cop in ''Series/TheWire'' knows that their objective is ultimately a futile effort and that the city of Baltimore is in far more disarray than they could possibly hope to rectify. However, this sure as hell doesn't stop them from trying.
* Colby from ''Series/{{Survivor}}'', who said the game he first played in 2000 was outdated and gone, being one of the few players (other than Coach and Rupert) who was HonorBeforeReason.
* Mal Reynolds of ''Series/{{Firefly}}''. He lost his faith in God and humanity in one fell swoop, but when presented with the choice he goes out of his way to do the right thing.
* Derek Reese from ''Series/TerminatorTheSarahConnorChronicles''. He's a miserable man who was once a young boy playing baseball, then suddenly, got thrust into the apocalypse. He will spend every last ounce of energy, and stop at absolutely nothing including murder, in order to fight the coming cybernetic invasion, simply because no matter how hopeless it gets, it's not just the right thing to do...it's the ONLY thing to do.
* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'':
** [[JerkWithaHeartofGold Dean]] is the series' prime example. He's cynical, pessimistic, and very blunt on the negative side of a life fighting evil. At one point he even concluded the world ''wanted'' to end. Not the most likely hero, but still cares about the lives of people and devotes his life to saving them.
--->'''Dean:''' I think the world's going to end bloody, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't fight. We do have choices. I chose to go down swingin'.
** Castiel in seasons 4,5, and ''especially'' 6.
%%* Clayton Webb of ''Series/{{JAG}}''. Comes with his [[TheSpymaster profession.]]

%%* James "Sawyer" Ford [[spoiler: and also, ultimately, Benjamin Linus]] from ''Series/{{Lost}}''.
* Andy Sipowicz from ''Series/NYPDBlue'', as an intersection of NobleBigotWithABadge and RabidCop, with a decent dose of DeadpanSnarker and a surprisingly large amount of TheWoobie.
* Sir Hugh Hayden-Hoyle from ''Series/TheHonourableWoman'', is a jaded and very cynical spy similar to many of the protagonists in Le Carre novels. He starts off completely apathetic to his work and the Middle East due to the senseless violence that he feels he can't do anything about but ends up striving to help both Nessa and Atika anyway.

* ''Series/SirensUK'' has Stuart (and possibility Ash) who after years of dealing with drunks fighting every Saturday in the street and the general lowest ebb of the human condition are fed up with the world. But given half the chance they'll crawl through broken glass or climb the side of a building to help those that need it.
%%* Jack Bristow in ''Series/{{Alias}}''.
* Nick in ''Series/NewGirl'' is filled with bitterness, anger, cynicism and self-loathing but is still a great friend and almost always does the right thing even as his life keeps getting progressively worse.
* Derek Hale in ''Series/TeenWolf'' is a prime example of this. He's even got the InSeriesNickname of being a "sourwolf" to add to the characterization.
* After being on ''Series/{{Degrassi}}'' enough seasons you either end up here or JadeColoredGlasses, just a fact of life for teenagers. Best examples for this side of things would be Spinner, Darcy, Jimmy, Marco, Sav, Clare, Alli, and Jenna. The series is abundant with drama and cruelty for them, but they still believe no matter how the world sucks... it's what they have and it's worth it to not give up. But the world unquestionably sucks, they are all more than clear there.
* The title character of ''Series/{{Merlin|2008}}'', a DeadpanSnarker HurtingHero who nevertheless has a strong set of values and is determined to free his people.
%%* ''Series/{{Scandal}}'': Olivia.
* ''Series/OnceUponATime'':
** [[TheChosenOne Emma Swan]] is tough and cynical and doesn't believe in the curse, but she still stays in Storybrooke and goes against [[GodSaveUsFromTheQueen Regina]] and [[MagnificentBastard Mr. Gold]].
** Post HeelFaceTurn, Regina Mills qualifies. She is snarky and cynical, and is the first to make biting remarks, but is firmly on 'Team Heroes' and will always do the right thing

* Rust Cohle from the first season of the HBO Anthology series ''Series/TrueDetective'' is a straight up nihilist, thinking that human consciousness was a mistake and that humanity should voluntarily stop breeding and die out. He is also a tireless fighter for what's right no matter the personal cost.

* In an unfamiliar timeline in ''Series/{{Andromeda}}'', Nietzschean Gaheris Rhade wins his Episode 1 fight with Dylan Hunt and then enters the future 300 years later and, finding that his people have utterly failed to live up to his expectations, sets about rebuilding the Systems Commonwealth…not at all happily but with sour, dogged, determination. Eventually, he [[spoiler: decides he's not the man for the job, goes back 300 years, kills earlier self, and intentionally loses his fight with Cap. Hunt, creating the more familiar timeline]].
* Methos from ''Series/{{Highlander}}'' (at least in his more recent days). Even though he keeps claiming to only serve his own purposes and to do things just to save his own skin, in reality he frequently goes out of his way - often quite literally, and sometimes even to the point of risking his own life - to help and protect others. And as we see in his history as a medical doctor, that's probably not limited to his life after meeting Duncan [=MacLeod=], despite his claims to the contrary...
* ''Series/MotherlandFortSalem'': In her heart Raelle's a kind and deeply compassionate person, but her unwanted fate of what's essentially military slavery gives her few opportunities to show her brighter side. Most of the time she's bitter and cynical, yet she can always be relied upon to do the right thing when it comes down to it. She does slowly grow warmer with her friends and her girlfriend though, genuinely believing in them

* ''Series/{{Oz}}'':
** Augustus Hill is deeply cynical and borders on nihilism at some points, but he's one of the only prisoners who are genuinely trying to atone for their crimes, and he frequently sticks his neck out to do the right thing.
** Diane Wittlesey is bitter and world-weary, but she still does her damnedest to enforce order among the inmates without ever using the brutality of the other guards and being a ReasonableAuthorityFigure whenever possible.

* ''Series/{{Chernobyl}}'' lays this out in the beginning of the second episode with the Russian poem being read over the radio. Translated, the speaker refers to the USSR as a "bitter land" full of suffering and pitiful villages, but which is nevertheless worth dying for. Legasov is rightly terrified of his own government, but he pushes through his fear when it counts to try and keep more lives from being lost when they try to sweep things under the rug. Khomyuk wants to quit after interviewing men dying of Acute Radiation Syndrome and getting arrested by the [=KGB=], but she knows she isn't going to because finding the truth means preventing this from happening again. Shcherbina is gutted when he realizes that his superiors casually sent him to an early grave by putting him in charge of Chernobyl, but he gives a RousingSpeech calling for volunteers to drain the water beneath the reactor--yes, it is a SuicideMission, but "every generation has its own suffering" and regardless of how grueling it is or how bad the government is, it ''must'' be done for the millions of innocents who will die if it isn't.

* ''TheLordOfTheRingsTheRingsOfPower'': Galadriel might wear a shining armour, but she is as far as possible from an IdealHero. She's a jaded BrokenBird who lived things that deeply traumatized her. She tries to do good, but she is slowly consumed by her desire for revenge.

* ''Series/{{NCIS}}'': Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs is emotionally withdrawn and borderline asocial, having almost [[spoiler:committed suicide after his wife and daughter were murdered]]. He still fights tooth-and-nail to bring criminals to justice.

* ''Series/{{NCIS}}'': Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs is emotionally withdrawn and borderline asocial, hating almost [[spoiler:committed suicide after his wife and daughter were murdered]]. He still fights tooth-and-nail to bring criminals to justice.

** Diane Wittlesey is bitter and world-weary, but she still does her damnedest to enforce order among the inmates without ever using the brutality of the other guards and being a ReasonableAuthorityFigure whenever possible.

* ''Series/MotherlandFortSalem'': In her heart she's a kind and deeply compassionate person, but her unwanted fate of what's essentially military slavery gives her few opportunities to show her brighter side. Most of the time she's bitter and cynical, yet she can always be relied upon to do the right thing when it comes down to it.

* Augustus Hill from ''Series/{{Oz}}'' is deeply cynical and borders on nihilism at some points, but he's one of the only prisoners who are genuinely trying to atone for their crimes, and he frequently sticks his neck out to do the right thing.

* [=McGill=], the protagonist of ''Series/ManInASuitcase'', has been dealt a rough hand in life through no fault of his own. He has been rewarded for doing his old job well by being exiled in disgrace. He is under no illusions that WideEyedIdealism will bring any rewards. Despite his cynical outlook, [=McGill=] still holds himself to a moral code. His loyalty to his clients is such that he will never accept a bribe to abandon a case, even if he is being offered more money than his client paid in the first place. And he will always do his best to keep the innocent out of harm's way.