Yeah, in Fairly Odd Parents, most of the problems come from the abuse of magic. Not to mention Magic is rather useless in the long run, since Timmy's life is still almost as crappy as it was at the show's start.
I'd say the problem with smart characters is not that they're hard to write, per se, so much as it is they're difficult to make funny unless it's in certain proscribed ways (making the smart character a socially inept nerd or a Cloud Cuckoolander, for instance). That's not to say it can't be done, only that tv writers often unfortunately opt for the path of least resistance.
Why should Lisa Simpson be any less dysfunctional than the rest of her family? No matter how bright she is, she's still a Simpson.
No wonder I hate Dexter's Lab, to name an example of what you're getting. And Lisa Simspon/any derivative of Lisa Simpson... But no one cares about that.
The point is, I (almost) see your point. But I feel that can further attest to writers taking a least resistant route, like someone else said. Now that is laziness, to be honest.
This is where I, the Vampire Mistress, proudly reside: http://liberal.nationstates.net/nation=nova_nacioWhat many writers forget is that intelligence comes in many different facets. Those that are educated aren't always going to be highly philosophical or streetwise, or maybe even have much on the lines of common sense. A guy who can give heavy wisdom isn't neccessarily also going to be a profound scientist or have a degree in obscure archeology and mathematics.
Similarly a stupid character may not be totally inept in every area of life.
This is kinda why I dislike extremely formulatic "dumb Jerkass vs hypercompetant Straight Man" roles, I prefer a cast who have differing flaws and strengths that allow either to look (in)competant or support/require the other in their own way. It seems more developed and humanized.
edited 11th Nov '11 6:33:58 PM by Psi001
I tried to come up with likeable and smart characters and sadly I only came up with 2 and anime examples at that.
Mizuno Ami and Honoka Yukushiro from Sailor Moon and Pretty Cure respectively.
Oh and Minazuki Karen, From Yes Pretty Cure 5. That's Three.
edited 13th Nov '11 9:57:40 AM by CocoNatts
Good grief, why doesn't anyone pay attention to Phineas And Ferb? Its main characters are smart and likeable.
Not really. Rather, its contrasted by her adorable awkwardness.
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I'm not a fan of that show, but yeah.
Those are intelligent characters DONE RIGHT.
(Off-Subject)Now if only Disney made more TV fare this smart
...
edited 13th Nov '11 2:59:31 PM by LostAnarchist
This is where I, the Vampire Mistress, proudly reside: http://liberal.nationstates.net/nation=nova_nacioAdmitedly Sonic called her out a couple of times, in a very brief, light hearted way but still an acknowledgement she wasn't perfect (eg. Sonic and The Secret Scrolls, Blast to the Past Part Two). Then again Sally was usually the only one that ever called out Sonic's dickery either (and even then not all the time or in a similar half hearted manner). Admitedly they could have made the other Freedom Fighters more active in terms of character chemistry.
The comics try to remedy this, but in a very forced and blatant way that makes obvious they are trying to get rid of her Mary Sue status with some fans (eg. Sally feeling bad about the slap or some Designated Villain making a mountain out of some minor mistake she made) but still giving the vibe it is petty and her flaws are actually very minor. And it doesn't really change the fact that she doesn't really stand out as a flawed character like Satam Sally does, whose shortcomings at least created distinctive bumbling quirks that made her stand out.
edited 13th Nov '11 6:28:49 PM by Psi001
I'll be honest: I absolutely hated Sally. Her and the fact that the show was rigged so Sonic couldn't even fight were two of the big reasons I couldn't stand Sat AM.
