Top 5 Fictional Irishmen
With St. Patrick’s Day upon us, let’s take a moment to look at our choices for the best fictional Irishmen and women. Whether it’s wacky antics, kicking ass or a little of both, here are some folks from the Emerald Isle that have won our hearts. Happy St. Paddy’s, geeks!
5. Your Dad (Fallout 3)
Let’s be serious, now: did you really think this list wouldn’t have someone played by Liam Neeson? Fallout 3 is immediately awesome because following the classic gravelly intro by Ron Perlman, we’re treated to Neeson lending his wicked Irish brogue to the voice of the Lone Wanderer’s father. But really, you can tell this game was made by a bunch of dudes because you play as his child, rather than having the option to be his wife. However, that luck of the Irish smiles upon you as you manage to avoid being kidnapped. Instead, your character must escape from the Vault and follow in your old man’s footsteps in his quest to bring clean water back to the Wasteland. Talk about a guy with drive.
4. MacManus Brothers (The Boondock Saints)
These boys are hardly the types you’d want to cross. The brothers go from being nobodies in a Boston slum to the worst nightmares of both the Russian Mob and the FBI. Their vigilante rampage borrows moves from countless classic action films, but things end up a lot more messy than your average John Wayne flick. Connor and Murphy are tough as nails and have an abundance of enthusiasm for their Holy, bloody work. Although the duo call themselves shepherds, the debate rages on about whether the brothers are heroes or baddies themselves. It should also be noted that as a youngster, I was so wowed with Norman Reedus’ Irish accent that for years, I thought it was authentic.
3. Dana Scully (The X-Files)
Stereotypes can be hard to break out of sometimes. But, Agent Scully does just that with her sass and skepticism. Her wit and charm are classic Irish, but rather than being the whimsical hothead, she leaves the daydreaming to Mulder. Instead she won hearts and minds with her level-headed pragmatism. And the head-turning fiery locks didn’t hurt her in becoming a fan favorite, either. Nowadays we are still struggling with a debate on ‘strong female characters’ and what that means, but Gillian Anderson’s portrayal of the Agent who Wanted to Believe is a milestone. Dynamic, driven and daring, they just don’t make ’em like her anymore.
2. Dum Dum Dugan (Marvel Universe)
The son of Irish immigrants and a former circus strongman, Dugan enlisted in World War II and quickly became a pillar of the Howling Commandos unit. Constant companion of Captain America and Nick Fury, the guy is hardly a slack when it comes defending his homeland. Don’t let the big ‘stache or stripey sweater fool you, Dum Dum is a war hero and his accolades include punching Godzilla in the face. Most people would say their favourite Marvel character is Thor, Captain America or Wolverine. But if you want a real man to get the job done, give this old soldier a call.
1. Sean Devlin (The Saboteur)
The Saboteur is an under-the-radar game in serious need of more love. It tends to get passed over as just another “GTA clone with a twist”-type game, but in truth it’s a product that is both visually striking and fun. You take control of Sean Devlin, a snarky, chain-smoking, binge-drinking womanizing Irishman living in a Paris brothel during the German occupation. You then get recruited by the French resistance to – what else? – kill some Nazis and break their stuff. When you run afoul of the authorities or kill them, you don’t feel bad. Sean is unambivalent in his quest for vengeance and destruction, and we love him for it.
Can you think of any other characters you love that hail from the Land of the Lucky? Share with us in the comments.
Be sure to have a fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day!
