Top 5 Favorite: Old Dudes Whom Kick Ass

Let’s face it; we live in a youth-centric culture. I am only 26 and sometimes I feel like my life is over. So, I have decided to combat this ridiculousness by pointing out some of my favorite men of TV who make a strong argument that gray hair should be a prerequisite for badass status.

Bobby Singer, Supernatural
Bobby is now confined to a wheelchair, and you know why? Because he managed to overpower the demon who had possessed him and stabbed himself instead of Dean. Bobby is stronger than demons and willing to sacrifice himself for his might-as-well-be-son. This is just the latest example of his four seasons of being an awesome hunter; he approaches mystery with a cool head, never hesitates to make the tough call, and always comes through for his family of friends.

Jack Bristow, Alias
I haven’t watched Alias in years, but while spending weeks upon weeks sick in bed I decided to re-watch from the beginning, and I had totally forgotten that Jack is a stone-cold killer. Determined to protect his daughter, Jack unapologetically pummeled, tortured, and killed anyone who threatened her safety, and in the processes helped unravel conspiracy and catch bad guys. I wouldn’t want him for a father, but I would really want him for a bodyguard.

Bill Adama, Battlestar Galactica
Commander Bill Adama was on the eve of retirement when the Cylon’s struck the 12 colonies, leaving his small collection of ships the last vestiges of humanity. Instead of golf and fishing (or whatever retired people do) Adama led the crew of his ship, and thereby all the others, with both kind understanding and the expectation of excellence. He never hesitated to shot if required, he beat the living crap out of Tyrol to prove a point to the crew, and had the force of personality to turn the tide of a mutiny with his words.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs, NCIS
Being a former sniper would probably qualify Gibbs for this list anyway, but the fact that when he isn’t cracking dirt-bags he builds full-size boats in his basement by hand which really makes him a super badass. Without wasting a word Gibbs relentlessly pursues the truth with the help of his unflinchingly loyal team, not only making the world a safer place, but also making the people around him better.

Rupert Giles, Buffy
For years Giles protected Buffy: guiding her as a slayer, loving her as a parent, eventually freeing her to be an adult. While not the winner of every fight, Giles always faced danger with bravery. For me, it is one single act that cements Giles as awesome: killing Ben at the end of Season 5. No one ever found out, but Giles did what had to be done, ending the life of Glory’s human vessel. Even if Buffy had been alive to do it, she never could have, and he never would have asked. Like a true hero, Giles took upon himself great responsibility without any recognition.

Honorable Mention: Clay Marrow, Sons of Anarchy
While I know that Clay is a multi-dimensional character, I cannot help but hate him for killing Donna, therefore I cannot call him a favorite of mine, but I do feel that I should mention that for being a senior citizen, Clay is one scary mo-fo.

The TV Girl