From Perry Mason to Tony Soprano: The de-evolution of the TV hero

August 10, 2013 at 7:00PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The de-evolution of the TV hero Holding out for an unflawed hero? You may need a time machine.

1950s: Perry Mason

Boasts an unbeatable track record without ever having to chase after an ambulance.

1960s: James T. Kirk

Boldly goes where no man has gone before, with time left over for ego trips.

1970s: Theo Kojak

He loves ya, baby, unless you're on the wrong side of the law.

1980s: J.R. Ewing

Greed is good.

1990s: Amanda Woodward

Be late with the rent at your own peril.

2000s: Tony Soprano

Woke up this morning, got himself a gun.


"Perry Mason" TV show Detective Drake (William Hopper, left) and Perry Mason (Raymond Burr). File photo. ORG XMIT: MIN2013080215364438
"Perry Mason" TV show Detective Drake (William Hopper, left) and Perry Mason (Raymond Burr). File photo. ORG XMIT: MIN2013080215364438 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
William Shatner as he appeared in the television series "Star Trek." Undated file photo. ORG XMIT: MIN2013080215374540
William Shatner as he appeared in the television series "Star Trek." Undated file photo. ORG XMIT: MIN2013080215374540 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
FILE - This 1999 file photo provided by HBO, shows James Gandolfini as mob boss Tony Soprano, in an episode from the first season of the HBO cable television mob series, "The Sopranos." HBO and the managers for Gandolfini say the actor died Wednesday, June 19, 2013, in Italy. He was 51. (AP Photo/HBO, Anthony Neste, File) ORG XMIT: MIN2013071910490425 ORG XMIT: MIN1307191053280130
FILE - This 1999 file photo provided by HBO, shows James Gandolfini as mob boss Tony Soprano, in an episode from the first season of the HBO cable television mob series, "The Sopranos." HBO and the managers for Gandolfini say the actor died Wednesday, June 19, 2013, in Italy. He was 51. (AP Photo/HBO, Anthony Neste, File) ORG XMIT: MIN2013071910490425 ORG XMIT: MIN1307191053280130 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing in the 1996 made-for-television movie "Dallas: J.R. Returns." Photo by Charles Bush provided by CBS Inc. ORG XMIT: MIN2013080215401941
Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing in the 1996 made-for-television movie "Dallas: J.R. Returns." Photo by Charles Bush provided by CBS Inc. ORG XMIT: MIN2013080215401941 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

Neal Justin

Critic / Reporter

Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.

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