A wisecracking LA detective, a globe-trotting archaeologist, and a resourceful secret agent. In a recent survey, more than 1,000 Americans were asked what fictional hero they’d most want around in an emergency situation. Finishing in third and second place — with 14 and 16 percent of the vote, respectively — were Die Hard’s John McClane (played by Bruce Willis) and Raiders of the Lost Ark’s Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford). And America’s favorite break-glass-in-case-of- emergency hero? MacGyver…Angus MacGyver. That’s right, the Phoenix Foundation operative played by Richard Dean Anderson (pictured) in the long-running ABC series.
Now, I don’t think MacGyver is necessarily a bad choice — he’s perfect for those moments when all you have is an air freshener, a sock, a paper clip, a ballpoint pen, a rubber band, a pair of tweezer, some nasal spray, and a turkey baster. But I think he’s too Boy Scout-ish and thoughtful to deal with scenarios that might require split-second decisions. McClane? Too smug. Indy? Love the guy, but perhaps a bit long in the tooth. No, if I were in the direst of circumstances, I’d prefer someone ruthless, serious, and young. Someone like Jason Bourne (who finished in fourth place, ahead of 24’s Jack Bauer and Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft, both tied for fifth). Or my favorite: Mad Max. He’s tough, good in a scrap, and knows a thing or two about heroism and sacrifice. What about you, PopWatch Nation? What fictional hero (of the non-super-powered variety) would you want next to you when the going gets tough?
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I’d go with Bourne myself. (though his gf Marie probably wouldn’t, but there was nothing Bourne could really do about that)
****SPOILER ALERT*****
The Waterloo station sequence in “Ultimatum” proved he can keep you alive…unless you’re stupid enough to run off on your own.
I like the choice of Jack Bauer too, but people close to him have a habit of ending up dead (wife Teri), tortured (Audrey) or dead by Jack’s own hand (Chappelle and Curtis)
Sydney Bristow, duh!
I agree…Bourne would be my #1 choice. He just kicks a**!! Bauer would be a close 2nd because, well…he’s Jack Bauer. If he can’t save you, you’re screwed!
On a lighter note, for my “damsel-in-distress” situations, I wouldn’t mind if Captain Jack Sparrow came to my rescue! : )
I’m going to go with a very recent choice, Michael Westen from “Burn Notice” – he’d get us out of said jam, complete with wisecracks and skills. And those around him seem to live rather than die when they are on his side.
Of course, Indiana Jones will always have a soft spot in my heart. I’ll be his Marian any day.
I would want Michael Slezak with me. I believe in him! He’d lead the way out of the burning building……
I have to go with MacGyver because people often forget that he was also really sarcastic and had some badass friends in the Colton brothers.
But more importantly, in the case of impending doom? I don’t want a guy that can kick ass and defuse some bombs. I want hte guy that’ll keep me from getting shot, defuse the bombs, get through all the booby traps, stop the bad guy from escaping, not be prone to ill-timed flashbacks, and can outthink the evil geniuses. (Hey, all those years facing Murdock…Mac got training that Bourne never got.)
Bourne still comes in second in my book, though. Because if you don’t have the brains that Mac has, at least have fist of fury.
Non-super powered? Batman, duh.
John Locke. Sure he let Boone die, but no one would have survived on that island without his mad hunting skills.
MacGyver is my guy, thankyouverymuch. And he can bring along his theme song, too. Whaa..I need to be entertained.
Rambo anyone?? LOL
Everyone’s missing the obvious – he had no superpowers, just a really boss belt: BATMAN.
There’s no way I’d go with Jack Bauer. He’d only increase the chance that I’d end up dead. Heck, he’d probably kill me himself. Just ask Curtis. I do like the Jason Bourne and Batman ideas.
Where are all the women on this list?? Buffy would be my #1, followed by Ms. Sydney Bristow.
Clint Eastwood. Dirty Harry, a secret service guy, an astronaut, a cowboy, a boxer…..it’s all good and he’d do the honorable thing.
Definately McGiver. What the man can do with a toothpick and a piece of chewing gum is short of miraculaous!
Intelligent hero- Macgyver
Hero in a suit without power- Batman
Hero with no power but has a useful way of getting out a situation- Dr. Who and his telephone booth.
ok ok Bourne is good make that great choice. But how about Michael Westen from Burn Notice or his gal pal Fiona Glenanne. They can take care of BUSINESS. or maybe the A-Team
I want my Buffy. For someone with only a High School education, she seems to now the right weapon to use, whether it be wood, blade or wise-crack.
Maxwell Smart.
Are you kidding me? Thomas Magnum!
Data from Star Trek:TNG, i wouldn’t need a calculator to do my accounting now.
jason bourne is a pretty good choice but i’d go with these chicks: buffy, sydney bristow, or the charmed ones.
I’m all for the Buff-ster, too, y’all, but the Slayer powers effectively nix her from this race. If you’re looking for quick-thinking woman with sassy quips, might I suggest Veronica Mars? For physical confrontations, she can always bring her taser and Backup. Of course, if you’re in mortal peril, I’d go with Ms. Sidney Bristow; she’s got access to Batman-y toys, too, and can also just plain kick @ss. Just don’t call out her roomie, Francie, if she happens to be mackin’ on some coffee ice cream…
OPTIMUS PRIME. That’s who!
At first glance of the subject line, my immediate thought was John McClane. But upon further thought, I would definetly pick Michael Weston from Burn Notice. He is MacGyver & McClane rolled into one!
In terms of butt-kicking women, I’d have to choose Uma Thurman’s character from the “Kill Bill” movies. She can slice up a room full of ninjas in a snap, throw out a few witty one-liners and still look good doing it.
Jack Bristow—he’s as super badass as they come. And he does it all in a suit and tie!
Veronica Mars—she may not look like a fighter, but she’s clever as all hell.
Jack or Sydney Bristow, I’d gladly take either one.
MacGyver’s still the one!!!
He’s more creative and less emotionally encumbered than my number two, Jason Bourne (as played by Matt Damon, not Richard Chamberlain, who was cheesy).
I’m surprised that as gun-nut as the US can be, MacGyver would be their #1 hero. Cuz, if you recall, MacGyver wasn’t just a freakish genius, he was completely anti-gun. How many of the heroes on the list chose brains over firepower?