Jerk with a Heart of Gold/Live-Action TV: Difference between revisions

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* Ralph Kramden of ''[[The Honeymooners]]''.
* Ralph Kramden of ''[[The Honeymooners]]''.
* Chloe in Don't Trust the B**** in Apt. 23 is this in just the first episode. While being a complete bitch. and stealing Rent Money from Her roommate June. She exposes June's cheating fiance by seducing him. June then thank's Chloe saying she probably would have found out it 10 years later and be divorced with 2 kids.
* Chloe in Don't Trust the B**** in Apt. 23 is this in just the first episode. While being a complete bitch. and stealing Rent Money from Her roommate June. She exposes June's cheating fiance by seducing him. June then thank's Chloe saying she probably would have found out it 10 years later and be divorced with 2 kids.
* Tom Paris in ''[[Star Trek Voyager]]''. In fact, the going-away speech given by Neelix in "Investigations" sums up this trope admirably.
* Tom Paris in ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]''. In fact, the going-away speech given by Neelix in "Investigations" sums up this trope admirably.
{{quote| "Good morning, ''Voyager''. I want to tell you about a friend of mine. I first met this man almost a year ago and, to tell you the truth, I didn't like him much. He seemed a little too cocky, a little too sure of himself. A lot of people had questions about him. He'd proven he'd pretty much sell himself out to the highest bidder, go wherever the wind blew him so people wondered, could you trust this person when things got tough? Would he stand side by side with you or would he let you down when you needed him most? But the fact of the matter is he proved himself right from the beginning. I wouldn't be alive right now if it weren't for him and the same goes for many of you. It took me a while to realize it. Like a lot of people, I was too caught up in first impressions to see the truth that was right in front of me. I overlooked his bravery because I was focusing on his brashness. I ignored his courage because I saw it as arrogance and I resented his friendliness because I mistook it for licentiousness. So while this man was giving us his best every minute of every day I was busy judging him. And now he's leaving. I'm proud to say that in spite of my narrow-mindedness Thomas Eugene Paris became my friend. I'm going to miss him. No more laughs over a game of pool. No more sitting up into the wee hours swapping stories. No more complaints about my cooking. (chuckling) Goodbye, Tom. I think I speak for more of us than you might imagine when I say you're going to leave an empty space when you go. I hope you find what you're looking for."}}
{{quote| "Good morning, ''Voyager''. I want to tell you about a friend of mine. I first met this man almost a year ago and, to tell you the truth, I didn't like him much. He seemed a little too cocky, a little too sure of himself. A lot of people had questions about him. He'd proven he'd pretty much sell himself out to the highest bidder, go wherever the wind blew him so people wondered, could you trust this person when things got tough? Would he stand side by side with you or would he let you down when you needed him most? But the fact of the matter is he proved himself right from the beginning. I wouldn't be alive right now if it weren't for him and the same goes for many of you. It took me a while to realize it. Like a lot of people, I was too caught up in first impressions to see the truth that was right in front of me. I overlooked his bravery because I was focusing on his brashness. I ignored his courage because I saw it as arrogance and I resented his friendliness because I mistook it for licentiousness. So while this man was giving us his best every minute of every day I was busy judging him. And now he's leaving. I'm proud to say that in spite of my narrow-mindedness Thomas Eugene Paris became my friend. I'm going to miss him. No more laughs over a game of pool. No more sitting up into the wee hours swapping stories. No more complaints about my cooking. (chuckling) Goodbye, Tom. I think I speak for more of us than you might imagine when I say you're going to leave an empty space when you go. I hope you find what you're looking for."}}
** The Doctor arguably fits this as well. He's full of himself and his bedside manner sucks (at least initially), but he loves the crew. At one point he's willing to get reset (which would cost him all his memories and a lot of his personality) rather than risk giving inadequate medical care to them.
** The Doctor arguably fits this as well. He's full of himself and his bedside manner sucks (at least initially), but he loves the crew. At one point he's willing to get reset (which would cost him all his memories and a lot of his personality) rather than risk giving inadequate medical care to them.
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** This seems to be common on ''[[Scrubs]]'', as it's also sometimes implied that the Janitor is actually quite fond of J.D., and his cruel bullying is just his sociopathic and socially maladjusted way of showing it.
** This seems to be common on ''[[Scrubs]]'', as it's also sometimes implied that the Janitor is actually quite fond of J.D., and his cruel bullying is just his sociopathic and socially maladjusted way of showing it.
*** [[The Finale]] shot this down by having him say that {{spoiler|the "Did you put a penny in the door?" bit was a [[Secret Test of Character]] which JD failed, and that's why the Janitor tortures him. Although he does suggest that if J.D had just told the truth they could have been friends...}}
*** [[The Finale]] shot this down by having him say that {{spoiler|the "Did you put a penny in the door?" bit was a [[Secret Test of Character]] which JD failed, and that's why the Janitor tortures him. Although he does suggest that if J.D had just told the truth they could have been friends...}}
* ''[[House (TV)|House]]'': Dr. Gregory House threatens to get into this during his [[Pet the Dog]] moments, particularly when he was diagnosed with cancer and still insisted on focusing on the patient. As always, it turned out he was just a [[Jerk With a Heart of Jerk|Jerk With The Heart Of An Even Bigger Jerk]] than we had assumed -- {{spoiler|he faked having cancer so he could get his hands on the perscription drugs, although to be fair, his team only "found out" he was sick by snooping around behind his back}}.
* ''[[House (TV series)|House]]'': Dr. Gregory House threatens to get into this during his [[Pet the Dog]] moments, particularly when he was diagnosed with cancer and still insisted on focusing on the patient. As always, it turned out he was just a [[Jerk with a Heart of Jerk|Jerk With The Heart Of An Even Bigger Jerk]] than we had assumed -- {{spoiler|he faked having cancer so he could get his hands on the perscription drugs, although to be fair, his team only "found out" he was sick by snooping around behind his back}}.
** As often as not it's played straight with House. Case in point: he hires Foreman's ex-con brother over Foreman's wishes and delights in setting the two against each other. This ultimately leads to him "going too far", which leads to the two brothers uniting against him, just as he planned.
** As often as not it's played straight with House. Case in point: he hires Foreman's ex-con brother over Foreman's wishes and delights in setting the two against each other. This ultimately leads to him "going too far", which leads to the two brothers uniting against him, just as he planned.
** Doctor Chase is a lesser example, he is a self-serving jerk and semi-antagonist for the first season but proves his loyalty by season 3. It's also assumed by everyone that he will break Cameron's heart when they begin their friends with benefits relationship, when in fact she's the one who breaks his.
** Doctor Chase is a lesser example, he is a self-serving jerk and semi-antagonist for the first season but proves his loyalty by season 3. It's also assumed by everyone that he will break Cameron's heart when they begin their friends with benefits relationship, when in fact she's the one who breaks his.
* Alex P. Keaton from ''[[Family Ties]]'' dreams of reaching the top of the corporate ladder and being rich -- and he often acts pompous about his intelligence. His views also sometimes appear sexist and he often appears to hold a certain contempt for people who lack intelligence and/or wealth. However, he has shown many times that he truly is a lovable and compassionate person -- and his good buddy is [[Extraverted Nerd|Skippy Handelman]].
* Alex P. Keaton from ''[[Family Ties]]'' dreams of reaching the top of the corporate ladder and being rich -- and he often acts pompous about his intelligence. His views also sometimes appear sexist and he often appears to hold a certain contempt for people who lack intelligence and/or wealth. However, he has shown many times that he truly is a lovable and compassionate person -- and his good buddy is [[Extraverted Nerd|Skippy Handelman]].
* Dr. Morris from ''[[ER]]'' starts off as a [[Dr. Jerk]], but matures into a [[Jerk With a Heart of Gold]] by the end of the series.
* Dr. Morris from ''[[ER]]'' starts off as a [[Dr. Jerk]], but matures into a [[Jerk with a Heart of Gold]] by the end of the series.
* Becker, from the sitcom ''[[Becker]]''.
* Becker, from the sitcom ''[[Becker]]''.
* Kim Kelly from ''[[Freaks and Geeks]]''.
* Kim Kelly from ''[[Freaks and Geeks]]''.
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* Of course this trope just screams for Dr. Rodney McKay in ''[[Stargate Atlantis]]'', who is egoistical, egomaniac, a self-centered, selfish and cowardly [[Jerkass]], but brave, selfless and understanding when he feels like it.
* Of course this trope just screams for Dr. Rodney McKay in ''[[Stargate Atlantis]]'', who is egoistical, egomaniac, a self-centered, selfish and cowardly [[Jerkass]], but brave, selfless and understanding when he feels like it.
** In particular, there's one moment that pretty much sums him up in a nutshell. {{spoiler|Upon finding out that, in an alternate universe, he spent his last moments unflinchingly trying to save others,}} he ''brags'' about it.
** In particular, there's one moment that pretty much sums him up in a nutshell. {{spoiler|Upon finding out that, in an alternate universe, he spent his last moments unflinchingly trying to save others,}} he ''brags'' about it.
* Most of the incarnations of The Doctor from ''[[Doctor Who (TV)|Doctor Who]]'' would touch on this trope at some point, but in many ways the Sixth Doctor matches it most of all; for the most part he's a pompous, arrogant, blustering jackass filled with a monumental sense of his own self-importance... who, every so often, does something that reveals him to be more than capable of acts of astonishing compassion and generosity.
* Most of the incarnations of The Doctor from ''[[Doctor Who]]'' would touch on this trope at some point, but in many ways the Sixth Doctor matches it most of all; for the most part he's a pompous, arrogant, blustering jackass filled with a monumental sense of his own self-importance... who, every so often, does something that reveals him to be more than capable of acts of astonishing compassion and generosity.
** Shows up especially in the audios and ''especially'' with companion Evelyn Smythe, simply because she refuses to let him get away with being a jerk.
** Shows up especially in the audios and ''especially'' with companion Evelyn Smythe, simply because she refuses to let him get away with being a jerk.
** Nine had a penchant for being more brash and brazen than his other incarnations thanks to his recent trauma in the Time War and subsequent [[Survivors Guilt]], but ultimately he's still the Doctor.
** Nine had a penchant for being more brash and brazen than his other incarnations thanks to his recent trauma in the Time War and subsequent [[Survivors Guilt]], but ultimately he's still the Doctor.
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* Dr. [[Frasier]] Crane, likewise, is a pompous, self-righteous, overbearing and snobby jackass who nevertheless genuinely loves and cares for his family and friends, is devoted to psychiatry and his patients, and is deep down ruled by an inner need to be liked. His brother [[Replacement Flat Character|Niles]] is similar — less arrogant and self-righteous than Frasier, but even more snooty and viciously sarcastic, who nevertheless demonstrates genuinely decent redeeming qualities similar to those of his brother, and his love for Daphne frequently brings out his sweet side.
* Dr. [[Frasier]] Crane, likewise, is a pompous, self-righteous, overbearing and snobby jackass who nevertheless genuinely loves and cares for his family and friends, is devoted to psychiatry and his patients, and is deep down ruled by an inner need to be liked. His brother [[Replacement Flat Character|Niles]] is similar — less arrogant and self-righteous than Frasier, but even more snooty and viciously sarcastic, who nevertheless demonstrates genuinely decent redeeming qualities similar to those of his brother, and his love for Daphne frequently brings out his sweet side.
** Martin is in some ways like this as well, at times to the point of being an inversion; although a lot more down-to-Earth, practical and, on the surface at least, likable than his two sons, he's nevertheless in the early seasons a crabby, bitter and emotionally repressed and distant man whom, it's suggested, has rarely actually made much of an effort to connect to his sons in any meaningful way (although he remains proud of them nevertheless). Whilst Niles and Frasier tend to wear their jerkiness on their sleeves, especially towards Martin, it's frequently established that Martin also has his jerkass side and partial responsibility for his difficult relationship with his sons.
** Martin is in some ways like this as well, at times to the point of being an inversion; although a lot more down-to-Earth, practical and, on the surface at least, likable than his two sons, he's nevertheless in the early seasons a crabby, bitter and emotionally repressed and distant man whom, it's suggested, has rarely actually made much of an effort to connect to his sons in any meaningful way (although he remains proud of them nevertheless). Whilst Niles and Frasier tend to wear their jerkiness on their sleeves, especially towards Martin, it's frequently established that Martin also has his jerkass side and partial responsibility for his difficult relationship with his sons.
** Daphne is kind of a double subversion as a [[Bitch in Sheep's Clothing]] [[Jerk With a Heart of Gold|With A Heart Of Gold]]. She's sweet, polite, and cheerful on the outside; manipulative, hypocritical, hot-tempered, and slightly unbalanced on the inside; and deeply loyal and caring on the ''very'' inside.
** Daphne is kind of a double subversion as a [[Bitch in Sheep's Clothing]] [[Jerk with a Heart of Gold|With A Heart Of Gold]]. She's sweet, polite, and cheerful on the outside; manipulative, hypocritical, hot-tempered, and slightly unbalanced on the inside; and deeply loyal and caring on the ''very'' inside.
** Even Roz is a bit of this as well. She's a swaggering, loud, snarky, flippant, ball-breaking [[Village Bicycle]]; but shows that deep down she does feel vulnerable about her life and relationships, is a romantic at heart, and is very, ''very'' protective towards her best friend Frasier. Yeah, this show had a big thing for taking comedy-fodder stereotypes and giving them depth and complexity.
** Even Roz is a bit of this as well. She's a swaggering, loud, snarky, flippant, ball-breaking [[Village Bicycle]]; but shows that deep down she does feel vulnerable about her life and relationships, is a romantic at heart, and is very, ''very'' protective towards her best friend Frasier. Yeah, this show had a big thing for taking comedy-fodder stereotypes and giving them depth and complexity.
* Brian Kinney on the American version of ''[[Queer As Folk]]'' was a huge jerk to every character on the show at one time or another, but always ended up doing the right thing or saving the day for everyone.
* Brian Kinney on the American version of ''[[Queer as Folk]]'' was a huge jerk to every character on the show at one time or another, but always ended up doing the right thing or saving the day for everyone.
* ''[[Supernatural]]'' is full of these but Dean especially can have a nasty temper and is a cocky, self-righteous, judgmental, ''always''-wisecracking [[Jerkass]] manwhore with such low self-esteem he thought he deserved to go to hell, an almost obsessive devotion to his family (and he really wanted them back together again, which was never going to happen), a desperate need to be liked, an unwillingness to actually stand up for himself (when it came to Missouri, John and sometimes Sam), has shown an honest willingness to sacrifice himself and his own happiness for perfect strangers, and all that wisecracking is just to "mask all that nasty pain". Not forgetting that he's also the [[The Chew Toy|show's favourite bitch]], so you've got to give him some sympathy.
* ''[[Supernatural]]'' is full of these but Dean especially can have a nasty temper and is a cocky, self-righteous, judgmental, ''always''-wisecracking [[Jerkass]] manwhore with such low self-esteem he thought he deserved to go to hell, an almost obsessive devotion to his family (and he really wanted them back together again, which was never going to happen), a desperate need to be liked, an unwillingness to actually stand up for himself (when it came to Missouri, John and sometimes Sam), has shown an honest willingness to sacrifice himself and his own happiness for perfect strangers, and all that wisecracking is just to "mask all that nasty pain". Not forgetting that he's also the [[The Chew Toy|show's favourite bitch]], so you've got to give him some sympathy.
** Sam really does deserve to be here as well. He's self-absorbed, doesn't seem to think much of Dean, can be incredibly cruel at times ("You were ''four'' when Mom died. How could you possibly know how I feel?", anyone?) and is prone to self-pity by the bucket-load. He uses the whole "Captain Empathy" thing as an act at least half the time, he's incredibly violent when he fights and he knows just how to twist Dean around his little finger. But he tries a hell of a lot harder to make Dean feel better than John ever did, he falls apart trying to save Dean in Season Three, he's using his demonic powers for good, he really did try to make it up to his father after "In My Time Of Dying" by focusing on the hunt and much of the bitchiness is leaning towards the affectionate [[Deadpan Snarker]] style and not the unsympathetic [[Jerkass]] type. It's also hinted that his violent streak may not be quite natural in origin.
** Sam really does deserve to be here as well. He's self-absorbed, doesn't seem to think much of Dean, can be incredibly cruel at times ("You were ''four'' when Mom died. How could you possibly know how I feel?", anyone?) and is prone to self-pity by the bucket-load. He uses the whole "Captain Empathy" thing as an act at least half the time, he's incredibly violent when he fights and he knows just how to twist Dean around his little finger. But he tries a hell of a lot harder to make Dean feel better than John ever did, he falls apart trying to save Dean in Season Three, he's using his demonic powers for good, he really did try to make it up to his father after "In My Time Of Dying" by focusing on the hunt and much of the bitchiness is leaning towards the affectionate [[Deadpan Snarker]] style and not the unsympathetic [[Jerkass]] type. It's also hinted that his violent streak may not be quite natural in origin.
*** Bobby, anyone? As much as he may snap at the boys, and he may not be very friendly to Castiel at times, it's obvious that behind that gruff exterior, he adores Sam and Dean. Hell, he treats them better than their own father did, and tells them when they're in the wrong- same with Castiel.
*** Bobby, anyone? As much as he may snap at the boys, and he may not be very friendly to Castiel at times, it's obvious that behind that gruff exterior, he adores Sam and Dean. Hell, he treats them better than their own father did, and tells them when they're in the wrong- same with Castiel.
** Gabriel/{{spoiler|the Trickster}}. He enjoys tormenting people, puts the Winchesters through hell, 'teaches' people lessons, often killing them in the process, but also sides with humans when it matters and goes up against Lucifer {{spoiler|with saddening consequences.}}
** Gabriel/{{spoiler|the Trickster}}. He enjoys tormenting people, puts the Winchesters through hell, 'teaches' people lessons, often killing them in the process, but also sides with humans when it matters and goes up against Lucifer {{spoiler|with saddening consequences.}}
* [[Firefly (TV)|Jayne Cobb]] is on the borderline, and definitely leaning toward "Jerk" but shows some nicer moments, such as sending a chunk of his pay to his mom to help take care of his ailing brother, and wearing a truly hideous hat because his mother made it for him.
* [[Firefly|Jayne Cobb]] is on the borderline, and definitely leaning toward "Jerk" but shows some nicer moments, such as sending a chunk of his pay to his mom to help take care of his ailing brother, and wearing a truly hideous hat because his mother made it for him.
** Jayne actually LIKED the hat (possibly just because his mother made it, but still). More telling is his reaction to the Mudders in "Jaynestown":
** Jayne actually LIKED the hat (possibly just because his mother made it, but still). More telling is his reaction to the Mudders in "Jaynestown":
{{quote| '''Jayne''': You guys had a riot? On account o' me? My very own riot?}}
{{quote| '''Jayne''': You guys had a riot? On account o' me? My very own riot?}}
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*** Obligatory [[Super Sentai]] note: Eric was virtually a carbon copy of his [[Mirai Sentai Timeranger|Sentai counterpart]] Naoto, birds and all. The only real difference between them is {{spoiler|Naoto dies at the end.}}
*** Obligatory [[Super Sentai]] note: Eric was virtually a carbon copy of his [[Mirai Sentai Timeranger|Sentai counterpart]] Naoto, birds and all. The only real difference between them is {{spoiler|Naoto dies at the end.}}
** And it seems almost impossible to mention Super Sentai without mentioning Gai Yuki from [[Choujin Sentai Jetman|Jetman ]]
** And it seems almost impossible to mention Super Sentai without mentioning Gai Yuki from [[Choujin Sentai Jetman|Jetman ]]
* In the later seasons of ''[[Farscape (TV)|Farscape]]'', Dominar Rygel XVI.
* In the later seasons of ''[[Farscape]]'', Dominar Rygel XVI.
** He was showing some of these traits as far back as Season 1.
** He was showing some of these traits as far back as Season 1.
* Almost every character in ''[[Murphy Brown]]'' displays these traits at some point, but Murphy especially exemplifies it.
* Almost every character in ''[[Murphy Brown]]'' displays these traits at some point, but Murphy especially exemplifies it.
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** Another shining example was when he found some way to coerce Christine into bed (he saved her life and played the "you owe me" card) -- but he couldn't do it to an unwilling woman that he genuinely cared about. She's as stunned as he is, and basically cites this trope verbatim... only to have him point out that this is only going to make him chase her ''more'' and that someday, somehow, he ''will'' wear her resistance down.
** Another shining example was when he found some way to coerce Christine into bed (he saved her life and played the "you owe me" card) -- but he couldn't do it to an unwilling woman that he genuinely cared about. She's as stunned as he is, and basically cites this trope verbatim... only to have him point out that this is only going to make him chase her ''more'' and that someday, somehow, he ''will'' wear her resistance down.
* At the start of the show, Sebastian Stark from ''Shark'' is almost a complete [[Jerkass]], but begins to show a softer side as the series progresses thanks to his daughter, his loyalty to his team and his newfound desire for [[The Atoner|redemption]].
* At the start of the show, Sebastian Stark from ''Shark'' is almost a complete [[Jerkass]], but begins to show a softer side as the series progresses thanks to his daughter, his loyalty to his team and his newfound desire for [[The Atoner|redemption]].
* Stefan from ''[[Top Chef (TV)|Top Chef]]'' season 5. A very heavy competitor, he comes off as an overconfident ass (which he is, honestly). However, he does have friendships with the other contestants (outside of competition of course) and he tried to comfort Carla when she started to cry during the final judges session.
* Stefan from ''[[Top Chef]]'' season 5. A very heavy competitor, he comes off as an overconfident ass (which he is, honestly). However, he does have friendships with the other contestants (outside of competition of course) and he tried to comfort Carla when she started to cry during the final judges session.
* Both Tony DiNozzo and Jethro Gibbs in ''[[NCIS]]'' stray into this on occasion.
* Both Tony DiNozzo and Jethro Gibbs in ''[[NCIS]]'' stray into this on occasion.
* Dr. Cottle from ''[[Battlestar Galactica]]'' is a grumpy, sarcastic, chain-smoking, cantankerous, uncompromising doctor who's downright feared by many of the fleet because of his gruff, unsympathetic attitude and willingness to amputate. He's also the first to not discriminate against the Cylons, treating Athena and her pregnancy with concern as he would anyone else and is visibly furious when Athena is almost raped by Lt. Thorne, occasionally shows signs of warmth for his patients, and is truly moved when Laura Roslin thanks him for never giving up on her when she should've died years ago, but she tells him to cut it out, go grumble, and light a cigarette, lest he ruin his image. He fondly bids her farewell anyway.
* Dr. Cottle from ''[[Battlestar Galactica]]'' is a grumpy, sarcastic, chain-smoking, cantankerous, uncompromising doctor who's downright feared by many of the fleet because of his gruff, unsympathetic attitude and willingness to amputate. He's also the first to not discriminate against the Cylons, treating Athena and her pregnancy with concern as he would anyone else and is visibly furious when Athena is almost raped by Lt. Thorne, occasionally shows signs of warmth for his patients, and is truly moved when Laura Roslin thanks him for never giving up on her when she should've died years ago, but she tells him to cut it out, go grumble, and light a cigarette, lest he ruin his image. He fondly bids her farewell anyway.
** Donnelly Rhodes's delivery of Cottle's line: "I don't know what to say," wavered a little. This and the way Cottle departed suggested that the Doc was a little choked up.
** Donnelly Rhodes's delivery of Cottle's line: "I don't know what to say," wavered a little. This and the way Cottle departed suggested that the Doc was a little choked up.
** Kara Thrace, a little. Despite her bad habits and occasional rudeness, she truly is a very caring person. {{spoiler|With Kacey, Zak, Athena...}}
** Kara Thrace, a little. Despite her bad habits and occasional rudeness, she truly is a very caring person. {{spoiler|With Kacey, Zak, Athena...}}
* [[Heroes (TV)|Nathan Petrelli]], when running for congressman, is a good example of this trope. He cultivates some bad connections and habits but genuinely loves his family and does what he can to help them.
* [[Heroes (TV series)|Nathan Petrelli]], when running for congressman, is a good example of this trope. He cultivates some bad connections and habits but genuinely loves his family and does what he can to help them.
** Given that Nathan Petrelli's worst connections of all are ''within his own family'', this seems like a subversion of the trope or an inversion or something. If left to his own devices, Nathan would be a great guy, but throw in all the bad influences from his environment and...
** Given that Nathan Petrelli's worst connections of all are ''within his own family'', this seems like a subversion of the trope or an inversion or something. If left to his own devices, Nathan would be a great guy, but throw in all the bad influences from his environment and...
* Logan Echolls from ''[[Veronica Mars]]''. Described in his first appearance as a psychotic jackass, but god help you if you hurt someone he cares about.
* Logan Echolls from ''[[Veronica Mars]]''. Described in his first appearance as a psychotic jackass, but god help you if you hurt someone he cares about.
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** Lily as well. A gun-toting, foul-mouthed, cantakerous old lady who loves her sister more than anything in the world.
** Lily as well. A gun-toting, foul-mouthed, cantakerous old lady who loves her sister more than anything in the world.
* Peter Bishop in ''[[Fringe]]''. He could very well be an all-around good guy if not for the fact that his father is what keeps his [[Jerkass]] side intact.
* Peter Bishop in ''[[Fringe]]''. He could very well be an all-around good guy if not for the fact that his father is what keeps his [[Jerkass]] side intact.
* Arthur in ''[[Merlin (TV)|Merlin]]''. Arrogant and self-centered yes, but with a genuine sense of justice and near unshakeable loyalty to his friends, his people and his king. In fact he might not be a jerk at all, or at if it wasn't for this sense of duty towards his father, who is a ''true'' [[Jerkass]].
* Arthur in ''[[Merlin (TV series)|Merlin]]''. Arrogant and self-centered yes, but with a genuine sense of justice and near unshakeable loyalty to his friends, his people and his king. In fact he might not be a jerk at all, or at if it wasn't for this sense of duty towards his father, who is a ''true'' [[Jerkass]].
* Alex from ''[[Wizards of Waverly Place]]''. Yes, she's selfish and as close to an out and out anarchist as you're ever going to find in a Disney Channel series but she does genuinely care about her friends and family and in the end always help them, even if most of the time what she's helping them out of is something she caused.
* Alex from ''[[Wizards of Waverly Place]]''. Yes, she's selfish and as close to an out and out anarchist as you're ever going to find in a Disney Channel series but she does genuinely care about her friends and family and in the end always help them, even if most of the time what she's helping them out of is something she caused.
* Jade West on ''[[Victorious]]''. While aggressive and abusive towards most (even her boyfriend), she does show signs of caring about others. The recent episode, ''Wok Star'', is a very good representation of how much she has changed compared to some of her earlier deeds.
* Jade West on ''[[Victorious]]''. While aggressive and abusive towards most (even her boyfriend), she does show signs of caring about others. The recent episode, ''Wok Star'', is a very good representation of how much she has changed compared to some of her earlier deeds.
* While occasionally played straight in ''[[Married With Children]]'', one episode brutally subverts this. Al enters himself in an athletic competition for senior citizens (despite not being a senior citizen himself) and his last remaining competitor tells him how much it would mean to him to win this. Al considers for some time to let him win but in the last seconds decide to take the cup for himself. Then we see Al on first place on the podium and the narrator telling us that if we really expected anything else, we probably haven't paid attention all these years. ''All the while the old man on second place is sobbing''.
* While occasionally played straight in ''[[Married... with Children]]'', one episode brutally subverts this. Al enters himself in an athletic competition for senior citizens (despite not being a senior citizen himself) and his last remaining competitor tells him how much it would mean to him to win this. Al considers for some time to let him win but in the last seconds decide to take the cup for himself. Then we see Al on first place on the podium and the narrator telling us that if we really expected anything else, we probably haven't paid attention all these years. ''All the while the old man on second place is sobbing''.
* Steve Wassenfelder in ''[[Defying Gravity]]'', especially in regard to Paula, both the Jerk and the Heart of Gold parts.
* Steve Wassenfelder in ''[[Defying Gravity]]'', especially in regard to Paula, both the Jerk and the Heart of Gold parts.
* Nick Cutter from ''[[Primeval]]''. [[Deadpan Snarker|James Lester]] blends this with [[Jerkass Facade]].
* Nick Cutter from ''[[Primeval]]''. [[Deadpan Snarker|James Lester]] blends this with [[Jerkass Facade]].
* Gene Hunt from ''[[Life On Mars]]'' and ''[[Ashes to Ashes]]''. He generally behaves like a sexist boor, but he's loyal, honest (more in the latter than the former) and has Heart of Gold moments that made this troper go ''[[Squee]]''.
* Gene Hunt from ''[[Life On Mars]]'' and ''[[Ashes to Ashes]]''. He generally behaves like a sexist boor, but he's loyal, honest (more in the latter than the former) and has Heart of Gold moments that made this troper go ''[[Squee]]''.
** Ray Carling has his moments too.
** Ray Carling has his moments too.
* Ted McGriff on ''[[Hey Dude]]''.
* Ted McGriff on ''[[Hey, Dude!]]''.
* [[Gossip Girl|Chuck Bass]]. He's a jerk, and proud of it, but he loves Blair with all his heart and would do anything for her.
* [[Gossip Girl|Chuck Bass]]. He's a jerk, and proud of it, but he loves Blair with all his heart and would do anything for her.
* Andy Milman from ''[[Extras]]'' is a variant of this: he is a very grumpy, selfish, self-centered, and sarcastic guy, and he has contempt for people like Derrin who are idiotic, pathetic, or incompetant (in his eyes at least). He does genuinely like and care about Maggie, however, and he truly wants to be a great actor. The world just seems to conspire to make him look like significantly more of an asshole than he actually is, putting him in situations where he accidentally appears racist, homophobic, anti-religious (which he is, but not in an asshole way), intolerant of the mentally handicapped, etc. However, unlike Maggie, who similarly gets into such situations, it's usually at least partly his fault for being an ass.
* Andy Milman from ''[[Extras]]'' is a variant of this: he is a very grumpy, selfish, self-centered, and sarcastic guy, and he has contempt for people like Derrin who are idiotic, pathetic, or incompetant (in his eyes at least). He does genuinely like and care about Maggie, however, and he truly wants to be a great actor. The world just seems to conspire to make him look like significantly more of an asshole than he actually is, putting him in situations where he accidentally appears racist, homophobic, anti-religious (which he is, but not in an asshole way), intolerant of the mentally handicapped, etc. However, unlike Maggie, who similarly gets into such situations, it's usually at least partly his fault for being an ass.
* Jeremy Clarkson on ''[[Top Gear]]''. He's loud, he's smug, he's brash, and he's insufferable... but when his [[Vitriolic Best Buds|co-presenter]] Richard Hammond was critically injured in an accident, Clarkson was at his bedside within hours. He also delayed the start of the new season for several months to give Hammond time to recover, and welcomed him back to the show in a lavish spectacle ending with [[Friendship Moment|a hug]] that bordered on [[Aw, Look -- They Really Do Love Each Other]].
* Jeremy Clarkson on ''[[Top Gear]]''. He's loud, he's smug, he's brash, and he's insufferable... but when his [[Vitriolic Best Buds|co-presenter]] Richard Hammond was critically injured in an accident, Clarkson was at his bedside within hours. He also delayed the start of the new season for several months to give Hammond time to recover, and welcomed him back to the show in a lavish spectacle ending with [[Friendship Moment|a hug]] that bordered on [[Aw, Look -- They Really Do Love Each Other]].
* In ''[[Tin Man (TV)|Tin Man]]'' Cain starts as this, but the other three wear him down until he remembers what a good guy he really is, and that (pardon the ''[[Wicked (Theatre)|Wicked]]'' reference), good deeds don't necessarily go unpunished. Oddly enough, it's a [[Heroic Sacrifice]] into a frozen lake that did the best job of thawing him out.
* In ''[[Tin Man (TV series)|Tin Man]]'' Cain starts as this, but the other three wear him down until he remembers what a good guy he really is, and that (pardon the ''[[Wicked (theatre)|Wicked]]'' reference), good deeds don't necessarily go unpunished. Oddly enough, it's a [[Heroic Sacrifice]] into a frozen lake that did the best job of thawing him out.
* Professor Kingsfield in ''[[The Paper Chase]]''. For instance, in one episode he apparently blows off both Logan's desperate phone call from jail and Hart's attempt to hand in his extra credit work. However, Kingsfield actually intervenes behind the scenes to get Logan released and turns over an entire class period for Hart to present the research he's done.
* Professor Kingsfield in ''[[The Paper Chase]]''. For instance, in one episode he apparently blows off both Logan's desperate phone call from jail and Hart's attempt to hand in his extra credit work. However, Kingsfield actually intervenes behind the scenes to get Logan released and turns over an entire class period for Hart to present the research he's done.
* [[Criminal Minds|David Rossi]] comes off as this on several occasions. A prime example is in the episode "Penelope", where he's basically a complete jerk to Penelope Garcia - but only because he wants to catch the guy that shot her. He becomes a bit more subdued in this trope as he gets closer to the team, but he still has his moments.
* [[Criminal Minds|David Rossi]] comes off as this on several occasions. A prime example is in the episode "Penelope", where he's basically a complete jerk to Penelope Garcia - but only because he wants to catch the guy that shot her. He becomes a bit more subdued in this trope as he gets closer to the team, but he still has his moments.
* Del Boy Trotter in ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]''.
* Del Boy Trotter in ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]''.
* Nathan Young from ''[[Misfits]]'' is a pretty extreme example of this. He is indisputably selfish, immature, insensitive, petulant and obnoxious, and while his Jerkass personality may be a [[Jerkass Facade|facade]] to some extent, the fact remains that he often goes out of his way to upset others and seems pretty oblivious to his companions' dislike of him. However, as his [[Character Development]] continues, his own [[Jerkass Woobie|vulnerability is made clearly apparent]], and he does (occasionally) start to show concern for other people and even [[Pet the Dog|expresses remorse]] for some of the things he's done. Plus, his [[Took a Level In Badass|surprisingly heroic actions]] during the series finale prove beyond a doubt that there ''is'' a half-decent person in there somewhere, no matter how well he hides it most of the time.
* Nathan Young from ''[[Misfits]]'' is a pretty extreme example of this. He is indisputably selfish, immature, insensitive, petulant and obnoxious, and while his Jerkass personality may be a [[Jerkass Facade|facade]] to some extent, the fact remains that he often goes out of his way to upset others and seems pretty oblivious to his companions' dislike of him. However, as his [[Character Development]] continues, his own [[Jerkass Woobie|vulnerability is made clearly apparent]], and he does (occasionally) start to show concern for other people and even [[Pet the Dog|expresses remorse]] for some of the things he's done. Plus, his [[Took a Level In Badass|surprisingly heroic actions]] during the series finale prove beyond a doubt that there ''is'' a half-decent person in there somewhere, no matter how well he hides it most of the time.
* [[Dr. Jerk|Dr. Owen Harper]] from ''[[Torchwood (TV)|Torchwood]]'', gaining his heart of gold mainly during series 2. Especially in "Fragments".
* [[Dr. Jerk|Dr. Owen Harper]] from ''[[Torchwood]]'', gaining his heart of gold mainly during series 2. Especially in "Fragments".
* Leo from ''[[The West Wing]]'' is this, but he should be considered more pure gold with a crust of jerk rather than a jerk with a heart of gold, especially as he doesn't really attempt a [[Hidden Heart of Gold]]. Toby fits this trope more accurately -- he acts like an asshole, but cares deeply about his friends, is fiercely loyal to the President, and has very deep compassion for people, as shown by the pains he took and emotions he tried to suppress when trying to arrange a military funeral for a homeless veteran.
* Leo from ''[[The West Wing]]'' is this, but he should be considered more pure gold with a crust of jerk rather than a jerk with a heart of gold, especially as he doesn't really attempt a [[Hidden Heart of Gold]]. Toby fits this trope more accurately -- he acts like an asshole, but cares deeply about his friends, is fiercely loyal to the President, and has very deep compassion for people, as shown by the pains he took and emotions he tried to suppress when trying to arrange a military funeral for a homeless veteran.
** And Toby's heart of gold gets a quick glimpse whenever he really shows the depth of his friendship with CJ (such as at the end of "The Women of Qumar") or his pride in Sam, who he usually yells at all the time.
** And Toby's heart of gold gets a quick glimpse whenever he really shows the depth of his friendship with CJ (such as at the end of "The Women of Qumar") or his pride in Sam, who he usually yells at all the time.
* Elliot Stabler from ''[[Law and Order SVU]]''. He can be quite an ass at times, but when the chips are down, he'll do whatever he can to come through for his friends and the case.
* Elliot Stabler from ''[[Law and Order SVU]]''. He can be quite an ass at times, but when the chips are down, he'll do whatever he can to come through for his friends and the case.
** Arguments could also be made for the original ''[[Law and Order]]'''s Jack [[Mc Coy]] and Mike Cutter, who can both appear unsympathetic, over-zealous, and cut-throat at times, but their intentions are almost always noble.
** Arguments could also be made for the original ''[[Law and Order]]'''s Jack [[Mc Coy]] and Mike Cutter, who can both appear unsympathetic, over-zealous, and cut-throat at times, but their intentions are almost always noble.
* [[Life With Derek|Derek Venturi]] can be a complete ass most of the time, but there have been a number of occasions where his "heart of gold" has shone through. Especially around his little sister, Marti.
* [[Life with Derek|Derek Venturi]] can be a complete ass most of the time, but there have been a number of occasions where his "heart of gold" has shone through. Especially around his little sister, Marti.
* Fonzie from ''[[Happy Days]]'', particularly before his [[Badass Decay]].
* Fonzie from ''[[Happy Days]]'', particularly before his [[Badass Decay]].
* Aphrodite on ''Hercules'' and ''Xena'' started out as a petty, materialistic bitch who cared more about her temples and used mortal's feelings to get what she wanted. Over time, however, the character evolved into one who did care about some mortals (at least the ones devoted to her), built a friendship with Gabrielle and was one of the few gods who refused to join Athena's war against Xena and her daughter Eve.
* Aphrodite on ''Hercules'' and ''Xena'' started out as a petty, materialistic bitch who cared more about her temples and used mortal's feelings to get what she wanted. Over time, however, the character evolved into one who did care about some mortals (at least the ones devoted to her), built a friendship with Gabrielle and was one of the few gods who refused to join Athena's war against Xena and her daughter Eve.
** You can't forget that lovable rouge, Autolycus! He's proven time and time again that despite claiming that his main interest is himself... and riches, he's put his own life on the line to save his friends on multiple occasions. Gabrielle even says that he has a heart of gold after he defends her bad plan to Xena even though he himself had been criticizing her for it shortly before the warrior princess' arrival.
** You can't forget that lovable rouge, Autolycus! He's proven time and time again that despite claiming that his main interest is himself... and riches, he's put his own life on the line to save his friends on multiple occasions. Gabrielle even says that he has a heart of gold after he defends her bad plan to Xena even though he himself had been criticizing her for it shortly before the warrior princess' arrival.
* [[Breaking Bad|Walter White]]'s brother-in-law, Hank Schroeder, is a DEA agent and a bit of a jerk to Walt (while Walt starts off a simple high-school chemistry teacher, while Hank is ''far'' cooler). He is also ''extremely'' stubborn and self-confident. On the other hand, he genuinely loves his wife and his nephew, Walter, Jr. (who in turn idolizes Hank).
* [[Breaking Bad|Walter White]]'s brother-in-law, Hank Schroeder, is a DEA agent and a bit of a jerk to Walt (while Walt starts off a simple high-school chemistry teacher, while Hank is ''far'' cooler). He is also ''extremely'' stubborn and self-confident. On the other hand, he genuinely loves his wife and his nephew, Walter, Jr. (who in turn idolizes Hank).
* Shorty Rossi of ''[[Pit Boss (TV)|Pit Boss]]''. Despite his rougher aspects, he is a genuinely nice guy underneath who tries to do right by people and the dogs.
* Shorty Rossi of ''[[Pit Boss]]''. Despite his rougher aspects, he is a genuinely nice guy underneath who tries to do right by people and the dogs.
* Wait, seriously? This page made it this far with ''nobody'' mentioning the ultimate example? Archie Bunker from ''[[All in The Family]]''.
* Wait, seriously? This page made it this far with ''nobody'' mentioning the ultimate example? Archie Bunker from ''[[All in The Family]]''.
** Don't forget his black counterpart, [[The Jeffersons|George Jefferson]].
** Don't forget his black counterpart, [[The Jeffersons|George Jefferson]].
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* In the first season of ''[[Green Wing]]'', [[Handsome Lech|Guy]] is annoying and insensitive, with very few redeemable features. In the second series, he starts to {{spoiler|grow fond of Caroline, and even proposes to her}}. Though still something of a jerk, he clearly ''does'' have a soft side.
* In the first season of ''[[Green Wing]]'', [[Handsome Lech|Guy]] is annoying and insensitive, with very few redeemable features. In the second series, he starts to {{spoiler|grow fond of Caroline, and even proposes to her}}. Though still something of a jerk, he clearly ''does'' have a soft side.
* Jaye Tyler from ''[[Wonderfalls]]''. She's lazy, whiny and frequently mean-spirited, but she loves her family and is, in her own words, "very susceptible to guilt".
* Jaye Tyler from ''[[Wonderfalls]]''. She's lazy, whiny and frequently mean-spirited, but she loves her family and is, in her own words, "very susceptible to guilt".
* Jeff Winger in ''[[Community (TV)|Community]]'' is an unapologetic [[Jerkass]], and yet -- although he'd loudly complain about it -- would do absolutely anything for the people he loves.
* Jeff Winger in ''[[Community]]'' is an unapologetic [[Jerkass]], and yet -- although he'd loudly complain about it -- would do absolutely anything for the people he loves.
* ''[[One Hundred Deeds for Eddie Mcdowd (TV)|One Hundred Deeds for Eddie Mcdowd]]'' has the titular character going from antagonizing Justin while he's a dog to helping him when he's in trouble.
* ''[[100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd|One Hundred Deeds for Eddie Mcdowd]]'' has the titular character going from antagonizing Justin while he's a dog to helping him when he's in trouble.
** The Drifter also counts.
** The Drifter also counts.
* Anthony Bourdain from ''No Reservations''. On the outside he may seem like a [[Jerkass]], but really, he's all right and cares about his crew and the people he visits in his travels.
* Anthony Bourdain from ''No Reservations''. On the outside he may seem like a [[Jerkass]], but really, he's all right and cares about his crew and the people he visits in his travels.
* Drake Parker from ''[[Drake and Josh]]'' has his moments, contrasting to his [[Jerk With a Heart of Jerk]] sister, Megan.
* Drake Parker from ''[[Drake and Josh]]'' has his moments, contrasting to his [[Jerk with a Heart of Jerk]] sister, Megan.
** I dunno, Megan has her (incredibly rare) moments, too...
** I dunno, Megan has her (incredibly rare) moments, too...
* Pablo Guerra from ''[[Carrusel]]''. He may be the class prankster, may get into trouble often, and may inadvertently cross the line at times. But he is not malicious or cruel. In fact, he was the first one to befriend Mario the new boy.
* Pablo Guerra from ''[[Carrusel]]''. He may be the class prankster, may get into trouble often, and may inadvertently cross the line at times. But he is not malicious or cruel. In fact, he was the first one to befriend Mario the new boy.
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