Full Name: Robin "Puck" Goodfellow
Age: What is time to an immortal?
Occupation: trickster
Voice: Brent Spiner
Puck is a character with quite a history. The Puck of today is an amalgam of several different fey characters from several different European cultures. His name is derived from the Welsh version, Pwca (pronounced "Pooka" like the dog). He was often associated with the devil, demons, and typically devious behaviour. Trickery, deception, and a very laid-back personality, Puck is just ever so slightly self-centered and, well, puckish.
A 16th century English playwright - I would name the particular writer, but I am sure no one will recognize the name - took it upon himself to incorporate several characters from British folklore and Greek mythology into one of his romantic comedies. Among these are Oberon, king of the faeries, Titania, his queen, and Puck, his loyal (ha ha) sidekick.
The production team for Gargoyles then snagged the trio for their show. The result was an excellent addition to the already marvelous cast of characters. As enjoyable as he was in past incarnations, Puck reaches a new career high as a character on Gargoyles. And the writers did a marvelous job of keeping him true to his neutral alignment. For the most part.
Puck's debut is in the episode "The Mirror," which, as a majority of fans will tell you, is a very enjoyable and magnificently written romp (they'll use those same words, too). I was immediately taken with his lovely elvish (I _know_ the word is elvin, I just don't care) features and Romanesque outfit. His manic-depressive attitude and marvelous, punny, clever sense of humour kept me entertained throughout the episode and left me begging for more. Luckily, the writers didn't let me down. But you'll have to watch it for yourself to see when he makes his next appearance.
This is sounding (and looking!) like an awesome character, isn't it? Trust me, you don't know the half of it. Okay, imagine all of this energy brought to life by the amazing comedic talents of Brent Spiner (most famous for portraying the veritable anti-Puck known as Data and his brother, Lore, who's like an evil Puck, only not as friendly). His voice is on the higher side, so closer to Lore's than Data's, and it's every bit as energetic as it should be. I don't know the casting director personally, but I'm glad he or she was such a Trekkie, because I don't know who would have been better for the part.
So, basically, what we have here is a hedonistic NUTCASE with flowing white hair, delicate features, pointy ears, Lore's voice, a sense of humour, and antediluvian fashion sense. It's like Q meets Inyasha with a bit of Icarus thrown in for good measure.
Is this guy great or what?
I have a sunny disposition and I'm always kind to animals...
Created June 25, 2003.
