the lady's in charge, and she's better than you
1) Let's get the shallow reason out of the way first: Natalie is GORGEOUS.
> She also wears nice clothes, and isn't afraid of colour.
> She can even make a hazmat suit look cute.
> I like that she has a tomboyish handbag, and her fuzzy scarf is also very lovely.
2) Natalie is SUPER COMPETENT. Super, super competent and her authority is based on this, rather than on her Being a Bitch (which is unfortunately so often the only way TV seems to think women can act when in charge).
> She multi-tasks, persuades previously uncooperative young lads to cooperate and finds much needed CCTV footage.
> "Oh, ye of little faith."
> She also knows about "whatsits".
3) Natalie knows that 'forensicated' isn't a word.
4) She is snarky, especially to Matt.
"So why's he got his ninky-nonk out then?"
"You don't really call it a ninky-nonk?"
"D'you hear what I call you?"
"Feet off the table."
> This all has the bonus effect of making Ronnie smile and we like Ronnie to be happy, so yay for Natalie.
5) She can use the word 'ninky nonk' and still be respected.
6) She doesn't make a big deal about being a mum, but you just know she is a fantastic one.
"I think I’m going to go home and cuddle my boys. Which they'll hate, of course."
> Look how she goes to Tescos after a busy day at work so she can feed her family.
7) To quote the L&O Press Pack: "She's focused and objective - she's able to be dispassionate when all around her are losing their heads. She has a huge heart and is extraordinarily empathetic - but she knows how and when to switch that off, for the good of the job and for the benefit of good, impartial police work."
- Case in point: Natalie's awesome smackdown of Matt in 'Alesha'.
8) Natalie can tell when Matt's brain is whirring.
9) To quote moon_very_thin, Natalie "rebels against society's rules of proper mug-holding".
> Also, you just know that mug was full of hot coffee but Natalie can hold it like that because she's just that awesome, people.
> She also licks spoons so that no one else uses them. Smart woman.
10) She has a swear jar on her desk. And a tardis money box.
11) Natalie doesn't put up with anyone being a jackass, and she'll let them know when they should STFU.
12) 'She's the matriarch of the office, but she's not mumsy. She’s lively, funny and sharp.' (L&O Press Pack)
She IS a "yummy mummy".
13) She is very sensitive and gives good hugs.
14) She looks ridiculously adorable when she's eating.
(And I bet she totally doesn't let her boys eat burgers very often at home, but she scoffs them at the office)
15) She's played by Harriet Walter. Automatic awesomeness right there, people. (I'm a huge Harriet fangirl, is it showing?)
All of those screencaps were by moon_very_thin