I figured it out...
I was over visiting my latest obsession guilty pleasure when it hit me...
The reason that Vanished seems so cardboard is that we never see Gale have any personal side to his life. In particular, the writers/directors have totally abandoned one of Gale's greatest talents Kissing! his ability to make us believe that the character he is playing is a real three dimensional person. Kelton's character has no relationships - no honey, no best friend, no parent, come to think of it - no home/apartment/condo. No wonder his suits look like shit, he's obviously using his stock from his locker at FBI headquarters. Actually - does he have a desk, much less an office? Talk about being the job.
He has a daughter, but aside from that brief seen in the first episode, she doesn't even get a mention.
The man has no life. Other than the kid blowing up, he has no backstory. All the suspects and characters outside of FBI agents have relationships and backstories.
WTF?
So what is it that makes us go ga-ga for Gale? (well, yes, those fabulously toned shoulders and defined back muscles, but I digress) For me it was the ability for him to make me believe in the Brian Kinney character with all his flaws, make me love the asshole I should hate, make me see his redeeming and truly valient characteristics that were hidden behind a brash exterior or overshadowed by someone who on the surface may appear more moral.
Where does he have to go with the Kelton character? If they can't write something soon, I'm afraid the answer is nowhere. That sucks -- and not in a positive, life affirming way boys and girls.
The reason that Vanished seems so cardboard is that we never see Gale have any personal side to his life. In particular, the writers/directors have totally abandoned one of Gale's greatest talents Kissing! his ability to make us believe that the character he is playing is a real three dimensional person. Kelton's character has no relationships - no honey, no best friend, no parent, come to think of it - no home/apartment/condo. No wonder his suits look like shit, he's obviously using his stock from his locker at FBI headquarters. Actually - does he have a desk, much less an office? Talk about being the job.
He has a daughter, but aside from that brief seen in the first episode, she doesn't even get a mention.
The man has no life. Other than the kid blowing up, he has no backstory. All the suspects and characters outside of FBI agents have relationships and backstories.
WTF?
So what is it that makes us go ga-ga for Gale? (well, yes, those fabulously toned shoulders and defined back muscles, but I digress) For me it was the ability for him to make me believe in the Brian Kinney character with all his flaws, make me love the asshole I should hate, make me see his redeeming and truly valient characteristics that were hidden behind a brash exterior or overshadowed by someone who on the surface may appear more moral.
Where does he have to go with the Kelton character? If they can't write something soon, I'm afraid the answer is nowhere. That sucks -- and not in a positive, life affirming way boys and girls.