Should Johnny have been more popular with the ladies than he was portrayed on the show?
Well, Randy Mantooth and therefore Johnny Gage was VERY physically appealing when this show was being filmed. The character of Johnny was also quite friendly and outgoing and those things alone would have probably made it pretty easy to get first dates. But clearly the writers needed to keep him unattached if they wanted the humor of him being drawn to a different woman in so many episodes.
The other thing I would point out, when the world of Efic has Johnny Gage involved seriously and successfully with a woman, it is always a significantly embellished or at least more developed Johnny Gage. He doesn't refer to the women he is involved with as "chicks", he isn't cheap on dates, he doesn't bring them bowling, he doesn't ramble or obsess on things while on dates.
I love what Efic has done with this character, and as he has evolved, he certainly should have his pick of women, but as he was on the show, I think one of two dates was probably a realistic portrayal of how far he was going to get.
Once again, Tigger's question leads to intriguing story ideas. For instance, it would be fun to have someone write about what happens on a date with Johnny as he was protrayed on the show. Why does he get dumped after one of two dates? What goes wrong?
I was thinking about this subject and talking about it with a guy in my office. He had a valid point. Although Johnny made it clear that he didn't care for firemen buffs, he seemed to go out of his way to pick women who would be more attracted to the "macho fireman mystique" than to John Gage, the man. A good example of this was in The Stewardess. She didn't want a thing to do with him until she saw his paramedic personna. Then she wanted to date him. There are two distinct individuals: John who is the paramedic, professional and competent, and Johnny who is shy, boyish, clumsy, funny, and can be annoying. I think he gets the women who want John but can't abide Johnny. Think about the women he dates, most of them are nurses and see him more often as John with just a touch of Johnny. A touch of Johnny is endearing, a large diet of Johnny could be more than most women could handle.
Johnny's stammer and stutters always make me wonder whether this is a sign that his brain works too fast for his mouth or that his childhood was a living hell?
>Johnny's stammer and stutters always make me wonder whether this is a sign that his brain works too fast for his mouth or that his childhood was a living hell?<
I tend to go with the former. One, he's definitely energetic and outgoing. I could easily see his mind running away with his mouth...and getting ahead. Two, he mentioned in one ep (I forget which, it's been a while), while discussing parents, "My parents weren't that indifferent." Which I took to mean, that his parents were interested in Johnny and interested in what he did. But, that's just me.<G>
I tend to agree with the former (mind works too fast for his mouth), although I enjoy stories showing John as abused, I don't personally believe it as truth. I lean towards others who believe any abuse would be from outsiders. I don't believe, as was stated elsewhere that John would be ADD, etc. They usually have problems focusing and Johnny definitely doesn't have that problem when he's on the job or when he wants something important.
<<There are two distinct individuals: John who is the paramedic, professional and competent, and Johnny who is shy, boyish, clumsy, funny, and can be annoying. >>
Oh! Absolutely! Many times I have shook my head in disbelief at how in the snap of the fingers (or the sounding of the tones <G>), he switches from Johnny to John. Boom! Just like that. It's a point of curiosity that has amazed me as long as I've watched E! Its almost like he has a dual personality and the "switch" is set off by things like the tones in almost a preconditioned response. (reminds me of Pavlov's Dogs. <G>)
I like the point made about how women are attracted to John with a sprinkle of Johnny mixed in. Hmm...the Johnny side is almost like Curry...a little is wonderful, too much? ACK! <G> I think the change in Johnny Gage in the fanfiction world is a great reflection of that idea. I believe that a writer creating a romantic relationship can't help but bring out the parts of the character that she finds attractive. It's a natural response. I think that accounts for a lot of the "John Gage wtih a sprinkle of Johnny" that is so prevelent in the fandom.
Cheryl
>I don't believe, as was stated elsewhere that John would be ADD, etc. They usually have problems focusing and Johnny definitely doesn't have that problem when he's on the job or when he wants something important.<
Mmmm...not neccessarily. I'm ADD, and I can be as scatterbrained as they come. But, when the 911 phone rings, I'm all business. When I was still riding the box, the same went for a run. Those things are a focus. It's when there's down time that the mind is free to wander and harder to control.(lol) That and when it comes time to sleep at night. That's the worst time.
I totally agree with the comment that Johnny's mind works so fast his mouth can't keep up.
I myself fall into that catagory. It still causes a stammer and a stutter from time to time. It even happens when typing or writing. My fingers can't keep up with what I want to type.
I like the comment about the John/Johnny character traits. As a person who has some Johnny personality traits newcomers to my life are often shocked I have a serious side--and sometimes put off by it. Yet, others who know me, are the ones who turn to me in a crisis; knowing that I can cope and take the lead in difficult situations.
ie: the time I had to hymlich a friend in an electric wheelchair (no one else moved-she has CP) then joked about how fast and far the pickle flew once it exited her mouth.