Victor de la Cruz

“Sometimes, bad guys make the best good guys.”

From: Leverage

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Nathan Ford

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from the TNT crime drama, Leverage. The show is all about a group of criminals consisting of a hacker, a hitter, a thief and a grifter. They were put together by a man named Nathan Ford, a former insurance investigator who had managed to foil their earlier crimes. He now has them helping law-abiding citizens who have been abused by various corrupt people in positions of power.

The quote actually comes from the introduction of the show starting from the second season. Nathan Ford (played by Timothy Hutton) gives the basic premise of the show and delivers the quote in the process.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, the end does justify the means. There are times when we have to do bad things in order to achieve something good. It can be distasteful but it’s is true at times.

“None of you seem to understand. I’m not locked in here with you. You’re locked in here with me!”

From: Watchmen

Genre: Comics/Movies (sort of)

Who said it?: Rorschach/Walter Kovacs

The story behind the quote: The quote comes the Alan Moore comic Watchmen, which was later adapted to a feature length film of the same name. Both the comic and the movie takes place in a world on the brink of nuclear war and a group of costumed heroes try to solve the murder The Comedian, a former comrade of theirs. There’s a lot more going on but, if I did try to cram all of the details of the incredibly dense narrative, this would be one long paragraph.

The quote comes from the middle of both the film and the graphic novel. Rorschach (played by Jackie Earle Haley) is captured and eventually unmasked as a disturbed individual named Walter Kovacs. He is interviewed by a psychiatrist where he narrates how Walter Kovacs “died” and Rorschach was “born.” Afterwards, at the prison cafeteria, one of the other inmates tries to kill Kovacs to make a name for himself. Kovacs doesn’t let him and splashes boiling oil over the inmates face. While Kovacs is dragged away by the guards, he delivers the quote.

In the comics, it’s done a little differently. We do see Kovacs pour the boiling oil over the attacker. But the quote is just overheard with the psychiatrist putting the quote in his notes.

Geek wisdom: People will have different perspectives on things. Some of them will believe one thing when the same person in the same situation will believe in another. It’s just the way people see things from their point of view.

“Somewhere, there is a crime happening.”

From: Robocop

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Robocop

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 1987 sci-fi/cyberpunk movie, Robocop. The film is about Officer Alex Murphy (played by Peter Weller) who is gunned down on duty. But, thanks to Omni Consumer Products, also known as OCP, Murphy is resurrected as Robocop to be the future of law enforcement.

The quote comes early in the film. After officer Alex Murphy is transformed into Robocop (both played by Peter Weller), his old partner Anne Lewis (portrayed by Nancy Allen) encounters the cyborg and tries to get him to remember who he is. Robocop does eventually brush the conversation off by first excusing himself then delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: It is a sad fact that there are always bad things happening and they are caused by people. This is why it’s always a good idea to be aware because these bad people can do things to you and your loved ones when you least expect it.

“I’m not a painted up doll – I’m a kid! And I don’t want to be anything else.”

From: Disney’s Recess

Genre: Television, Cartoons

Who said it?: Spinelli

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Disney original series, Recess. The show focuses on a group of friends who, well, enjoy the recess period from school as it represents a time when they can be themselves. However, it is during this recess period wherein they also have to contend with the other groups of the school.

The quote comes from the episode “The Beauty Pageant.” The Ashleys, a group of stuck up girls, decide to enter Spinelli, the tomboyish girl who hates girly things, into a beauty pageant as an act of revenge for a prank. However, as she gets deeper into the contest, she and the gang and even the Ashleys start getting serious about winning. During the final question and answer portion, Spinelli is supposed to give a rehearsed spiel about what she will do if she wins. However, she relents as this really isn’t her. This is when Spinelli delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, we force kids to grow up too fast and take on responsibilities. While that’s fine and good to teach them about those topics, we should also allow them to enjoy being young and carefree as well. Allow them to discover who they are and not force them into the image you think they should follow.

“Batman could be anybody. That was the point.”

From: The Dark Knight Rises

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Bruce Wayne

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the third and final entry in Christopher Nolan’s Batman movie trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises. However, this time around, it isn’t from Batman, The Joker or even wise-old Alfred Pennyworth. This week, it’s from Bruce Wayne.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. Police officer John Blake (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has managed to deduce that Bruce Wayne (played again by Christian Bale) is Batman. The two attempt to find leads to where the criminal Bane is and, during the car ride, Blake asks Bruce Wayne why he dons a mask. Bruce explains that the costume was to be a symbol. This is when he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Anyone can be a hero. You don’t need to be a mask or a costume to do heroic deeds. It’s more about doing the right thing when it’s needed.

“Gentlemen, to evil.”

From: The Simpsons

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Mr. Blank

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the long running animated sitcom, The Simpsons. Specifically, the first episode of the fourth season, Kamp Krusty. The episode has Bart and Lisa Simpson going to summer camp, which is supposedly run by Krusty the Clown himself. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case as Mr. Blank, a corrupt businessman, has just licensed the name and, to ensure that his profits are high, equips the camp with rickety amenities. This is all while Mr. Blank and the “camp counselors” he hired, who happen to be Jimbo Jones and his gang of bullies enjoy a luxurious lifestyle.

The quote comes from the middle of the episode wherein we do see Mr. Blank, Jimbo Jones and the rest of the bullies enjoying a banquet while the camp kids have to eat gruel. Jimbo asks for another brandy and this is when Mr. Blank delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: While we would like to see the good in people but there are always going to be people who will do corrupt and immoral things for various reasons. Maybe it’s because they want to enrich themselves off the backs of other. Maybe they want to show they’re “better” than everyone else. Or maybe they just enjoy it. Whatever the reason, we all have to recognize that there will be bad people in the world.

“Don’t ruin my story with your logic.”

From: Castle

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Richard Castle

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from the ABC crime drama Castle. The show features prominent crime novelist Richard Castle who managed to rope in Detective Kate Beckett to investigate crimes and murders for inspiration for his new books. The two do form a cohesive unit, with Castle using his imagination to help solve the crimes Beckett is investigating.

The quote comes from the episode entitled Last Call. Richard Castle (played by Nathan Fillion) and Detective Kate Beckett (played by Stana Katic) learn of a secret basement that was used during the prohibition. Castle fantasizes how the murder could have taken place there but Beckett quickly shoots holes in his theory. This is when Castle delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: When we have a good and imaginative story in our heads, we sometimes do not see the flaws in them.

“Yeah. True level, bitch.”

From: Rick and Morty

Genre: Television, Cartoons

Who said it?: Rick Sanchez

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Cartoon Network’s Rick and Morty, which is aired during their late night programming schedule called Adult Swim. The show was created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland and follows the sci-fi misadventures of the nihilistic and cynical drunkard Rick Sanchez and his rather paranoid and nervous grandson Morty Smith (both voiced by Justin Roiland). The show has become a huge hit due to its dark humor and creativity.

The quote comes from the episode “Morty’s Mind Blowers,” the 8th episode of the 3rd season. The episode deals with both Rick and Morty (voiced by Justin Roiland) trying to recover their memories. The duo are locked in a vault that has stored most of their memories they wished to forget (or, in some instances, were forced to forget). One of the “memories” has Morty trying to put up a shelf but Rick disparages Morty because he was using an ordinary level. Rick then creates a platform that is “true level” and Morty, as he steps into it, is so enraptured by the feeling. This is when Rick delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Science and our current knowledge of what is fact is constantly evolving. What you currently know may not be the truth or, at the very least, not the whole truth. You might have to keep an open mind to new thoughts and ideas.

“You look at me and you see Slippin’ Jimmy.”

From: Better Call Saul

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul on AMC. The show follows Jimmy McGill, a fast talking lawyer who has some ethical problems, who will eventually take on the moniker of Saul Goodman.

The quote comes from the 9th episode of the 4th season, Wiedersehen. Jimmy McGill (played by Bob Odenkirk) is devastated by the news that he will not get his license reinstated despite giving very eloquent answers. He rants to Kim Wexler (played by Rhea Seehorn) and she identifies the issue: the board found him to be insincere as he didn’t talk about his troubles with his brother. Jimmy claims that Kim doesn’t believe him as she has seen him do cons and scams (one of which involves slipping on ice and suing people, hence the nickname Slippin’ Jimmy) in the past. This is when he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: A reputation can be very difficult for others to forget. This can be both a blessing and a curse as people will have trouble seeing past any changes you have mad, both in the positive and the negative. If you want people to see you in a different light, you will have to work doubly hard for them to see the new you.

“Nobody important? Blimey, that’s amazing. You know, nine hundred years of time and space and I’ve never met anybody who wasn’t important before.”

From: Dr. Who

Genre: Television

Who said it?: The Doctor

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the long-lived BBC science-fiction television program, Dr. Who. The show features The Doctor, who is portrayed by different actors, as he travels through different points in time.

This week’s quote comes from the 11th incarnation of The Doctor (played by Matt Smith) in the holiday special, aptly named A Christmas Carol. A family pleads with Kazran Sardick (played by Michael Gambon) to unfreeze their relative to celebrate the holidays. As Kazran Sardick refuses, The Doctor arrives via the chimmey. After a quick speech, The Doctor looks at the frozen woman and asks who she is. When Kazran Sardick says she’s “nobody important,” The Doctor, in his amazement, delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Everyone means something to someone in the world. Even when you feel like you are insignificant, there is still definitely someone who thinks you are important to them.