I'm bored, let's talk about April O'Neil

[PizzaPower1985]

Originally Posted by garsh

April as a news reporter is way too much of a comic book cliche for my liking. I don't see why she has to have a certain career as a cheap device to get her in on the action. Just knowing the turtles puts her in a unique position. She's part of their lives. Whatever is going on with them involves her by association. She's supposed to be their sort-of liaison to human society. I think if such a situation really happened -- trying to look after the daily needs of five homeless people who must remain invisible -- that alone would be more than enough to keep a person very busy.

I CAN agree with that... Still, she needs some sort of career that might give her an edge, a talent or skill that can somehow assist the TMNT in their lives.

[Sumac]

Originally Posted by garsh

April as a news reporter is way too much of a comic book cliche for my liking. I don't see why she has to have a certain career as a cheap device to get her in on the action. Just knowing the turtles puts her in a unique position. She's part of their lives. Whatever is going on with them involves her by association. She's supposed to be their sort-of liaison to human society. I think if such a situation really happened -- trying to look after the daily needs of five homeless people who must remain invisible -- that alone would be more than enough to keep a person very busy.

Being reporter makes her more involved in a life beside TMNT, IMO.
Like having her own supporting cast and relationships, without relying on Turtles being everything she knows.

[Coola Yagami]

Originally Posted by Sumac

Being reporter makes her more involved in a life beside TMNT, IMO.
Like having her own supporting cast and relationships, without relying on Turtles being everything she knows.

That's true. Any other April has been a loner and has nothing really going on other the Turtles. While I blame the budget restraints, even 2012 April had no real friends at school other than Casey and Irma.

At least the 80's cartoon gave April a boss, a friend, and a fellow reporter to compete against. She had other priorities besides the Turtles, like keeping her job.

[garsh]

Originally Posted by Sumac

Being reporter makes her more involved in a life beside TMNT, IMO.
Like having her own supporting cast and relationships, without relying on Turtles being everything she knows.

Of course, but is there something in particular about the news reporter role that you think is more compelling than others?

I'm not suggesting she shouldn't have a career at all, only that it doesn't need to be one predicated on putting her "in the action". She's already involved by virtue of her acquaintance with the turtles.

In fact, it might be better if she had a job that specifically gave her plenty to be involved with other than the turtles. That way she'd be a more layered, believable character. April would automatically be more engaging if she faced a realistic struggle of trying to balance her "real life" against her motivation to want to help her strange, secret friends.

For my taste, I would prefer her occupation to be something fairly mundane, but most definitely low profile. I find fiction a lot less interesting when the characters are public figures, like world leaders or even civic servants, like police and doctors.

[oldmanwinters]

I just feel like posting this here because I'm proud to have played a role in bringing it to life:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaoTqsiO1uU

[Sumac]

Originally Posted by garsh

Of course, but is there something in particular about the news reporter role that you think is more compelling than others?

It gives access to the information, which might help Turtles.

It can be OK, if she is some sort of "walking encyclopedia on world matters" or if this role is taken by another character, though.

I feel, like it makes not only her own character with her ow life, but also useful to Turtles as more than just "guide to normal life", so to speak.