I didn't hit the poll, but I'll weigh in with a response, since it's a thought-provoking topic. As Faylinn said, it's difficult to compare the two characters, since they fulfill vastly different purposes: one as a (possibly temporary) recurring character who is mainly a love interest, and the other as a permanent member of the CSI team.
That said, there
is one rather glaring similarity between the two, and that's the fact that both seem to be lightening rods of sorts, and attract high emotions at both ends of the spectrum of like vs. dislike. They certainly both have their share of fans vs. detractors, there doesn't seem to be much fanship middle ground where these two characters are concerned.
I'll agree with Faylinn again, I think Lindsay's character begs further development, especially since she is here to stay, unless Anna suddenly decides that full time motherhood suits her more than acting. I think part of the problem is that the writers immediately seemed so concerned with thrusting her into a romance because they simply couldn't resist the hackneyed old nugget of "Country Girl vs. City Boy". (Yeah, like we haven't seen
that one, before). That, and they were also determined to immediately establish some deep, dark hidden background/secret for her. Myself, I think they didn't need either of those things to make the character more alluring, if they had simply decided exactly who/what/how she was going to be, and concentrated on developing her within the realm of the lab and her teammates and her job. Instead, they almost gave the poor girl a split personality, they simply couldn't seem to decide what road they wanted to take her character down. Is she a sweet natured, trusting country girl, or is she cold, cynical and uncaring, unless it suits her to be otherwise? Is she niave and innocent, or is her life a series of dark secrets? Is she a kick-ass gung ho CSI who loves to get down and dirty and tackle a suspect in the street, or is she a wimp who refuses to deal with a victim or family because it makes her uncomfortable? I understand if they want to make the character conflicted, but honestly, I think they carried it too far. Pick a personality and stick with it, please, writers!
Re: Peyton, I honestly don't see them developing her character much further than they have. They've settled on her being highly intelligent, straightforward, loving and emotional, and despite her romantic dalliance with Mac, also highly independent. Funny, in some ways, the writers have actually developed Peyton better than they have Lindsay. And that's not fair to Anna Belknap, the character of Lindsay, or the fans.
Intriguing topic, Shane!
