Everything you ever wanted to know about a thief and never thought to ask
The Thief:
This is Parker’s role within the team, even though all of them, at some point, have described themselves a thief, Parker is usually the one who will steal physical objects. The technology of vaults, the dexterity to pick pockets, the ability to slip into places almost entirely unseen, and other such skills are her contributions to the team. While she is amused when the roles are switched up, Parker’s difficulties relating to people, and inability to perceive the abnormal for people who are more average than her, means is is unlikely she will ever master any of the other jobs (most evident in “The Three Strikes Job,” and “The Underground Job”). Thievery is invigorating, whereas Sophie’s job, grifting, is tiring (“The Underground Job”).
Please note that other important canon points will be discussed in the personality section
Though, she is very adept with a taser. That is, most definitely, a part of her job, in her eyes.
[character abilities]: This is one of those times when wiki is really handy. Unfortunately, the wiki is still incomplete; there are a few other important things that need to be added: self-reflection. This only applies to her work, as she will often evaluate any errors she’s made during a particular break-in and learn from those errors. For instance, she was able to realize her error while beating the Steranko security systems, which is that she needed another Steranko (“The Inside Job”). Her self-discipline is another important skill when it comes to her work. She is often annoyed when she has to perform her job poorly in order to accomplish a con. Finally, her gymnastic skills are not mentioned, yet she has them, in spades.
[character personality]: Parker can be defined by three succinct quotes. The first is “20 pounds of crazy in a 5 pound bag” and “she’s broken.” The first one, though humourous, is a more colloquial view of the character. The second is much closer to the truth. The third, will be introduced and explained at the end of this section.
Dean Devlin, creator of Leverage described the portrayal of Parker by the actress “ semi-Asperger’s craziness.” While it never could be confirmed, in canon whether it is Asperger’s or not, simply because Parker has never been in an environment long enough to be tested, and nor would the foster parents, as portrayed by the show, have bothered investigating such an issue, it is an important element of the character. She displays several obvious signs of being, to use the creator’s term, “semi-Asperger’s.”
She misses obvious cues, particularly non-verbal ones, or takes what a person says literally. This applies to a lot of metaphors and symbols. For instance, she could not equate Eliot as the metaphorical fiddle in “The Studio Job” for much of the episode. While it is often played for humour, it is frequent nonetheless. In the case of basic friendship, she does not realize that someone “normal” would like her, and assumes it is only the character she plays, though the character of “Alice White” is Parker, with a few lessons from Sophie. In her head, they are two separate people (“The Juror #6 Job).
Most of her communication is more factual, as opposed to personal. She will lovingly describe the aspects of a 1920’s safe (“The Bottle Job”) but have difficulty revealing anything personal, like the death of her brother. Such revelations about herself will often result in rash behaviour, such as trying to save the orphans (“The Stork Job”) or wanting a psychic dead (“The Future Job”). Also, her way of communicating has her frequently appearing to change the subject, though she may be focusing on an obscure detail, or moving forward without bothering to introduce the subject change (most evident in “The Three Days of the Hunter Job”). She is not one to waste words.
Parker is often inappropriate with people. She lacks modesty and has changed several times in front of Hardison and Eliot, much to their surprise. It’s all a part of her not understanding what’s appropriate and what isn’t. She will stare, despite people’s discomfort, or say something a little too truthful, not thinking it might hurt. Also, her reactions vary inappropriately. For instance, she once stabbed someone with a fork for touching her (“The Stork Job”) and will often use a taser to solve problems. Even her attempts to relate with others -- such as her thinking her being buried alive compares with Eliot locking himself in a small space -- are inappropriate.
Parker has an odd sense of helping. Even early on in the series, when the original LA offices were set up, and Hardison lists a variety of things people can do to help, Parker buys a plant. She’s not entirely certain why a plant helps, but she does it, nonetheless (“The Homecoming Job”). In fact, “Parker -- helping?” or its variants is a longstanding joke within the show. It’s an important aspect of her character because despite being insistent on how easy it is to work on her own, she is willing to help people -- and will often be confused why people do not see what she does as helping.
On the other hand, when on a job, she is quite capable of functioning within the rules of a given situation. She understands the rules and ways car thieves deal with each other, so, can deal with that situation with confidence (“The Boost Job”). Even when dealing with the most honest person she knows -- Nate’s Ex, Maggie, she can take charge when preparing a fugitive bag, because it’s a situation with which she is familiar (“The Zanzibar Marketplace Job”).
Her relationships with the team vary. Sophie is the one most likely to try and teach Parker the appropriate social skills (“The Juror #6 Job,” “The Ice Man Job”) and the one who will acknowledge her growth. Hardison is the one to whom Parker will most likely reveal something personal, and she’s yet to attempt to stab him with anything when he does touch her. Finally, when it comes to Hardison, she has feelings for "pretzels", but needed Sophie to explain what those feelings are ("The Double-Blind Job"). With Nate -- it’s his morality that she follows, and as for Eliot -- she appreciates him for his skills and focus. When it comes to people outside of the team, Parker is able to empathize with those whose situations are similar to her own (“The Boost Job” & “The Stork Job”), but has the most difficulty interacting with “normal” people (“The Juror # 6 Job”).
As for those around her, Parker takes cues as to the morality she is to follow from the team. It takes a while, but she learns, in chunks, that she’s now one of the good guys (season 1) and that the team is a family (seasons 2 & 3). She will defend that family, as shown when she was, quite literally, going to throw Tara off a roof for what she thought was a betrayal (“The Maltese Falcon Job”). It is important to note that she always used the people around her as the benchmark for morality, and finally acknowledges the morality with which she grew up -- Foster Care's and Archie’s morality -- is no longer her own (Season 1 & “The Inside Job”). At the point in canon in which she is arriving, she is now attempting to apply her new morality independently, though she is mostly limited to those whose circumstances are similar to her own. This is shown in her empathy for Josie, the young car thief (“The Boost Job”), and the even the orphans in “The Stork Job.”
Throughout the seasons, the adoption of the team’s -- specifically Nate’s morality, has changed the motivations for her work. At first, everything was about money. She once stated, “I don’t like stuff, I like money,” (“The Homecoming Job”). This is important, as her childhood was so full of upheavals, that money is portable, whereas stuff (save her bunny) is not. Once she found herself a so-called family, the need for money (but she will always love it) diminishes, as the team is more a permanent fixture and though she still has difficulty with it, at times, it is something upon which she can rely. She no longer needs to steal to support herself, or be completely self-sufficient. This does not mean she doesn’t do either, but it is no longer a requirement for survival, as it was while she was growing up.
Despite this, there is still a certain level of distrust. She’s given several addresses for contact, and has difficulty consulting the team when she has problems (“The Inside Job”). She has difficulty asking for their help in regards to a trial she saw was being rigged (“The Juror #6 Job”) and ran off when a painful part of her past was revealed (“The Future Job”). What is important, is that she will eventually turn to them, which shows her growth as a character who was more than willing to forget all their names (“The Nigerian Job”) to someone who will turn away from the lessons learned from the closest person in her life, Archie, for the team (“The Inside Job”) and its twisted ethics.
When it comes to her job, Parker is disciplined, organized, and obsessive. On her weekends, she looks at ways of robbing different banks (“The Three Card Monte Job”). As a tourist, she looks at the security system of museums (“The Zanzibar Marketplace Job”). She is deeply offended if she has to perform her role with less than usual precision (“The Double-Blind Job”). She sees being a thief as a career, and is proud of her abilities. She does not have a hobby; her entire life revolves around her job and the team. Her dedication of it even applies to her wardrobe, as she finds Sophie’s stylish shoes impractical, and ridiculous, as well as fashion that isn’t, for the most part in the black-grey-white range, and functional, equally as absurd (“The 12 Step Job” & “The Runway Job” respectively).
The orderliness and discipline with which she treats her job, is reflected in her personal life. Everyone has clearly defined roles within the team, just like one does not mix pen colours, or not organize the living space so that everything has its place and is in its place at all times (“The Inside Job” and “The Underground Job”).
At the beginning, I said “Parker can be defined by three succinct quotes.” It is, ironically, for a character whose moments of self-reflection are so few and far between they are notable (usually by Sophie), said by Parker. “People are like locks. You have to be patient and if they don’t go right away you have to be fiddly” (“The Beantown Bailout Job”). It’s the best advice ever given on how to deal with Parker.
This is Parker’s role within the team, even though all of them, at some point, have described themselves a thief, Parker is usually the one who will steal physical objects. The technology of vaults, the dexterity to pick pockets, the ability to slip into places almost entirely unseen, and other such skills are her contributions to the team. While she is amused when the roles are switched up, Parker’s difficulties relating to people, and inability to perceive the abnormal for people who are more average than her, means is is unlikely she will ever master any of the other jobs (most evident in “The Three Strikes Job,” and “The Underground Job”). Thievery is invigorating, whereas Sophie’s job, grifting, is tiring (“The Underground Job”).
Please note that other important canon points will be discussed in the personality section
Though, she is very adept with a taser. That is, most definitely, a part of her job, in her eyes.
[character abilities]: This is one of those times when wiki is really handy. Unfortunately, the wiki is still incomplete; there are a few other important things that need to be added: self-reflection. This only applies to her work, as she will often evaluate any errors she’s made during a particular break-in and learn from those errors. For instance, she was able to realize her error while beating the Steranko security systems, which is that she needed another Steranko (“The Inside Job”). Her self-discipline is another important skill when it comes to her work. She is often annoyed when she has to perform her job poorly in order to accomplish a con. Finally, her gymnastic skills are not mentioned, yet she has them, in spades.
[character personality]: Parker can be defined by three succinct quotes. The first is “20 pounds of crazy in a 5 pound bag” and “she’s broken.” The first one, though humourous, is a more colloquial view of the character. The second is much closer to the truth. The third, will be introduced and explained at the end of this section.
Dean Devlin, creator of Leverage described the portrayal of Parker by the actress “ semi-Asperger’s craziness.” While it never could be confirmed, in canon whether it is Asperger’s or not, simply because Parker has never been in an environment long enough to be tested, and nor would the foster parents, as portrayed by the show, have bothered investigating such an issue, it is an important element of the character. She displays several obvious signs of being, to use the creator’s term, “semi-Asperger’s.”
She misses obvious cues, particularly non-verbal ones, or takes what a person says literally. This applies to a lot of metaphors and symbols. For instance, she could not equate Eliot as the metaphorical fiddle in “The Studio Job” for much of the episode. While it is often played for humour, it is frequent nonetheless. In the case of basic friendship, she does not realize that someone “normal” would like her, and assumes it is only the character she plays, though the character of “Alice White” is Parker, with a few lessons from Sophie. In her head, they are two separate people (“The Juror #6 Job).
Most of her communication is more factual, as opposed to personal. She will lovingly describe the aspects of a 1920’s safe (“The Bottle Job”) but have difficulty revealing anything personal, like the death of her brother. Such revelations about herself will often result in rash behaviour, such as trying to save the orphans (“The Stork Job”) or wanting a psychic dead (“The Future Job”). Also, her way of communicating has her frequently appearing to change the subject, though she may be focusing on an obscure detail, or moving forward without bothering to introduce the subject change (most evident in “The Three Days of the Hunter Job”). She is not one to waste words.
Parker is often inappropriate with people. She lacks modesty and has changed several times in front of Hardison and Eliot, much to their surprise. It’s all a part of her not understanding what’s appropriate and what isn’t. She will stare, despite people’s discomfort, or say something a little too truthful, not thinking it might hurt. Also, her reactions vary inappropriately. For instance, she once stabbed someone with a fork for touching her (“The Stork Job”) and will often use a taser to solve problems. Even her attempts to relate with others -- such as her thinking her being buried alive compares with Eliot locking himself in a small space -- are inappropriate.
Parker has an odd sense of helping. Even early on in the series, when the original LA offices were set up, and Hardison lists a variety of things people can do to help, Parker buys a plant. She’s not entirely certain why a plant helps, but she does it, nonetheless (“The Homecoming Job”). In fact, “Parker -- helping?” or its variants is a longstanding joke within the show. It’s an important aspect of her character because despite being insistent on how easy it is to work on her own, she is willing to help people -- and will often be confused why people do not see what she does as helping.
On the other hand, when on a job, she is quite capable of functioning within the rules of a given situation. She understands the rules and ways car thieves deal with each other, so, can deal with that situation with confidence (“The Boost Job”). Even when dealing with the most honest person she knows -- Nate’s Ex, Maggie, she can take charge when preparing a fugitive bag, because it’s a situation with which she is familiar (“The Zanzibar Marketplace Job”).
Her relationships with the team vary. Sophie is the one most likely to try and teach Parker the appropriate social skills (“The Juror #6 Job,” “The Ice Man Job”) and the one who will acknowledge her growth. Hardison is the one to whom Parker will most likely reveal something personal, and she’s yet to attempt to stab him with anything when he does touch her. Finally, when it comes to Hardison, she has feelings for "pretzels", but needed Sophie to explain what those feelings are ("The Double-Blind Job"). With Nate -- it’s his morality that she follows, and as for Eliot -- she appreciates him for his skills and focus. When it comes to people outside of the team, Parker is able to empathize with those whose situations are similar to her own (“The Boost Job” & “The Stork Job”), but has the most difficulty interacting with “normal” people (“The Juror # 6 Job”).
As for those around her, Parker takes cues as to the morality she is to follow from the team. It takes a while, but she learns, in chunks, that she’s now one of the good guys (season 1) and that the team is a family (seasons 2 & 3). She will defend that family, as shown when she was, quite literally, going to throw Tara off a roof for what she thought was a betrayal (“The Maltese Falcon Job”). It is important to note that she always used the people around her as the benchmark for morality, and finally acknowledges the morality with which she grew up -- Foster Care's and Archie’s morality -- is no longer her own (Season 1 & “The Inside Job”). At the point in canon in which she is arriving, she is now attempting to apply her new morality independently, though she is mostly limited to those whose circumstances are similar to her own. This is shown in her empathy for Josie, the young car thief (“The Boost Job”), and the even the orphans in “The Stork Job.”
Throughout the seasons, the adoption of the team’s -- specifically Nate’s morality, has changed the motivations for her work. At first, everything was about money. She once stated, “I don’t like stuff, I like money,” (“The Homecoming Job”). This is important, as her childhood was so full of upheavals, that money is portable, whereas stuff (save her bunny) is not. Once she found herself a so-called family, the need for money (but she will always love it) diminishes, as the team is more a permanent fixture and though she still has difficulty with it, at times, it is something upon which she can rely. She no longer needs to steal to support herself, or be completely self-sufficient. This does not mean she doesn’t do either, but it is no longer a requirement for survival, as it was while she was growing up.
Despite this, there is still a certain level of distrust. She’s given several addresses for contact, and has difficulty consulting the team when she has problems (“The Inside Job”). She has difficulty asking for their help in regards to a trial she saw was being rigged (“The Juror #6 Job”) and ran off when a painful part of her past was revealed (“The Future Job”). What is important, is that she will eventually turn to them, which shows her growth as a character who was more than willing to forget all their names (“The Nigerian Job”) to someone who will turn away from the lessons learned from the closest person in her life, Archie, for the team (“The Inside Job”) and its twisted ethics.
When it comes to her job, Parker is disciplined, organized, and obsessive. On her weekends, she looks at ways of robbing different banks (“The Three Card Monte Job”). As a tourist, she looks at the security system of museums (“The Zanzibar Marketplace Job”). She is deeply offended if she has to perform her role with less than usual precision (“The Double-Blind Job”). She sees being a thief as a career, and is proud of her abilities. She does not have a hobby; her entire life revolves around her job and the team. Her dedication of it even applies to her wardrobe, as she finds Sophie’s stylish shoes impractical, and ridiculous, as well as fashion that isn’t, for the most part in the black-grey-white range, and functional, equally as absurd (“The 12 Step Job” & “The Runway Job” respectively).
The orderliness and discipline with which she treats her job, is reflected in her personal life. Everyone has clearly defined roles within the team, just like one does not mix pen colours, or not organize the living space so that everything has its place and is in its place at all times (“The Inside Job” and “The Underground Job”).
At the beginning, I said “Parker can be defined by three succinct quotes.” It is, ironically, for a character whose moments of self-reflection are so few and far between they are notable (usually by Sophie), said by Parker. “People are like locks. You have to be patient and if they don’t go right away you have to be fiddly” (“The Beantown Bailout Job”). It’s the best advice ever given on how to deal with Parker.