A hilarious variation on the canny dope and canny jerk is the canny thug.
The canny thug is the mugger/thief/drug dealer who has a streak of philosophical insight. My favorite is Marcus Oliver Kemp in Major Crimes' episode "Tourist Trap." He is a Cockney thug, paid to follow a couple to America and kill the husband (those Americans and their guns!).
When he turns "state's evidence," he reflects on various factors that can end a marriage/relationship, including "even a little bit of success." Lieutenant Tao takes these reflections to heart and determines to stop showing off his television award (he is an advisor on a made-up television show Badge of Justice).
I love how unembarrassingly contemplative Kemp is, even when admitting that he and his ex had "their differences."
Elias in Person of Interest is a more complex variation of this type.
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