Empty Nest Online

Barbara definitely likes to have fun, a characteristic displayed by her various relationships over the years. She isn't necessarily looking for any long-term commitments, but instead just goes out with guys she thinks she'd have a good time with. She basically has her pick of any man she'd like, which doesn't please sister Carol: "Every man you've wanted your whole life has wanted you. Many of the men I've wanted in my life have wanted you." These two siblings definitely don't see eye to eye and their arguments (often evolving into physical fights) are the focus of many scenes.

Barbara seems to have a pretty good handle on who she is. Some things she calls "Barbara Things" include chilidogs, Springsteen music, and police work, which is the definitive Barbara Thing. She takes her job very seriously and is a dedicated police officer. It's a job Harry often wishes she didn't have, for various undercover assignments tend to put her in dangerous situations. Of course they also put her in some hilarious situations. She is often seen wearing unusual undercover disguises, dressed as anything from a nun to a prostitute. Her hard work and determination pay off during season 4 when she is promoted to sergeant.

At times Barbara does tire of being perky and upbeat. She admits to feeling sad and lonely at times, but she isn't sure how her father and sister would react to seeing her that way. As the series progresses, Barbara does tend to become more mature and responsible, such as when she decides she is ready to be a mother and considers artificial insemination (although opts instead to focus on her career).