In light of the final season of The Boys, where, the majority of the audience are just not satisfied with the character Sister Sage, what are some examples you appreciate for actually making the audience be impressed with a "smart" character?

Because, the usual smart characters either:

Claim the whole plot to be their plan the whole time

Or,

Have anticipated every complication beforehand and prepared for it

I want to see examples where we follow the "smart" character through their planning and execution.