They’re the best friend. The partner in crime. The assistant. The coworker. The spouse. The brother. The sister. But they’re never, ever the main character. They’re the sidekicks.

Often sassy and frequently adorable, sidekick characters are a crucial but often overlooked part of a television series.

While watching Reaper last week, it occurred to me that Tyler Labine deserves a lifetime achievement award in the sidekick category. Just like he did on Invasion, Labine brings the perfect amount of comic relief and fun to his role. He’s hilarious, loyal and you just never know what he’s going to say next.

Who are some of my other favorite sidekicks?

Chloe on 24: Honestly where would Jack be without her? He wouldn’t be able to communicate with anyone, that's for sure.

Pacey on Dawson’s Creek: Whoo-hoo! Sidekick gets the girl.

Rhoda on The Mary Tyler Moore Show: You go girl. Sidekick gets her own show.

Karen and Jack on Will & Grace: Oh sweetie, there were many days when I would have preferred to be watching the Karen & Jack show.

Sharona and Natalie on Monk: These two ladies are very different, but both help Monk thrive in the real world.

It's been awhile since we've talked about this so I want to know . . . Who are some of your favorite sidekicks? Talk about it below.

Highlights of the Week Ahead

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time for April 7-13

Samantha Who? is back with brand new episodes Monday at 9:30 p.m. on ABC. This is a show that gets better and better with each new outing and Jennifer Esposito has created a fantastically bitchy sidekick as Sam's best friend Andrea. But what I really like about the series is that it has these very real moments. In tonight’s episode, Sam does something I have done many, many times. Can you guess what it is?

If you’re like me you missed Reaper when it moved to Thursday nights. So it’s very nice of the CW to be repeating the episodes on Tuesday night at 9 p.m. before the show returns with brand new episodes on April 22. In this week’s repeat Michael Ian Black and Ken Marino begin playing Sock, Sam and Ben’s new neighbors.

My Name is Earl and Without a Trace aren’t shows that have a lot in common but both have placed their lead characters in jeopardy. This isn’t a plot device I really care for since it seems quite obvious that Earl will come out of his coma and Jack will survive being viciously attacked. I’m rather concerned about Earl since it seems like the show is going to leave him in a coma for a few more episodes. That pretty much means Earl spent half the season in jail and half the season in a coma. While I give the show credit for not allowing the show’s premise to grow tired, this season has been uneven. TV fantasy sequences should be used in small doses but unfortunately that sitcom fantasy going on in Earl's head continues this week. The show doesn’t know when to say when on some of its ideas. Do you like this plot device?

The rest of NBC’s Thursday night line up returns this week. 30 Rock returns at 8:30 p.m. and Jack has a hit on his show with MILF Island. That would be even funnier if it didn’t sound like a show some network would actually do (don’t forget the CW has the series Farmer Takes a Wife premiering at the end of the month. That's right I said Farmer Takes a Wife). The even better news is that two of the show’s best guest stars – Dean Winters and Will Arnett – will return to the series in the coming weeks.

Pam and Jim are invited to have dinner and Michael and Jan’s house on The Office (Thursday, NBC, 9 p.m.). I still liked Jan so much better when she was Michael’s exasperated boss fighting her attraction to him. I don’t enjoy their dysfunctional relationship as much, do you?

Turk learns Spanish as a gift for Carla on Scrubs (Thursday, NBC, 9:30 p.m.) and even though NBC did not pick up Scrubs, fret not. It appears highly likely that ABC will pick up the show so Bill Lawrence can end the series as he originally wanted to.

So what should we make of the fact that Shonda Rhimes, executive producer of Grey’s Anatomy, has come out and said that by the end of the season Derek and Meredith will be back together for good. I don’t even feel like I’m spoiling any thing by telling you this because Rhimes and the show’s other producers have been quoted early, often and everywhere saying this. It just seems so strange to me the show runners would come out with this information since Rhimes has always shrouded plot developments in secret. Why announce a permanent Derek and Meredith reunion? How do you feel about the fact this has been announced before the show is even back? Grey’s is back with original episodes on April 24 and in the meantime, ABC repeats an episode Friday at 8 p.m.

Do we think Grissom was talking to Sara at the end of CSI (Thursday, CBS, 9 p.m.)? I’m thinking I still need closure on their relationship, how about you? This week Catherine investigates the murder of a three-year-old girl.

Alas, ER (Thursday, NBC, 10 p.m.) did not listen to me. We will see the blossoming romance of Sam and Tony when the show returns this week. As you can see, my efforts to break up with the long-running drama failed. I’m not exactly excited the show will be returning for a 15th season but I’m coming to terms with the fact that I a bit powerless when it comes to the show. I’ll probably still be watching next year. Will you?

Okay back to Jack and Without a Trace (Thursday, CBS, 10 p.m.). The show doesn’t delve into character’s personal lives that often but it has done a good job of building up to the fact that Jack is unhappy with the choices he’s made in his life. I’m just not sure where they go from there since this is primarily a procedural drama. This week, Adam Kaufman, Poppy Montgomery’s real-life boyfriend, reprises his role of the father of Samantha’s baby.

Welcome to Wisteria Lane, bitch. Desperate Housewives is back with five new episodes beginning Sunday at 9 p.m. on ABC. Chris Carmack, who played Luke on The O.C., begins his guest star stint as Susan’s cousin Tim. Also we’ll get closer to learning the secret Katherine Mayfair has been hiding. While I think this is definitely the best secret the show has had since the first season, I’ve become a little less interested in it in the months that have passed. How about you? Do you care what Katherine is hiding? I’m hoping whatever her secret is, it means we’ll be seeing much more of Nathan Fillion.

Eli Stone gets a little extra exposure this week when it airs both Thursday night (10 p.m. on ABC) and Sunday at 10 p.m. on ABC. Katey Segal plays law firm senior partner Marci Klein who opposes Eli in court when he wants to shut down the Golden Gate bridge because of an impending earthquake. The fate of the show is still unknown and next Thursday (April 17) is the season finale so if you are a fan of the show now is the time to tune in.

That's all for today. I'll be back on Wednesday with a look at Idol Gives Back, this week's familiar faces (where was Herman's Head?) and much more. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a topic for discussion or a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com.

Amy Amatangelo, TV Gal ®

Comments

re: Earl - I think the TV fantasy sequences are an excuse to cram guest starts into episodes. or at least it was last week. Although, I do appreciate that paris only played herself.

erinb | Apr 7, 2008 12:49:01 PM | #

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Landry Clark went from my favorite sidekick on FNL season 1 to an unfortunate A-story in season 2. It makes you wonder what would be, had he remained only as Matt Saracen's comic relief.

Elisa | Apr 7, 2008 1:00:11 PM | #

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Best sidekick ever --- Willow Rosenberg on Buffy!

Dave | Apr 7, 2008 1:00:26 PM | #

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Although Buffy technically had many sidekicks and they all had funny lines, your article Amy of course makes me think of Xander, who was funny because he was the stereotypical sidekick and played it well!

Which leads me to think - can we mention teams of sidekicks? (I guess so if we count Karen and Jack, huh?), for which I would inevitably put down the Scooby Gang on Buffy, all of the rest of the cast on Angel, the Squints on Bones, and Abby and Ducky on NCIS. Of course, I also liked Karen and Jack, too. Those are some of my favorites! Great column, Amy!

AndreaC | Apr 7, 2008 1:03:35 PM | #

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Don't forget about Xander!!!

Sylvia | Apr 7, 2008 1:03:55 PM | #

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Ensign Parker on McCales navy
Huggy Bear on Starsky and Hutch
Tatoo on Fantasy Island
AL on Home Improvement
Woody and Coach on Cheers
Wilson on House
Bones on Bones
Willow & Xander on Buffy
and of course Robin on Batman

great sidekicks all

kevin | Apr 7, 2008 1:06:39 PM | #

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Xander and Willow - especially Xander - are still my favorite TV sidekicks. They were always loyal to Buffy, but weren't afraid to tell her off when they thought she needed it. Plus they were both always good for comic relief.

Also a big fan of:
Marc from Ugly Betty
Rose and Captain Jack from Doctor Who
Iolaus from Hercules (yes, I watched that show, I admit it)

Mickey | Apr 7, 2008 1:07:03 PM | #

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I'm going to yell now. HOW COULD YOU FORGET DWIGHT SCHRUTE???

Denise | Apr 7, 2008 1:16:28 PM | #

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Ummmmm... well if they are back to gether permanently mebbe they're going to kill one of them off.. I would assume McDreamy.. because the show is lamely named after meredith..

I don't know why I'm commenting on this.. I don't WATCH This show and I know far too much about it thanks to the people who talk about it around me...

Francesca | Apr 7, 2008 1:23:56 PM | #

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No question. All-time best sidekicks: Xander and Willow on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Glenn | Apr 7, 2008 1:26:58 PM | #

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Barney Fife on the Andy Griffith Show.

Larry | Apr 7, 2008 1:29:15 PM | #

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I'm thinking Rhimes has gone on the record for putting Derek and Meredith together permanently because she is listening to the complaints of the wishy-washy-ness of the coupling. Perhaps viewers will come back if they know there is a definitive plan

Lila | Apr 7, 2008 1:33:43 PM | #

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I'm thinking Rhimes has gone on the record for putting Derek and Meredith together permanently because she is listening to the complaints of the wishy-washy-ness of the coupling. Perhaps viewers will come back if they know there is a definitive plan

Lila | Apr 7, 2008 1:33:44 PM | #

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Best sidekick on TV???? Guster on Psych! I love Dule Hill.

Captwc | Apr 7, 2008 1:36:59 PM | #

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Best sidekicks:
Barney Fife (Andy Griffith Show)
Edith Bunker (All in the Family)
Claire Huxtable (Cosby Show)
Spock (Star Trek)
B.J. Hunnicutt (M*A*S*H)
Robert Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond)
Kramer (Seinfeld)
Ed Norton (The Honeymooners)

Jeff | Apr 7, 2008 1:40:20 PM | #

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Chloe on Smallville!

Kevin | Apr 7, 2008 1:41:36 PM | #

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Sorry for this, but don't know where else to ask....

Is "Best Bets" a thing of the past? I can't find it anymore. Help?

Thank you.

Susan | Apr 7, 2008 1:41:57 PM | #

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I disagree with you on Earl-in-prison. I've never thought that the show was about Earl completing his list, it's about Earl trying to be a good person. The list is disposable. So I was fine with the Earl-in-prison storyline.

I'm also fine with Earl being in a coma and the storylines being split between the real world and Earl's fantasies.

However, I'm not in love with the sitcom delusions. It's been done before: "Roseanne," "Pleasantville" - I'm probably forgetting a bunch. I'd rather have seen a different TV genre spoofed: Earl imagines he's on "Lost in Space." Earl imagines he's on "Scooby-Do." Something like that.

Mitch Wagner | Apr 7, 2008 1:42:45 PM | #

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Chloe Sullivan on "Smallvillle"

Jimmy Olsen on all Superman based t.v. series

Natalie Teeger on "Monk"

To me those are the best sidekicks.

Penny | Apr 7, 2008 1:44:26 PM | #

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The best t.v. sidekicks are Jim Clancy on "Ghost Whisperer" and Natalie Teeger on "Monk." I agree with you Amy, Rhoda from "Mary Tyler Moore" was a good one too.

trupen | Apr 7, 2008 1:53:54 PM | #

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Marshall from Alias provided great comic relief combined with cool spy gadgets

robyn | Apr 7, 2008 1:57:36 PM | #

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kevin, Bones on Bones?
I always thought that when a show was named after a character that they were the star of the show not the sidekick.

Jen | Apr 7, 2008 2:03:39 PM | #

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Sidekicks: how could you forget the best one? Randy, Earl's brother!

Jan | Apr 7, 2008 2:04:41 PM | #

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Wash on Firefly is also one of the really cool sidekicks.

Ana | Apr 7, 2008 2:05:52 PM | #

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Weevil and Wallace on Veronica Mars!

Luz | Apr 7, 2008 2:15:19 PM | #

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My favorite sidekick the drunk neighbor from the TV show "Cybill". I think the character name was Maryann, played by Christine Baranski.

Jenn | Apr 7, 2008 2:15:22 PM | #

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Would Lord Bowler on The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. count as a sidekick?

He was sort of a non-sidekick sidekick. Didn't wanted to be thought of as a sidekick, and protested being thought of as such, but wound up that way anyway.

David B. Mears | Apr 7, 2008 2:22:22 PM | #

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But Willow said to Buffy in one episode, "I'm not your sidekick!"

Joe | Apr 7, 2008 2:22:59 PM | #

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Grizz and Dot Com on 30 Rock - gotta love Tracy's entourage!

K | Apr 7, 2008 2:27:35 PM | #

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1. Sideshow Bob (to Krusty the Clown) on the Simpsons
2. Brian to Stewie on Family Guy
3. Sgt. Gabriel to Brenda on the Closer
4. Don Konkey to Lucy Spiller on Dirt
5. Anne Burrell to Mario Batali on iron Chef America

Dex | Apr 7, 2008 2:28:52 PM | #

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I can honestly, and quite embarassingly, admit to having only missed 1 original airing of an ER episode... even now, during the slow painful unplugging of the life support, I'm still tuning in every week. The announcement of the 15th season crushed me. Only the ultimate demise of this show will kick my crack habit. Until then, my friends still plan my intervention.

Cath | Apr 7, 2008 2:46:05 PM | #

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Xander takes the crown as best sidekick ever since he had his own episode ("The Zeppo", I believe) in which he saved the world in glorious sidekick fashion while all the other characters saved the world in a (different) background plot.

Honorable mention should go to Gabrielle from "Xena". Has any sidekick seen more character development on any show ever? She may even top Xander since she graduated to hero in the end.

Derek | Apr 7, 2008 2:49:15 PM | #

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Ethel Mertz to Lucy

Jan | Apr 7, 2008 2:49:25 PM | #

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AMY: I was just thinking about how awesome Tyler Labine is on Reaper the other day. I have loved him in all his different shows (Invasion, Traveler, Dead Last, etc.) because his comic timing is always perfect. If any other actor were playing "Sock", I know his character would have ended up being annoying. A lot of people are calling him the "Poor Man's Jack Black", but I actually think Labine is WAY funnier.

My other favorite sidekicks are:
1) Chloe Sullivan from Smallville and Chloe O'Brien from 24

2) Cordelia, Wesley, Gunn and Fred from Angel (although Gunn insisted that he was not Angel's sidekick ;-))

3) Ando from Heroes

4) Morgan from Chuck (I know some people think he's annoying, but I love his loyalty).

5) Zoe (from Firefly) was Mal's perfect sidekick, while Wash was Zoe's sidekick (and husband).

Paige | Apr 7, 2008 2:50:46 PM | #

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I hated the fantasy sequences on Earl last week. Okay, maybe "hate" is an overly strong word, I was definitely at H-A-T even if I didn't get to -E. I remember sitting there thinking how the fantasy sequence is an overused writing crutch that rarely delivers.

Derek | Apr 7, 2008 2:51:22 PM | #

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- George on Seinfeld
- Willow on Buffy
- Randy on My Name is Earl
- Niles & Roz on Frasier
- Ando on Heroes (even if he is one-dimensional)
- Ron on Kim Possible
- Milhouse on The Simpsons

Sean | Apr 7, 2008 2:55:42 PM | #

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Oh, and since people mentioned Monk, I might as well add:

- Gus on Psyche

Sean | Apr 7, 2008 2:56:37 PM | #

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I'll agree with about Tyler Labine's current work. But his early work on Reaper was a different story. He was obviously trying to channel Jack Black, with every fiber of his being. He finally dropped that, and created an original character.

Art Carnage | Apr 7, 2008 3:24:31 PM | #

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I think Tyler Labine deserves an emmy nod.. but that's just me. If Sock wasn't a character on Reaper, the show would be at least 50% less interesting.

Another great sidekick is Dwight Schrute. But I realize this wasn't meant to be a definitive list, it was kind of a spur of the moment thing. Some people are freaking out that their favorites were forgotten. :)

SirMac | Apr 7, 2008 3:36:57 PM | #

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I think Tyler Labine deserves an emmy nod.. but that's just me. If Sock wasn't a character on Reaper, the show would be at least 50% less interesting.

Another great sidekick is Dwight Schrute. But I realize this wasn't meant to be a definitive list, it was kind of a spur of the moment thing. Some people are freaking out that their favorites were forgotten. :)

SirMac | Apr 7, 2008 3:37:03 PM | #

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I agree, Jack and Karen almost always stole the show. Marshall on Alias was always freaking hilarious, even Jennifer Garner looks like she's about to laugh a couple of times. I guess Wilson is a sidekick, he is my current favorite. His banter with House are constantly funny.

I am still invested with my Housewives. It is almost as good as the first season. I can't wait to find out what Katherine did. Also, I hope the Meredith-Derek saga continues, I love the will they or won't they stuff, they're almost the new Ross and Rachel.

Ritchie | Apr 7, 2008 3:55:04 PM | #

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Morgan is an amazing sidekick on "Chuck"! I wish I could say that without him, Chuck would be a gonner, but um...not the case. However, he is incredibly loveable!

Lauren B | Apr 7, 2008 3:59:05 PM | #

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Mike on Ed.
I'd bet money on it!

Beej | Apr 7, 2008 4:35:34 PM | #

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Matthew (even more so than Barb) on The New Adventures of Old Christine is my current favorite sidekick.

I agree with Jenn about MaryAnn on Cybil. Chrisitne Baranski was awesome!

Tom | Apr 7, 2008 4:44:21 PM | #

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The Lone Gunmen from X-files!!

Ann Marie | Apr 7, 2008 4:46:08 PM | #

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I'm not sure I'd consider either Bones or Agent Booth the other's sidekick. They're more of a team. No matter, from a classic TV standpoint, the definitive sidekicks are Barney Fife and the Mertzes.

JW | Apr 7, 2008 5:01:01 PM | #

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Classic side-kick (or assistant really): Al on Home Improvement.

I feel Reaper got quite good once it got passed the first five or six eps. But I'm so glad it's moving back to Tuesday. I am already sad that Office and Lost will be on at the same time when they both are back.

I actually was all set for this to be the final season of Scrubs. Would it really have been that hard for NBC to let them air the last 4-5 eps to end their run? Not that I won't enjoy another full season on ABC, but I think they may have to pad things out a bit now.

Billiam | Apr 7, 2008 5:12:55 PM | #

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I absolutely loved Doyle on Angel, and I thought Doyle and Cordelia as sidekicks were perfect. (I just wish he'd been on longer.)

And of course, I have to agree about the Lone Gunmen.

Judy | Apr 7, 2008 5:30:52 PM | #

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Kramer. No1 sidekick no doubt.

Jean-Andre de Magistris | Apr 7, 2008 7:09:20 PM | #

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The Lone Gunmen on The X-Files.

Karen | Apr 7, 2008 7:38:47 PM | #

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-Dwight Schrute
-Tony (24)...if he counts...also, Curtis was pretty awesome too. You could always count on both of them to be there for Jack...
-Det. Munch. Or Tutuola.
-Marshall (Alias)
-Weiss...? (Alias) It's embarrassing but I can't remember his name at the moment
-Landry, season 1, FNL--when he was goofy and wanted to be in a Christian metal band

Elizabeth | Apr 7, 2008 7:57:38 PM | #

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Didn't The CW change "Farmer Takes a Wife" to "Farmer Wants a Wife"? I saw one promo the first way a few weeks ago, but everything now has it as 'wants'. More P.C. I guess.

Kim | Apr 7, 2008 8:01:47 PM | #

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The team's sidekick on Criminal Minds - Penelope Garcia.

Leanne | Apr 7, 2008 8:39:27 PM | #

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How has no one mentioned Barney as a great sidekick? Funniest wingman EVER!!

Marisa | Apr 7, 2008 8:45:54 PM | #

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How has no one mentioned Barney as a great sidekick? Funniest wingman EVER!!

Marisa | Apr 7, 2008 8:46:04 PM | #

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If John Steed is the main character of "The Avengers" through a series of female sidekicks, beginning with Honor Blackman and ending with Joanna Lumley in "The New Avengers", then the supersexy Emma Peel played by the scrumptious and erudite Dame Diana Rigg is el numero uno!

Cass | Apr 7, 2008 9:25:06 PM | #

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Let's not forget Maynard G. Crebs [work!!] played by Bob Denver, best known as Gilligan of Gilligan's Island, as sidekick to Dwayne Hickman's Dobie Gillis.

Cass | Apr 7, 2008 9:30:14 PM | #

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If the star of "Missing" / "1-800-Missing" on Lifetime really was Caterina Scorcone's Jess Mastroiani, then Vivica A. Fox's Nicole Scott was a he##uva sidekick!

Cass | Apr 7, 2008 9:35:12 PM | #

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Shoutout to Agnes Dipesto / Allyce Beasley on "Moonlighting"

Cass | Apr 7, 2008 9:38:48 PM | #

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While Dennis Farina and Tony Denison played great nemeiseses on Crime Story, [and yes, I have previously said that Tony Denison's Ray Luca was the greatest tv villain ever!], John Santucci's Paulie Taglia has to be an all-time great, too.

Cass | Apr 7, 2008 9:45:41 PM | #

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Shout out to Max Casella as Vinnie Delpino on Doogie Howser, M.D.

Cass | Apr 7, 2008 9:48:11 PM | #

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Shout out to "Auger" from "Earth: Final Conflict" = Richard Chevolleau; i consider Lisa Howard's Lily Marquette and Jayne Heitmeyer's Renee Palmer as co-stars rather than sidekicks, for this show.
And
OBTW Whatever happened to the tradition of independent syndicated scifi dramas, like Earth: Final Conflict, Andromeda, Cleopatra 2525, Hercules, Xena, Starhunter, Mutant X, etc.? The only thing close is Canadian imports, like ReGenesis, but its not really scifi, but a speculative procedural.

Cass | Apr 7, 2008 9:55:40 PM | #

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Major Roger Healey I Dream of Jeannie

Al Borland Home Improvement

Larry Dallas Three's Company

Screech Powers Saved by the Bell

Dr. Jerry and Millie Helper Dick Van Dyke Show

Al Callavicci Quantum Leap

lem | Apr 7, 2008 11:00:31 PM | #

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My all-time favorite sidekick would be Buddy Sorrell on 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', or as he put it in one episode, the "Mr. Jewish" to Rob's "Mr. Christian". Morey Amsterdam was brilliant in that role.

And Tom Poston as George Utley on 'Newhart' is another great sidekick.

Toby OB | Apr 7, 2008 11:02:32 PM | #

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Best sidekick ever eh?

I'm gonna go with Barney Stinson on this one. Well, he was voted Best Wing Man by readers of his blog three years running!

Also, Seth Cohen on The O.C., was a very awesome sidekick. Silvio from the Sopranos would also rank up there.

Triple H | Apr 7, 2008 11:46:23 PM | #

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chuck fishman (fisher stevens) sidekick to gary hobson (kyle chandler) on "early edition" from '96-'00.

matt s | Apr 8, 2008 1:01:48 AM | #

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i do watch desperete h wives bt yeah, i kinda lost interest in their various ongoing storylines since the strike knocked them off the air. I still want to know what freakin Dana Delayney's secret is just so i can have an answer, but my hope is they clear it up fast, and move on to the next set of storylines, cause honestly i can't remember squat about what was happening there aside from the big fat hurricane.

matt s | Apr 8, 2008 1:03:22 AM | #

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Best side kicks? How about the entire supporting cast of "The Closer" to Kyra Sedgewick's Brenda?

Linda | Apr 8, 2008 5:05:23 AM | #

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And also let's not forget Anthony DiNozzo as a great sidekick on "NCIS." The rapport that cast has with each other is the main reason I watch the show.

Linda | Apr 8, 2008 5:08:03 AM | #

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I can't stand Tyler Labine and his incessant camera mugging. I tried both Invasion and Reaper and he was a major reason I gave up on both shows.

Alyson Hanigan deserves recognition not only for Buffy but for being another great sidekick on HIMYM. NPH is great, but he's SO good, he's moving out of sidekick territory into lead character status. The show is thus far, doing a great job of balancing his talent so he doesn't overwhelm the ensemble.

ferretrick | Apr 8, 2008 5:29:39 AM | #

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Kato, as sidekick to the Green Hornet.

And I find Tyler Labine very obnoxious and almost won't watch Reaper because of him. I think Benny is a much better sidekick on Reaper than Sock!

hsdppres | Apr 8, 2008 5:38:07 AM | #

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niles on frasier was inspired casting. woody and carla on cheers comes to mind too.

steffy | Apr 8, 2008 6:06:35 AM | #

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Barney on How I Met Your Mother is the best sidekick ever!
I also liked Mac on VMars, though she wasn't a regular sidekick for Veronica.

Mandy | Apr 8, 2008 6:33:56 AM | #

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Three classic TV side-kicks that haven't been previously mentioned:

Tonto to the Lone Ranger

Norton to Ralph Kramden on the Honeymooners (along with Ethel Mertz probably the definitive TV sidekicks).

Woodstock to Snoopy.

In present day, Randy from My Name is Earl and Gus from Psych are definately great ones.

I wouldn't consider Kramer from Seinfeld as much a sidekick as a parasite and character who just happened to live next to the main character. To me a sidekick should bend their will to the storyline of the main character. On Seinfeld it was really the other way around with Jerry playing the straightman to the other cast members who were always really doing there own thing.

On M.A.S.H, I think B.J. transcended the steriotypical sidekick (and actually the show did to become somewhat more of an ensemble piece). Trapper was much more of a sidekick type character. In the same way it'd be hard to classify people in casts like Seinfeld, Friends, HIMYM and Will & Grace as sidekicks since these are really enseble pieces in terms of the way the story played out. Though for Will & Grace I beleive those characters also started out as side kicks and then transcended the stereotype as well.

Actually, that could be a whole other line of discussion. What characters started as sidekicks and transceded there roles to become on par with the mian character a show is based on.

sac | Apr 8, 2008 6:38:03 AM | #

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Chloe Sullivan on "Smallvillle"

Wallace on "Veronica Mars"

Doyle on "Angel"

| Apr 8, 2008 6:45:44 AM | #

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Excellent topic!
great sidekicks through the years-

Maryann on Cybil
Niles Crane on Fraser
Robert Barone on Raymond
Gus on Psych
Chloe O'Brien on 24
Dwight Shrute on The Office
Mark & Amanda on Ugly Betty

Kathie | Apr 8, 2008 7:01:09 AM | #

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Sam on Burn Notice is my fav sidekick - I love him!

Angela | Apr 8, 2008 7:03:05 AM | #

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Cass --

It's a money thing. There isn't really a market for that type of syndicated television show anymore. Producer Robert Tapert discusses what happened in the industry on the Xena DVD commentaries. Unfortunately, I have no clue which episode features the discussion, so you'd have to dig for the details. On the other hand, the Xena DVDs have fantastic extras and are worth the investment.

Derek | Apr 8, 2008 7:14:40 AM | #

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You forgot the best sidekick on tv - Dwight from the Office.

Best of all time: George Costanza.

Michael | Apr 8, 2008 7:28:46 AM | #

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No love for Waylon Smithers? You guys are as bad as Mr. Burns!

I dunno about Barney, I sometimes think Ted's the sidekick. In fact, yes, Ted Mosby - Damn good sidekick to the awesomeness that is Barney Stinson.

Fiz | Apr 8, 2008 7:39:50 AM | #

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Best sidekick had to be Sookie on Gilmore Girls...she stole the show sometimes!

Joy | Apr 8, 2008 7:43:01 AM | #

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Velma on Scooby Doo.

Joe | Apr 8, 2008 8:11:20 AM | #

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I'm surprised that TV Gal, of all people, would overlook Sukie St. James and Lane Kim Van Gerbig.

marc | Apr 8, 2008 8:13:18 AM | #

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Stunned that you didn't include Wallace from Veronica Mars on your list.

LOSTFan | Apr 8, 2008 9:19:19 AM | #

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Some of my favorite sidekicks not yet mentioned:

Phyllis (the GREAT Cloris Leachman) on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"...yes, Rhoda was great but so was Phyllis!

Lenny and Squiggy on "Laverne & Shirley" (or Verl and Shirl as I used to call it).

Mildred (Doris Roberts) on "Remington Steele"

Oliver Goldman on "Bionic Woman" (the original with Lindsay Wagner, not the insipid re-make)

Paris Geller, Lane Kim, Mrs. Kim and Emily Gilmore on "Gilmore Girls" ( in addition to Sookie St. James!)

And to second these:
Karen & Jack (Will & Grace)
Niles Crane (Frasier)
Coach (Cheers)
Amanda & Marc (Ugly Betty)
Maryann (Cybil)

and one of my all-time favorites:
Gabrielle on "Xena" - as someone has mentioned, someone who completely grew in her part. Still miss that show!

Ginni | Apr 8, 2008 10:33:05 AM | #

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Oh yeah, Skippy on "Family Ties"!

| Apr 8, 2008 10:38:35 AM | #

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cameron on sarah connor chronicles!!

chuck it out | Apr 8, 2008 11:08:37 AM | #

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Barb on New Adv./Old Christine
Mother Evelyn and Berta on 2 1/2 Men
Maryann on Cybil
Amanda & Marc on Ugly Betty

Kim | Apr 8, 2008 12:30:04 PM | #

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My sidekick nomination goes to my brother Earl.

Randy | Apr 8, 2008 12:55:27 PM | #

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definitely jack and karen and marc and amanda on ugly betty

MJ | Apr 8, 2008 1:55:41 PM | #

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I still enjoy ER and will be
watching it until the very end, which now looks like (from what I've read on other web sites) February 2009. I'm looking forward to Thursday, as always.

Nate | Apr 8, 2008 2:16:56 PM | #

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I enjoyed the Earl-in-prison episodes. Not so much the Earl-in-a-coma/sitcom episode last week.
I still tune in to ER on Thursday. Actually, I DVR it and watch it later, but I do watch it. I'm afraid the only thing that will make me stop is when NBC stops airing new episodes. I don't watch the reruns in syndication.
I'm not surprised at all by Shonda Rhimes saying that Derek and Meredith would be back together permanately by the end of the season. I think for the majority of people who watchged Grey's since episode 1, it's what they've been waiting for and all of the drama between them since then has been a bit over the top. I think the tease of them being together after the Season 2 finale and then it not happening again caused a lot of viewers to give up on the show. Say what you will about not liking them, the ratings were down this season before the strike. It's not must-watch TV for me anymore. I started DVR'ing that and watching The Office live. I'm not even that excited about it coming back, but I'll still watch it. I'm waiting for them to give Eric Dane something to do besides fawn all over another surgeon who obviously isn't interested when he could do so much better. Please give the man a storyline!!

Diann | Apr 8, 2008 3:13:49 PM | #

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Holly on Brothers & Sisters, Joe on Medium, the whole cast to Jethro on NCIS, and absolutely the best on tv right now, Dr. Bailey on Grey's Anatomy

pugmom99 | Apr 8, 2008 5:13:22 PM | #

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Wallace on Veronica Mars
Metallicar on Supernatural
Leo to POTUS and Donna to Josh on The West Wing

Jill | Apr 8, 2008 10:08:06 PM | #

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Two unforgettable sidekicks from shows past and one from the current line-up:

Jackie on Roseanne and what's-her-name (played by Christine Baranski) on Cybill; Gus on Psych.

aud | Apr 8, 2008 11:58:06 PM | #

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Oh - and how could I forget Howard Borden on The Bob Newhart Show? And Larry and the Darryls on Newhart? And Harvey Korman & Tim Conway on the Carol Burnett Show?

aud | Apr 9, 2008 12:08:20 AM | #

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Thanks Derek.
Hmm Cameron on Sarah Connor... ok! chuck it out!

Cass | Apr 9, 2008 1:01:23 AM | #

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Paris on GILMORE GIRLS
she started as an antagonist then evolved slowly to becoming Rory's sidekick

She has few appearances but her presence is always felt

jecoup | Apr 9, 2008 4:46:41 AM | #

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Gabrielle on Xena Warrior Princess
And yes, I watched Hercules too
Anya was always my favourite sidekick on Buffy
Gus on Psych - the perfect example of still being mates with someone even if they are a brat
I love AndreaC's idea of groups of sidekicks which would also cover the Barones, the Boston Legal team, Ali McBeal, the husbands on Desperate Housewives and everyone in Stars Hollow!
David B Mears is quite correct in Lord Bowler not supposed to be a sidekick on Brisco county jr but according to the extras on the DVD the chemistry between Julius Carry and Bruce Campbell was so fantastic that he was written in as a sidekick albeit a protesting one. Anyway, Brisco's sidekick was really his horse Comet!

Sirius | Apr 9, 2008 5:45:05 AM | #

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I stopped watching ER after Dr. Greene died. The show ended with him in my opinion. I often forget that it is still on until I get the painful reminder in commercials for it during the comedy block on Thurs night.

Speaking of which, I thought that last weeks Earl was among the series's best, although Paris Hilton was unnecessary and unfunny (as opposed to the great guest star turns by Britney Spears and George Michael on HIMYM and Eli Stone.)

Josh Man | Apr 9, 2008 8:47:54 AM | #

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Jeesh!
Wallace on Veronica Mars

| Apr 9, 2008 9:20:16 AM | #

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I know he's been mentioned already, but if it wasn't for Niles Crane "Frasier" wouldn't have been worth watching. That was an inspired bit of casting and a perfect little brother for Frasier.

The episode that started with Niles trying to iron a pair of slacks and ending up setting Frasier's living room on fire was hysterical. It was a brilliant bit of silent acting that still cracks me up just thinking about it!

It's All Good | Apr 9, 2008 1:54:07 PM | #

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Jen you are never gonna see this but in response to.
kevin, Bones on Bones?
I always thought that when a show was named after a character that they were the star of the show not the sidekick.

I wold agree that Bones is the main chracter but her role is the helper to an FBI investigator. Booth is the Lead investigator and the squints aid him. She is a great sidekick because even though she is a sidekick she is the title character. It is not like on CSI where the cops seem to just be there to shoot the bad guy if he acts up. Booth is a real detective and leader of the team.

KEVIN | Apr 9, 2008 2:33:12 PM | #

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Absolutely Chloe O'Brien on 24 is one of the Top 10 Sidekicks of all Time. She should be in the Sidekick Hall of Fame.

Other Hall of Fame candidates:
Wallace Fennel: Veronica Mars - How else would V get bugs into Kane Industries or student files from the school administration office?

Scooby Gang from Buffy: Enough said (especially Willow and Xander)

Chloe on Smallville: I love how she's just out of high school and yet still has contacts everywhere.

Gabby from Xena: Yes, she did eventually graduate to being an equal of Xena's once she learned to fight.

Madeline Kahn's character from the more recent Cosby series.

Kramer from Seinfeld: The quintessential sidekick.

Gil | Apr 9, 2008 4:17:12 PM | #

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Ok, if we're going to talk about Buffy sidekicks, I'm going to put up a hand for Jonathon. Started out as an extra without even a line in the first episode, and managed to work his way all the way up through recurring comic relief to nemesis to honorary gang member (and then to intangible source of all evil).

Forget a sidekick getting their own episode - Jonathon got a whole opening credits based around him. A highlight for sidekicks everywhere.

Jess | Apr 9, 2008 9:37:31 PM | #

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How about...

- Susan Ivanova from Babylon 5
- Scotty or Geordi from Star Trek
- Jamie and the second Doctor Who
- Jo Grant and the third Doctor Who
- Sarah Jane Smith and the fourth Doctor Who
- Tegan and the fifth Doctor Who
- Ace and the seventh Doctor Who
- Twiki from 1977's Buck Rogers
- Alphonse Elric from Full Metal Alchemist
- Radar from M*A*S*H
- Ethel from I Love Lucy
- Harlan from CHiPs

Torch Wood | Apr 9, 2008 11:36:16 PM | #

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Have you also "had a make up party, drank too much, stole the neighbors cement rabbit and drawn 'Tippy the Turtle' on the wall???"
The whole episode of Samantha Who? was pitch perfect. It was so good I didn't delete it from my DVR and can't wait to watch it again!

Sabrina | Apr 10, 2008 5:16:21 AM | #

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Labine is aweful on Reaper. His Jack-Black-esque portrayal is the single reason I consider the show to be unwatchable, which is a shame.

Matt | Apr 10, 2008 2:00:15 PM | #

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Four great pick ups in this comment string:

Lord Bowler, Swarley, Al from Quantum Leap and Sam on Burn Notice. 50% Bruce Campbell (or Bruce related) content.

Two underappreciated sidekicks that were just awesome... and both took "best current sidekick on TV" nods at one time:

1) Boomhauer on King of the Hill
2) Sam Slone (Joey Slotnik) on The Single Guy

Jehu23 | Apr 11, 2008 8:25:00 AM | #

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