The best TV shows seem to have someone special that creates the draw we love. Someone who brings out the laughs, the drama and solidifies the depth of the main characters and situations they find themselves in. They are called sidekicks. Though they play the supportive and sometimes not-so-supportive roles in a series, they are critical to a shows success. I like to call them the hidden super power.
Shows don’t have to be based on a superhero for a sidekick to have a place. In fact, some of the very best supportive roles don’t have anything to do with capes or tights; they just have to do with personality dynamics. Here’s my list of best TV sidekicks.
John_H_Watson
Watson (any incarnation) – sidekick to Sherlock Holmes
John H. Watson is one of the all-time greats in literature. A doctor, surgeon and a crack shot with a pistol, this intelligent military man is the perfect sidekick for the arrogant, self-absorbed personality of Sherlock Holmes. Displayed most especially in the latest TV manifestation, “Sherlock,” Watson (Martin Freeman), is a perfectly-balanced counterpart to the brilliant mind of Holmes. Watson is needed, not only to be the only true friend to the great detective, but to do what Holmes simply cannot; and that’s function properly in society. Watson is an interpreter between the world and the greatest analytical mind in the world. Sounds like a scary place to be.
Favorite quote:
Watson: “I’m not Sherlock Holmes!”
General Shan: “I don’t believe you.”
Sherlock: “You should, you know. Sherlock Holmes is nothing at all like him. How would you describe me, John? Resourceful, dynamic? Enigmatic?”
Watson: “Late.”
Monroe
Monroe – sidekick to Nick Burkhardt
A new show on the block, “Grimm” is only in its second season. Grotesque and emotionally disturbing crimes are being committed in Portland, Oregon. What makes matters worse, is detective Nick Burkhardt is a Grimm—a person with the ability to see the true forms of mythological creatures. You’d think this would be a good thing, right? Enter the Big Bad Wolf. Ok, a reformed Big Bad Wolf, or Blutbaden, named “Monroe,” played by Silas Weir Mitchell. This vegetarian gone watch-maker becomes Burkhardt’s confidant, ally and even partner in crime from time to time. Monroe is always a laugh—taking the edge off of the gory predicaments they find themselves in, while providing key knowledge or assistance to accomplish the seemingly impossible.
Favorite quote:
“It feels like it was just yesterday I was crashing through my window to introduce myself to him.”
Norm_Peterson
Norm Peterson – sidekick to cast of “Cheers”
Who remembers the famous Boston bar where all the misfits of the city collect to partake of the nectar of the gods? Sure, you remember Coach, Woody, Sam, the annoying Cliff, Diane, and Rebecca, but what do you remember the most? The opening scene of each and every show; Peterson, the fat accountant who has all day to drink beer, walks in and everyone shouts “NORM!” He makes his way to his assigned seat as he spouts his hilarious one liners. He’s not only clever and funny; he’s also the only character that was in every episode of the show.
My favorite quote:
“How’s life treating you, Norm?”
“Like a baby treats a diaper.”
Jayne_cobe
Jayne Cobb – sidekick to Captain Mal Reynolds
500 years into the future might seem like a long time, but mankind has been the same since Adam and Eve, and they don’t plan on changing anytime soon. Yes, “Firefly” was canceled after the first season, but nothing can outdo the rough, mouthy sidekick of a space cowboy. Not only does Jayne have a sissy name, he’s huge, violent, perverted, greedy, and dishonest, but one hell of a great guy to have in a fight. Mal has a talent for directing this baboon to where he’s needed most, as does the crew when the Captain’s off the ship. That or they sedate Jayne with drugs. Jayne can make you laugh and cringe in the same breath, but you can’t help but like the guy who has his own theme song.
My favorite quote:
“Hell, I’ll kill a man in a fair fight… or if I think he’s gonna start a fair fight, or if he bothers me, or if there’s a woman, or if I’m gettin’ paid – mostly only when I’m gettin’ paid.”
Gorge_Costanza
George Costanza – sidekick to Jerry Seinfeld
What made this show a hit was the everyday life and events that the viewers dealt with, but probably wouldn’t admit. The show had a cast of clever, quirky and many times, annoying characters—but one took the main sidekick role: George Costanza. Played by Jason Alexander, he takes paranoid, denial, cheap and misanthropic to whole new dimensions of uncomfortable. It’s one of the things we like most about George, and what ultimately makes him honest. He’s Jerry’s best friend, a complete screw-up that has to analyze everything to death, but he makes us laugh so damn hard.
Favorite quote:
“Jerry, just remember, it’s not a lie if you believe it.”
Do you have a favorite sidekick you’d like to add to the list? Take a moment and leave a remark below and share it with us!
