Hey there again, as a sign of nothing better to do I have decided to compile a list of my ten favourite television characters, this is of course an extremely bias list and of course has only one character per show, which was very hard to do with some shows, and thinking on it there's probably 20 more characters or so I like as much or just a smidge less than these. Well with all that intro underway let's get started
In no particular order we have
Charlie Kelly, It's Alway Sunny in Philadelphia
Probably not what you would consider a typical choice but I feel he is my favourite character in an extremely underrated show. Even in a bad episode you get the sense that Charlie is a very funny person. He is a character long stuck in a arrested development and is exploited as the idiot manchild of the group, his high pitched yelling and creation of the song Dayman are particular highlights. Also the storline of his long running love for the waitress is a particular strong point of the show that is always entertaining.
George Costanza, Seinfeld
Why? Cause it's George
George is the funniest character IMO of one of the most classic television shows to grace TV. (though it definately had it fair share of shitty episodes; sorry). The storyline of the buildup to George getting married and his reaction to his mother catching him masterbate are prime classic George moments. He always makes me laugh through his extreme depression and makes you stratch your head as to why he gets so many hot babes
Rod Sterling, The Twilight Zone
This is a bit of a cheat but The Twilight Zone is my favourite show ever, each episode is like a great old black and white film, and most of the scripts written by Mr. Sterling and his narration giving the sense that this man is truly telling you the story. And what great stories he tells! Plus he is the essence of cool and the way he explains the themes and sets up the storylines is truly unimitable.
Simon Adebisi, Oz
Oz was one of the first great shows I have ever watched and I feel it ranks near the top in the HBO package (though I'm still yet to get around to The Sopranos). So with that being said Adebisi is definately my favourite character. He's just such a badass and commands the screen with how massive he and is booming with personality. Adebisi going through withdrawel is a strong highlight as well as his cafeteria battle with Peter Shibeta and friends
Omar Little, The Wire
Omar Little is the gay black robin hood of this Baltimore crime show and is literally almost everybody's favourite Wire character, including man. Every single scene with this guy is worth watching, I would like an edited version of the wire with just Omar scenes, that would be fantastic. The fear he strikes into a whole gang and crews is tremendous as he is only one man, with a shotgun, a whistle and a scar on his face. Long live Omar Little. Also the wire is such a good show
Louie C.K, Louie
I realize this one is kind of recent, but unlike Charlie which was a bias choice I truly believe Louie is fantastic. He writes, directs and acts in this show and has the true power of an autuer. The way he carrys the show entirely on his own back and turns it into a masterpeice is tremendous. He is overweight, depressed, cynical, but very funny and loving to his daughters. You really want this guy to catch a break
Gaius Baltar, Battlestar Galactica
Gaius Baltar has one of the most unpredictable and changing acts in a television show. He can go from hilarious to quite unnerving. His acting is top class, and his shared eroticism with Cylon #6 is truly captivating. Battlestar Galactica is one of my favourite shows and he is my favourite from it. That being said however, Adama, Number 6, Starbuck and Laura Roslin are all fabulous characters. Such a good show!
Spike, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Spike is an awesome character. Buffy is a silly show that sometimes pulled through with some quality episodes (like the body, hush etc) but for the most part it was just a purely fun time. Spike was a mean vampire that loved to raise hell and disrupt things for everyone, and to his surpize and a chip in his head he found himself falling in love with the slayer
Walter White, Breaking Bad
Why is Breaking Bad not watched in theatres. I would go every week, that would be fantastic. Walter White is a great character with dynamite acting abilities. Even as he slowly morphs into a villian through the course of the show, you still route for him. He can make you feel so many different things, he is the one that knocks! A high school chemistry teacher that cooks and sells crystal meth, what could go wrong
Captain Malcolm Reynolds, Firefly
Another Joss Whedon character, yeah why not. The Captain is so cool, and is a bit like Han Solo if he hadn't joined the rebel forces and carried out his life as a transporter, only without the aliens, lazer guns and super powers. Mal is an easy to love character but a great leader for his men. And he's just an awesome time to watch. People are still sad about Firefly being canceled, but it was great for what we had, and that's more than enough sometimes
That's my brief list, the explainations were a bit rushed and not much of the characters was stated but perhaps that is a good thing. Just watch the shows and love the characters for yourself and heck, if you disagree with me that's fine. I'll happily have an opinated argument on the internet with anyone willing
Honorable Mentions;
David Brent, The Office UK
General Adama, Battlestar Galactica
Abed Nadir, Community
Gob, Buster, Tobias, Arrested Development (i couldn't pick a favourite for the top 10, this show works to well as an asemble)
Bender and Zoidberg, Futurama
Stewie, Family Guy
Bill, Freaks and Geeks
Cartman and Butters, South Park
Roy, Moss and Jen, The IT Crowd
Well this has been fun,
Yours truly
James Baxter
