Super sidekicks—the Couch Potato goes bananas over second fiddles
By Casey Gillis on Apr. 24, 2008
In my last column, I wrote about how “Smallville’s” Chloe is a more interesting character than supposed leading man Clark Kent.
She’s not alone. There are plenty of talented, scene-stealing second bananas out there.
Here are some of my favorites:
Neil Patrick Harris as Barney on “How I Met Your Mother” (CBS)
Ted’s titular quest for love doesn’t interest me nearly as much as, well, anything Harris does as suit-loving lothario Barney. Who knew Doogie Howser had it in him? (Well, I guess anyone who watched Harris’ hilarious, self-parodying turn in “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.” But I digress.)
More layers were added to Barney’s character Monday night when — spoiler alert! — he and Robin were caught smooching in the episode’s last shot. What does this mean for our favorite womanizer? Is he actually going to settle down? Probably not, but viewers are certainly in for a treat. It’s probably going to be legen — wait for it — dary.
Jon Tenney as Fritz on “The Closer” (TNT)
This TNT crime series returns with new episodes this summer, but I’ve been getting my fill of it with reruns that air almost every Monday night at 11 p.m. (I implore you: watch!). Kyra Sedgwick is amazing as Brenda Leigh Johnson. The cases are always interesting and surprising, as are the talented cast’s interactions with each other.
But my favorite part of the show is Brenda’s relationship with charming FBI agent Fritz. Jon Tenney is so believable that I’m convinced he might be in love with Sedgwick in real life. Seriously.
He’s the perfect man, a dreamboat who is always there and ready to help Brenda. But he also stands up for himself when she gets skittish and pushes him away. Fritz, if things don’t work out with Brenda, this couch potato is always available.
Michael Urie as Marc on “Ugly Betty” (ABC)
This guy is a laugh riot, whether he’s performing a nefarious deed for boss Wilhelmina, being catty with partner-in-crime and BFF Amanda (the equally hysterical Becky Newton), or falling for new love interest Cliff. I can’t help but smile every time he shows up on screen. I sense a Best Supporting Actor nomination is in his future.
Michael Emerson as Ben on “Lost” (ABC)
There’s only so much I can say here. If you’ve seen the show, you know what an incredible actor Emerson is. If you haven’t, you’re missing out on one of the creepiest television characters to ever slink across the small screen.
Jennifer Esposito as Andrea on “Samantha Who?” (ABC)
The best sidekicks are the snarky ones, who say what our supposed-to-be-likable lead can’t. I don’t think I could describe boozy maneater Andrea any better, and Esposito nails it.
Jack McBrayer as Kenneth on “30 Rock” (NBC)
Whether he’s hopped up on caffeine — despite earlier declaring that he doesn’t drink hot beverages because “that’s the Devil’s temperature” — or speed dating with Grizz, Kenneth steals the show.
John C. McGinley as Dr. Cox on “Scrubs” (NBC)
Just listen to one of the man’s rants, and you’ll know what I’m talking about.
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