Unless you are completely deluded, you know as well as I do that there is a huge difference between an actor/actress and his or her role on any given show. Characters are what make television so good, for those of us in the TV Addiction business. Of course, in order for these characters to be so amazing, there has to be some quality in their acting as well as the writing of the show. People often ask me why I hate awards shows, rag mags, gossip news, E! Television and such things like that....it is because I prefer to see my favorite characters as just that. It's almost like curse of Tom Cruise or Angelina Jolie (for me, anyway)...there has been so much hype on the things that they have done that I don't agree with as a person that I don't even want to see their movies now....not that I was ever a huge Jolie fan like the rest of America anyway. Sometimes you get surprising results when you happen to stumble upon Hugh Laurie on Inside The Actors Studio and just love him all over again, even though you already have since back in Black Adder days. There is a certain amount that I want to know about a celebrity's life and the rest is just fodder; I find some actors and actresses to be well-spoken and seemingly awesome people in their interviews, but again....it is about the characters.
Thus, since today is Friday and that means it is fluffy-lala day here in Snackie Land (cause let's face it; we've been ass-deep in some serious Hilly shit all week), I am going to list my five favorite characters on television today and ask you to reply with the same....remember, it's not the actor but the character. So, let's go balls to the wall under the cut and play the USA token coin phrase "Characters Welcome" game:
Hilly's Favorite Characters (In Order)
Alan Shore (Boston Legal) - He consistently delivers every damn week on that show; he is likable because he is also despicable and yet, he is sexy and I would find myself very drawn to him, were he a real man. And let's face it...nobody makes closing arguments better than he does.
Dr. Gregory House (House) - Do I really need to say it? House is just all around cool from the crazy pill-popping to his medical antics and oh so winning personality, you just gotta love him.
Veronica Mars - The other day someone said to me, "hey, I saw a girl on a show last night that reminded me of your personality....you know, but not her looks". I asked what the name of this show was....my friend thought for a moment then said, "I can't remember but a girl named Veronica something solves mysteries while going to college." Good to know that my intelligence and sarcasm are a match for old Ronnie, even if my age and body are not ;).
Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother) - Legendary....have you met Ted? No matter how obnoxious he gets, you still cannot help but love his assy little ways...he's a keeper. There are a lot of good characters on this show which indeed do play off of one another; without the supporting cast of Jason Segel and the awesomette herself, Alyson Hannigan, we may be at blahsville but for me it is and always will be all about Barney....screw whoever the mother is ;).
Kara Thrace....aka Starbuck (Battlestar Gallactica) - She is my kind of woman...tough as nails but soft on the inside as well. She never backs away from a challenge, kicks much ass and needs to get out of her cell, go back to the ship, kick Dee to the curb and do the nasty with Apollo, toute suite. A lot of people disagree with me about that, but they are Sci Fi Nerds who are way more into this shit for that reason; all I have wanted was for Starbuck to kick ass and lick Lee ;).
Runner-Ups
And these are ONLY runner-up characters because their shows are not on right now but they are definitely in the top of the food chain when they are on: Adrian Monk and Shawn Spencer (Psych).
Next Year's Hopefuls
Because the season is so new, I still have yet to form an opinion on the following characters but feel they may make next years list.....Matt Albie (Studio 60), Betty (Ugly Betty), Sebastian Stark (Shark) and Ben (Men In Trees).
So yes, that is how the fluff is breaking down here today in the land of Snackie; I am off to see a dentist about an implant then will probably not be in the mood to be up and around much this weekend however, have all of your snackTunes challenge answers in by Tuesday of next week (dates from 10/6 through 10/13).
LOST Is Sucking My Soul Away This Season Kisses,
Me
In no particular order.....
-Teal,c from Stargate SG1
-Sayid from Lost
-Brother Justin from Carnivale (although he gives me the heebie jeebies whenever I see him in other stuff now)
Posted by: John-the Walrus | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 03:12 AM
I,d use proper punctuation but this keyboard is screwed up! Grr...
Posted by: John-the Walrus | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 03:13 AM
In no particular order:
~Nancy Botwin, WEEDS. I LOVE this character not in spite of her flaws, but because of them.
~Miranda Bailey, Grey's Anatomy. Because she's got 'the rage'.
~Gregory House, House. He's still an ass even though his leg is fixed. That rocks.
~Dwight Schrute, The Office. It's almost painful to watch sometimes because we have all met him at least once.
~Dexter, Dexter. I know, the show is brand new but 3 episodes in and I'm hooked. Truly the most unique character on television.
Posted by: francesdanger | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 04:30 AM
Wow! From your list I only know Hugh Laurie and "House" has only just started broadcast in Dutchyland. I love it! I am mostly into British actors but I am really awful with names (of characters, shows, or actors) so I couldn't list any! I love sarcastic/ironic humor in shows... Humor makes a lot of actors "attractive".
On another note: Let's KICK ASS on Fantasy Football even though neither of us gives a shit. I would love for us to kick all them serious FF league guys asses * satanic grin *
Posted by: DutchBitch | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 05:20 AM
I love all the characters on your list, except I don't watch "Boston Legal" but I think James Spader rocks.
I would also add Joy from "My Name is Earl." She's so white trash and completely shameless about it. Confident and sassy too. Oh, snap!
Posted by: PastaQueen | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 06:57 AM
In no particular order:
Jim Halpert (whom I would work with in a heartbeat)
Phil Keoghan (I need someone to follow me around with cameras and narrate the stupid stuff I do and I love the way he says "racearoundtheworld" as all one word)
Brock Samson (from Venture Brothers; so he could be my bodyguard while I said all the things I'm thinking in my head for just one day
Joe Buck (because I'd love to watch a baseball game with him while we kicked back with a few beers and he REALLY said what he was thinking)
Red Green (because I have the same approach to fixing things around my house)
Posted by: t2ed | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 07:18 AM
Totally with you on Veronica, Barney, Shawn, and Betty. Dunno about the rest, though. Don't really watch them.
I would also add Denny Duquette from Grey's Anatomy (even if he never was a regular and is, well, dead now). As well as Colby Granger from NUMB3RS, Wallace Fennel from Veronica Mars, and Warrick Brown from C.S.I.
Posted by: kapgar | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 07:52 AM
I love Veronica Mars! I can only wish that I was like her (in looks & personality!). So definitely take it as a compliment that someone thinks your personality is like her.
I don't have Tivo & I have been working a ton, so I really haven't been watching much tv. I watch the Biggest Loser & America's next top model & I really don't have a favorite, plus those are "somewhat real" people.
Posted by: Paige | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 08:35 AM
I started the "My 25 Favorite TV Characters" meme weeks ago, and never finished it because I couldn't come up with 25. But 5, I can do!
In order:
1. Kara "Starbuck" Thrace (Battlestar Galactica). As I've said ad nauseum, I'd swing my door the other way for her. Tough yet vulnerable, she's not afraid of anything ... except her own emotions.
2. Jo Lupo (Eureka). Another warrior woman, Deputy Lupo thinks what every woman needs is a big, strong ... AK-47. Her lust for weaponry is responsible for many of the show's best moments.
3. Dexter (Dexter). He's a psychpath in complete control. He needs to kill people, but he makes himself stick to the evil ones. Dexter pushes the envelope further than any series I've ever seen. I love him.
4. Catherine Willows (CSI). Again, tough but vulnerable. A former stripper, she empathizes with both victims and suspects more than any other member of the CSI team
5. Ronon Dex (Stargate Atlantis). He likes knives. He's hot. He values honor more than life. He's hot. He won't tolerate bullshit. Did I mention how HOT he is?
My runners-up from the past would be David Addison (Moonlighting), Vincent (Beauty and the Beast) and Alex Krychek (The X-Files).
Posted by: SJ | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 08:54 AM
JD: - I too love Teal'c and loved Carnivale; what a shame they took it off the air, those asses.
Ms. Danger: Nancy and Miranda are up there in my top 10! Both of those shows are actually ones that I watch the night they are on, not on a backed up, jacked up, full assed Tivo.
Dutchy: haha, I have been carefully reading up on teams but I have a lot of "BYE" teams this week and am going up against Brandon??? I am so gonna just suck it up when he throttles my ass.
PQ and anyone else who mentions it: Gasp away, but I do not watch Earl or The Office; too much other stuff on that night. I will probably watch them on DVD.
t2ed: Brock Samson, now there is a name that my HUSBAND would agree with! And Phil Keogan, although not a character, is my favorite "reality show" host. His looks when people get to the mat are priceless and like Kentucky said, he is a swrawny cute lil ol thang.
Paige: I am watching the Biggest Loser too and am so annoyed by the Red Team, just like every year...can those women go home, please? I don't have a fave yet this year although, I guess I could root for California guy ;).
Kapgar: Denny Duquette? You are breakig my heart; I loved him....*sniff*.
SJ: Oh I forgot about Eureka; I love Jo Lupo and can I just say that yes, Ronon is freaking hot! There was this cheese night time show on Fox called North Shore, I think and he was on it...I watched it simply for him, LOL.
Posted by: Hilly | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 09:15 AM
Okay--in no particular order...and all because of the chemistry of the show, I think.
yup--CSI's Catherine is great. I really like that CSI Las Vegas.Tough, smart, honest, even when she has to go up against people in the "Business" whom she's known before, or when she dates a Club Owner former-suspect.
Boston Legal's Alan Shore, absolutely. I like that show alot because of the repoire between he and others. he is not afraid to be snarky, and those who can do that in the course of a day, and we can *watch* it? Well done you! We applaud that!
That 70's Show-- like, everybody on there because of the ensemble effect. In particular, when Eric came back on the last ep? I bawled. It was so good to see him again, and good to see him reunited with Donna! I really, really, want to believe those people are alive somewhere, and still the same.
Andromeda-- I really liked all the characters on it, and who doesn't think Kevin Sorbo is delicious? I wish it was still on Saturday nights. Miss that.(I loved him as Hercules, too)
Xena Warrior Princess--OOoo yeah! We seriously love us some Xena, in this house. She is maybe our favorite "character". (I watched Duets this season, because of that.)
I love everything about Xena--from the way she can kick some aass, to her more sensitive internal side too. Her and Aries were HOT together. Seriously.
Posted by: Bully | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 09:29 AM
okay. my top 5 list. in a bit of an order, but not really...
1. Veronica Mars (Veronica Mars) - She rocks, is smarter than me, and who doesn't love the snark? I mean, come on...
2. Keith Mars (Veronica Mars) - Best TV Daddy ever.
3. Darren Nichols (Slings and Arrows) -Although I do love Paul Gross' Geoffrey Tennant on this show, it is Darren Nichols that is by far my favourite character - the one I want to smack for his arrogance and his pompous, pretentious 'visions' of the theatre as art. He's far too much like some of the people I met in theatre school and for that I adore him.
4. Rube (Dead Like Me)- Complicated, sarcastic, undead (and I know it's not supposed to be about the actors, but I do so love Mandy Patikin - although, apparently not enough to know how to spell his name...)
5. Willow (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) - In many ways, Willow was me - awkward, bookish, too smart for her own good, came into her own in university, conflicted between fitting in and people pleasing and thinking for herself...Granted, I never went as far as the whole getting addicted to magic and trying to distroy the world thing, but then again, I wasn't living on a hellmouth (except one of my own making). There was something always wonderful about watching Willow grow on that show that was like no other character development I've seen since.
Posted by: suze | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 09:37 AM
Bully: That is too funny! Karl and I were talking about how I finally just saw the last two seasons of "That 70's Show" in syndication because I sort of stopped watching when Topher and Ashton left and better TV started coming on. But I totally loved the final episode, when Kelso came back then Eric showed up at the last moment. Fez is one of the most likeable characters, ever...and I wanted to be just like Donna. You are right, as an ensemble, a perfect cast...even down to Red and Kitty!
Suze: Oh how I miss Rube and Willow. I also loved George on "Dead Like Me" too but yeah, Rube was awesome. Why do they always cancel the good shows?
Posted by: Hilly | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 09:48 AM
I am so down with this.
Ok, major hyperventilating ditto for the ever-so-sexy-can-I-have-a-consult-please-please...
Dr. Gregory House
And both Agent Seely Booth and Dr. Temperance Breenan from Bones
I'm loving Vanished but I really like Esai Morales' character because he's looking better than he ever has now that he has really grown up and into himself, and I think he's doing the best work he's done to date.
Agent Tyner
That's all I have...you know me, I watch mostly reality tv. *grin*
and WHY won't it let ME insert pictures??? They aren't here on preview but I put them in. GRRR
Posted by: Kelli | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 09:59 AM
Oh man, I've only got one for sure:
1. Sharon (Boomer) for Battlestar Galactica. Cute and badass, the perfect combo.
Posted by: Dustin | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 10:31 AM
So you are almost Shark-ed now... cool!
Posted by: Matthew | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 11:49 AM
1-Betty from "Ugly Betty"...I can just soooo relate to her.
2-Phil Keoghan from "Amazing Race". OK, I know he's not a character but OMG, I wish I could watch him every day - I'm in love with him (and yes, my husband knows about us!)
3-Lynette from "Desperate Housewives"...she is the most realistic wife and mother on TV, I think.
4-Charlie from "2.5 Men"...he is just unrepentant about himself. He lives his life exactly the way he wants, consequences be damned.
5-Lorelei from "Gilmore Girls"...I want to be her friend, although I do think she made a terrible mistake by dumping Luke. She is someone that I have the feeling I would be disappointed to meet the actress that plays her since I'm sure they are so different.
Posted by: Lora | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 01:56 PM
Gotta agree with House and Alan Shore, but I'd have to reverse the order simply because I can't believe Hugh Laurie's mastery of the "American accent." Believe it or not, I might give third place to William Shatner for similar reasons of overcoming horrendous typecasting at age, what, 80? Four and five go to Monk and Shawn Spencer.
Posted by: Rick | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 02:12 PM
Kell: You could always make this post on your own blog and yeah the HTML commenting sucks ass in TypePad. Um and Booth? Dude every character David Boreanaz plays on TV is lick-tastic!
Dustin: But do you like nice Sharon or meanie Sharon?
Matt: How can anyone resist Jimmy Woods?
Lora: Like I told someone before thee, Phil is my king of Reality Hotness. And yes, Charlie would have been on this list were it a top 10 list; Monday nights and comedy really help take the edge off the Monday blues!
Rick: Hugh is amazing, isn't he? Have you seen him in "Black Adder" amd mow this? I love watching House and never hearing him slip up on his accent. Believe you me, Denny Crane is not a character I would ignore either....that is another good ensemble on "Boston Legal". I thought that adding Candice Bergen was gonna make it the suck, but it made it better!
Posted by: Hilly | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 03:19 PM
Speaking of Ugly Betty... most love-to-hate character this season has to go to Amanda. Wilhelmina is evil and all, but at least she has a larger ambition... Amanda is just pure spite.
Posted by: Matthew | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 03:52 PM
In no particular order:
Dr. Gregory House (House)
Police Chief Brenda Johnson (The Closer)
Adrian Monk (Monk)
Alan Shore (Boston Legal)
Charlie Eppes (Numbers)
There are only 2 or 3 others ... and as far as the new shows, maybe only one so far. Too early to tell. I know that my DVR is getting quite the workout this year! Fortunately, there's nothing on tv Sat. nites anymore so we watch a few then.
Posted by: JJ | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 05:14 PM
Jim Halpert - smooch. :)
Ugly Betty - she rocks! I thought she was going to be just geeky no-personality woman, but she is all woman hear me roar! I love her character AND the acting.
Marin from Men in Trees - surprisingly enough I like an Anne Heche character. And yes, the verdict is still out on Ben, but so far he's just yummy.
And dare I say the obvious? I'm sorry, but McDreamy is still McSexy to me. :) But really there isn't a character on that show that I don't like, except for psycho Latina bone doctor girlfriend. (what's her name?) haha
And are you surprised I took part in this surveY? I actually visited your site today!
Posted by: Sij | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 07:36 PM
Adrian and Shawn would have topped my list. How perfect that, when there are new episodes, they are back to back. And then followed by a rerun of House? Why a girl might not leave the house on Friday nights starting again in January. But oh yeah. That's what the DVR is for.
I have been hooked on Veronica since the first episode. Gotta love her snarkiness. I want to be her when I grow up. Well, without the rape thing.
I love to watch old episodes of Law and Order because Briscoe was a cop's cop. I was pretty depressed when the episode rolled around in which he retired. What??? That was just wrong.
And Gil Grissom? Just the kind of nerd I want to date.
My mom likes to dream that we are Lorelai and Rory. I guess I can see. There is some witty banter at times.
*sigh* The DVR action is cutting into my Netflix viewing.
Posted by: Dagny | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 08:35 PM
Fave TV Characters? Do the freaks on Judge Judy's show count?
Hope you have a fabulous weekend. I'm heading for bed...it's raining here. Sweet!
*CHEERS*
Posted by: Xavier | Friday, October 13, 2006 at 11:25 PM
okay, this is not about TV. sorry! but i have been offline most of this past week due to a death in the family and am just now catching up. so i am so glad you are feeling better and i don't want to dwell on the suckiness you are mastering, but i did want to say that i feel for you (although after-the-fact, so don't know how useful that is) and i think it is SO important to just let yourself cry or feel whatever you need to feel. sometimes you can't even know why, but if your body is crying it's because it needs to cry. so good for you, and i hope the emotional purging helped!
Posted by: workinprogress | Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 07:57 AM
You know, this is a great way to turn someone onto a new show -- by showing enthusiasm for a character. For instance, I would never watch Boston Legal if you told me it was a "lawyer show," but if you told me about the interesing lead character, I might get more intrigued. And I do watch it more for the Alan Shore character than the dopey law cases they use for the plotlines.
Posted by: Neil | Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 01:52 PM
1. Sheriff Lucas Buck (American Gothic)
2. Officer Frank Drebbin (Police Squad!)
3. Ari Gold (Entourage)
4. Detective Bobby Goren (L&O C.I.)
5. Buffy!
Posted by: Mr. Fabulous | Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 05:39 PM
1. GOB Bluth - Arrested Development -- the Segway, "The Final Countdown", Franklin -- I LOVE GOB. I love Lucille Bluth even more, especially when she escaped from Rehab and had a shot contest with her fugitive husband's current girlfriend in order to "distract" her so that Gob and Michael could steal the paperwork they needed to "save" the company. I was devastated when this show was cancelled. Thank GOD for DVDs.
2. Lenny Briscoe - Law & Order, I'm with Dagny. I love him.
3. Elliot Stabler - Law & Order SVU - he's angry, he's hot, he's complicated, he gets very bent when kids are hurt, he's butch as hell - LOVE him.
4. Cosmo Kramer - Seinfeld -- I know, I know, it's off the air, but I watch Seinfeld reruns all the time and Kramer just destroys me - he's like the id, personified.
5. I also love everyone on That 70's Show, and if I could go into their world I would SO want to be in a circle with them...although I'd bitchfight Jackie for Hyde.
Posted by: LauraBora from Bufadora | Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 08:50 PM
I was actually thinking of doing a TITMT just like this! Can I reserve my answers till then and link back to you?:)
Posted by: Janet | Sunday, October 15, 2006 at 04:35 PM
I was actually thinking of doing a TITMT just like this! Can I reserve my answers till then and link back to you?:)
Posted by: Janet | Sunday, October 15, 2006 at 04:37 PM
Holy Happy Halloween...love, love it. I'm pretty much all about Dr. House and VM, but just for the record, I watched VM when it first came out...I sent emails in support of keeping it on the air and VM is on my top 5 for women, I think that makes me an uber fan. So there. Neener, Neener big fat wiener.
Posted by: Foo Foo | Sunday, October 15, 2006 at 05:17 PM
What does fluffy lala day mean? I like that, it sounds like a great name for a lap dog! lol
We live in sister cities on opposite sides of the world,how 'bout that :o)
Posted by: CactusFreek | Monday, October 16, 2006 at 06:16 AM
looove the new look. how funny that we both went halloween on the same day!
Posted by: suze | Monday, October 16, 2006 at 07:11 AM
Hey! Love the redesign!
Posted by: kapgar | Monday, October 16, 2006 at 08:13 AM
Great choices! I LOVE Barney and Dr. House. This post really made me smile today!
Posted by: TC | Monday, October 16, 2006 at 02:20 PM
I meant to link you to my diet blog not my other more regular one, but feel free to visit me where ever you like! I always welcome a visit from Snackiepoo!
Posted by: TC | Monday, October 16, 2006 at 02:21 PM