If my life was a sitcom, it would have already been canceled, and I’d need a new neighbor. There’s nothing wrong with my neighbors, but I don’t even know their names. They have never stepped foot in my house, but in a sitcom they would always be over, often at the most inopportune times, and they would be crazy. I My life not only lacks a wacky neighbor, bur nor do I have a best friend, co-worker, or live-in maid who routinely gets me involved in hilarious situations. Hence why a sitcom of my life would last about as long as ‘Surviving Jack.’
Most of the best televisions shows (or at least my favorites) include a sidekick character, who usually steals the spotlight. In the early days of television, (black and white) there was Fred & Ethel on ‘I Love Lucy’ and now there’s Penny on ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ I’d like to remember some of my favorites through the years.
It would be a crime to go any further on this topic without mentioning the one and only Barney Fife of ‘The Andy Griffith Show.’ There might not be any greater example of a show stealer than Barney, for proof try to watch an episode of the famed series he left. Barney might not have only had one bullet, but he was fully loaded to shoot out comedy. He didn’t even have to speak, just his physical movements and facial expressions were enough to unleash fits of laughter. There are countless episodes in which Barney shines, but a favorite of mine is from season two ‘The Pickle Story.’ Don Knotts as Barney is at his best in the scene when he tries to sneak a bag full of aunt Bea’s jar’s of pickles past her. He tries to explain the rattling, by saying it’s shaving cream. “I shave a lot when I travel,” he nervously bumbles….While on the subjects of Knotts, credit must also be given to his role as Mr. Furley in ‘Three’s Company.’ Furley vs. Roper, that’s a debate for another day.
While not considered much of a classic, ‘Coach’ featured Jerry Van Dyke as Luther, who is one of my personal favorites. What Luther lacked in intelligence, he made up for with heart. He loved Elvis, food, and his dog. Luther is the type who meant well, but trouble always followed him, leading to hilarious consequences. For example, my favorite episode is when Luther comes over to Christine’s apartment to keep Hayden company and ends up staining the white carpet with grape juice and starts a fire in the kitchen. Thanks to Netflix I’ve been getting reacquainted with ‘Coach’ but I’ve only been watching the episodes in which Luther is in the description.
I use the same method with ‘Frazier,’ on Netflix, seeking out his brother Niles. Whether with a one liner or through physical comedy, Niles always delivers. On ‘Cheers’ the character of ‘Frazier’ was one of my least favorite, but the supporting of Niles, Martin and Daphne make him shone on his own show.
Imagine ‘Family Matters’ without Steve Urkel…boring! He’s really the type of neighbor that you hate to see come over, as something is likely to get broken. “Did I do that?” More than a sidekick, Steve Urkel took over the show, similar to Fonz on ‘Happy Days.’
‘Seinfeld’ was the title, but its his trio of friends who really shined. Back when ‘Seinfeld’ originally aired Kramer was my favorite, but with more recent viewings I’ve grown to appreciate George more. I certainly hope it’s not because I unknowingly see a lot of myself in him. Of course, I’ve always had eyes for Elaine.
There are so many more like Schneider from ‘One Day at a Time,’ Six from ‘Blossom,’ Eddie Haskell/ ‘Leave it to Beaver,’ Al/ ‘Home Improvement’, Lenny & Squiggly /‘Laverne & Shirley’, Barney Rubble/ ‘The Flintstones’, Patrick/ ‘Spongebob Squarepants’, Boner/ ‘Growing Pains’…it could on and on…who are some of your favorite TV sidekicks?
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