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TV Squad Ten: New supporting characters who helped make their series better
Lead characters are extremely important for TV series, as they are the basis of the shows' storylines. However, to make said lead characters shine and make the storylines interesting, supporting characters must be introduced. Sometimes, those characters have a major impact on a series and even end up becoming leads. Just see how Ben Linus on Lost was set to appear in a few episodes, but ended up being so helpful to the storyline and loved (or hated) by the fans that he became an integral part of the series and is now a major player on the show.
That compelled me to make a list of new supporting characters who helped make their series better this season. Since my list only has 10 items and because I don't watch all current TV series, I will have missed tons of supporting characters, so feel free to add to the list by commenting below. However, note that I restricted my list to supporting characters that were introduced THIS season. So the Ben Linuses of the TV world are not on the list.
TV Squad: New Supporting Characters
10. Nina (Jenny Wade), 'Reaper'
Even if Nina was added to the Reaper cast only a few episodes ago, she already made her mark on the show. Her demonic presence is offering us a few new tidbits about how the demon world works out and if demons and humans can date. Nina also brings a tad of mystery to the show, as it is still unclear if she is dating Ben out of love or in order to get close to Sam and kill him.
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Jack Rowand, The CW
9. Eli James (Jamie Kennedy), 'Ghost Whisperer'
Eli's addition to the show brought loads of mixed feelings in the show's fandom, especially in the light of the departure of fan favorite Jay Mohr and the fact that Jaime Kennedy's acting wasn't very good in early episodes. Like him or not, Eli is a character who helps make the series better in the sense that he can hear the dead; thus being the only show's lead who can really help Melinda and allowing us to learn more about how these "ghost whisperer" gifts work.
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Monty Brinton, CBS
8. Dr. Neven Bell (Hector Elizondo), 'Monk'
Elizondo had big shoes to fill as the replacement of Dr. Kroger (played by Stanley Kamel who passed away last year). The change in therapist offered us a new take on Monk and his various problems. Dr. Bell especially shined in the submarine episode during which Monk is underwater trapped in an enclosed space. To cope with the freakiness of the situation, Monk created an imaginary Dr. Bell to counsel him through the entire mission; thus showing us that Monk had fully transferred his trust and belief from Kroger to Bell. Elizondo's relaxed and almost zen-like attitude is a perfect balance to Monk's manic antics.
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USA Network
7. Castiel (Misha Collins), 'Supernatural'
Castiel is a badass and mysterious character who added a new level to the show thanks to not only pulling Dean out of Hell but also not fitting the archetype of a sweet cuddly angel. Misha Collins' performance as this fire and brimstone angel just rocks, and fans can't wait to know everything there is to know about the character.
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Sergei Bachlakov, The CW
6. Janis Gold (Janeane Garofalo), '24'
Janis is pure gold to the show. She may not be the best new character on 24 this season, but you have to admit that the weird aura that surrounds her always makes you suspicious that she may be working for the bad guys. I must say that I thought she was the mole for a while due to her antics and weird deportment. 24 fans love Chloe O'Brien, so bringing in a new techie that would be on Chloe's footsteps and tracks was a good way to create drama, play with our emotions, and add mystery.
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Fox
5. Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd), 'Grey's Anatomy'
When Journeyman was canceled, I prayed that the TV Gods would find a role for talented actor Kevin McKidd. Luckily, the Gods -- aka Shonda Rhimes, in this case -- answered my prayers and hired McKidd to play recurring character Owen Hunt. Not only did Hunt's addition to the show provide new conflict amongst the hospital staff, but it gave Cristina a new man and added eye candy for the fans. Hunt was so well-received by the fans and his troubled character fit so well on the show that he has since been made a regular cast member to our viewing pleasure.
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ABC
4. Emile Danko aka The Hunter (Zeljko Ivanek), 'Heroes'
Many of us didn't like the first half of the Heroes season, but the addition of Ivanek as the mission-driven Danko was a welcome change. Even if we've seen Ivanek guest star in many series lately -- he shined as Damages' Ray Fiske -- his acting skills are so good that we totally buy him as the Hunter, the man employed to catch all heroes and make sure they stay captive. The character's motives are still a bit of a mystery which adds depth to the character. Danko's presence on the show gave us a new badass character to hate, as many of us have embraced Sylar even if he still is a bad guy.
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NBC
3. Emmett Milbarge (Tony Hale), 'Chuck'
What's not to love where Milbarge is concerned? Even if the Buy More staff is already a bit wacko, Milbarge adds a new level to this craziness. Tony Hale is clearly channeling his inner Buster Bluth when playing Emmett, because the two characters are as crazy, as freaky and as scared. However, Emmett can do one thing Buster couldn't: be in control. When Emmett is in charge, things always turn out funny to our enjoyment. If NBC renews the series, Emmett must become a permanent fixture.
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Adam Taylor, NBC
2. Tess Mercer (Cassidy Freeman), 'Smallville'
Cassidy Freeman had big and pricy shoes to fill when she took over the Luthor estate at the beginning of the current season. Thanks to solid acting and powerful scenes, she has become one of the best Smallville characters. Tess is as mission-driven as Lex was, and even if she recently had her eyes opened as to whom Lex really is/was, she follows in his footsteps as one of Clark's frenemies.
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Michael Courtney, The CW
1. Dave Williams/David Dash (Neal McDonough), 'Desperate Housewives'
DH's creator Marc Cherry and his writing team weren't always successful when introducing new characters, especially those who would be instrumental in the year-long mystery such as the Applewhites. But with Dave Williams, skillfully played by McDonnough, they hit the mark. Dave was key in bringing Edie back to Wisteria Lane for one more season. He also helped find a way to house Mike on the block -- meaning more James Denton eye candy for us -- he tricked and made people what he wanted to do thanks to his power of persuasion, and he created loads and loads of drama for all Wisteria Lane residents. His storyline was not only mysterious, but entertaining. Neal McDonnough deserves an award for his great acting in the role of a psycho motivational speaker.
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ABC
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