Additions to My Favorite Characters List – Television Edition

So I was looking back over my blog and was looking at the favorite character's list I created back in 2011 and it occurs to me that there have been some updates to that list.  Since I've had kind of a low energy week (stomach flu followed by monster cold, yay)  I thought I'd have some fun and update my list.  Today's editions all come from the world of television and fall into two distinct categories.

 It’s All the BBC’s Fault

Sherlock Holmes (played by Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock) – Tracy and I rewatched the first episode of Sherlock yesterday, and I was struck again with how well done this show is and Benedict Cumberbatch’s brilliant portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is at the heart of that.  He creates a Sherlock who is fascinating, insufferable, and heroic all at the same time.

John Watson (played by Martin Freeman in Sherlock) – Okay, so why do we put up with the above mentioned insufferable consulting detective?  Mostly, because John Watson does.   The dynamic friendship between the nearly unbalanced genius and the steady everyman makes for amazing television.

The Doctor (played by David Tennant and Matt Smith in Doctor Who) - Yes there are other actors who’ve played (and will play) this role, but it is these two who really created a character I could get behind.  The Doctor always likes who you want him to like and helps the people you want him to help.  And he does it while being irrepressibly goofy (at least in these two incarnations).  It’s awesome.

Donna Noble (played by Catherine Tate in Doctor Who) – Okay, so I love Rose,  Amy, Rory, River, and Clara but Donna Noble is my favorite companion of The Doctor.  There are two reasons for this – first, she and David Tennant’s Doctor create one of the best male/female friendships I’ve ever seen on TV.  Second, because Donna proves that even the most ordinary person can be extraordinary if someone gives them the chance.

It’s not Easy Being Green – the Arrow Gang

Felicity Smoak (played by Emily Bett Rickards)  – This character was supposed to be on the show for one episode…now’s she’s everyone’s favorite.  Including mine.  If Oliver Queen doesn’t kiss this girl at some point in the future, I will never forgive him.

John Diggle (played by David Ramsey) – Okay, so I’m getting the theme here that I like the depiction of friendships on television.  Digg and Oliver are hilarious, and I love that Digg is always willing to call Oliver on his crap while still being the steadiest possible friend.

Oliver Queen (played by Stephen Amell) - So yes, there was an Oliver on the old list, and Justin Hartley’s Oliver is still awesome and by far the funnier of the two.  But when I think Oliver Queen now, I have to admit Stephen Amell’s broodier version is the one that pops into my head.  Especially after the episode “Three Ghosts.”