The writers' strike forced some of my favorite shows into an unexpected, summer-long hiatus and delayed the return of others. I'm grateful that shows like Lost still have new episodes, but the second half of this TV season hasn't felt the same. I especially miss the promising new series that were cut short. It feels like other shows have been on hiatus forever. Flight of the Conchords was supposed to return this year, but had its premiere pushed back until 2009. I miss Bret, Jemaine, and their strange circle of friends. I've been wondering about the fates of several absent characters lately. So many storylines were left unresolved.
Here's a short list of some of the faces I can't wait to see again:
Murray Hewitt, Flight of the Conchords - I love all of the characters from this show, but Murray's mix of desperation and formality makes him completely lovable. No one wears a pair of shorts like Murray, either. The image of his pasty white legs kept me laughing for a long time. Murray had a rare stoke of luck at the end of season one, but there's no way his success will last. It can't--he's at his best when he's dealing with failure. He belongs with Bret and Jemaine, struggling to get them free soup as compensation for a gig. I'm dying to find out if (and how) Murray reunites with the band.
Susie Greene, Curb Your Enthusiasm - I'm not always a fan of profanity on TV, but Susie Essman makes it an art form in her portrayal of Susie Greene. One of the best scenes from the season six finale was the argument between Susie, Loretta, and Larry. Susie's always good for a tirade, whether the target is Larry or her husband, Jeff. I think about Susie anytime I want to get in touch with my anger. If the rumors about an upcoming seventh season are true, I want to see a rematch between Susie and Loretta.
Susie Greene, Curb Your Enthusiasm - I'm not always a fan of profanity on TV, but Susie Essman makes it an art form in her portrayal of Susie Greene. One of the best scenes from the season six finale was the argument between Susie, Loretta, and Larry. Susie's always good for a tirade, whether the target is Larry or her husband, Jeff. I think about Susie anytime I want to get in touch with my anger. If the rumors about an upcoming seventh season are true, I want to see a rematch between Susie and Loretta.
Charlie Kelly, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - Nobody yells like Charlie Kelly. He's one of the most unstable characters on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and that's saying something. Charlie's poor literacy skills, a running joke on the show, cost the gang their bar last season. I can't wait to see how they get it back, and what kind of schemes he and Frank get involved in. Danny DeVito and Charlie Day make a great pair, mainly because of their nearly identical deranged looks. Every season of It's Always Sunny feels way too short, but I'll take as much of Charlie as I can get. I just hope he keeps up his songwriting.
Olive Snook, Pushing Daisies - Ned is in love with Chuck, but Olive stole my heart in the first season of Pushing Daisies. She sings a song when the moment takes her, gets to the bottom of things, and has an adorable haircut to boot. Her name is even fun to say. Try saying "Olive Snook" without smiling a little; I dare you. I was heartbroken when I learned that there wouldn't be any new episodes of the show until fall. Pushing Daisies was the most charming new show of the year, and its season ended abruptly. Viewers were introduced to a vivid, magical world and cruelly dropped back into reality. I'd like to revisit that world soon.
Clark the Driver, Dirty Sexy Money - Clark is one of those wonderful minor characters that always leave you wanting more. He'll pop up every once in a while to deliver a clever line and retreat into the background. As a loyal Darling family employee, Clark is privy to the Darlings' drunken ramblings and is occasionally an accomplice in their bad behavior. He's a lot like Nick George, but without the law degree. It's almost as fun watching Clark react to the Darlings' craziness as it is watching the craziness itself. Shawn Michael Patrick had better be on the show when it returns in the fall.
Which characters do you miss the most?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
5-15-2008 @ 1:39PM
Jake said...
Ditto with the missing of FOTC.
I love that show! Have you picked up their studio album yet?!
I am missing Larry David from Curb. He is so awkward. I love it.
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 1:42PM
C C said...
Charlie Crews (Damian Lewis) from Life.
And since it appears that Big Love won't be back until next winter, I'm already missing Bill Hendrickson and his "extended" family.
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 2:06PM
Ed said...
That's a great list, and FotC was my favourite new show od last year.
My entries:
Jack Bauer - Gah, it's pretty much been a 2 year gap between season 6 and 7. In fact, the fictional gap between seasons might well match up with real-time for once!
GOB Bluth - C'MON!!
Tobias Funke - I just blue myself.
Michael Bluth - Has anyone in this family even seen a chicken??
etc. etc.
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 2:08PM
apronk said...
Patty Hewes and Frobisher from Damages.
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 2:14PM
Morty Morton said...
Hank "Hey Now" Kingsley and Artie, "The Larry Sanders Show"
GOB Bluth
Barry Zuckerhorn (He's very good)
Norm Peterson
Jack Bauer & Chloe
Chris Elliott as "The Guy Under the Seats"
Matt Foley
Larry Bud Melman
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 2:37PM
Tim Dorr said...
Spam much?
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 3:06PM
ac said...
I miss:
Danny DeVito on Its Always Sunny, I love the Charlie/Frank duo too.
Patty Hewes on Damages
The cast of Rescue me
Jack Bauer
and Elle on Heroes
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 3:08PM
dan2ktj said...
Johnny Drama!
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 3:27PM
EbonyDad said...
Morgan Grimes from "Chuck".
Indescribably funny!
I miss that show. One show I am looking forward to this Fall.
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 3:37PM
Jim said...
Michael, Fiona and Sam from "Burn Notice"!
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 3:51PM
Scott said...
Emerson Cod from "Pushing Daisies" -- Chi McBride's character.
The Narrator from "Pushing Daisies" -- Just say "the piemaker" to yourself and hear his accent.
Everyone from "Burn Notice" -- Just 2 months to go before we see them!
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 4:41PM
SJ said...
When is Johnny Drama coming back??
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 4:46PM
cindy said...
what about still standing and the class. two funny great shows. and still standing is not even on video. pisses me off. and now back to you is canceled
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 4:51PM
MERVE-THE-PERVE said...
Jake Green and Robert Hawkins and that cocksucker Al Swearingen.
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 4:53PM
John Darc said...
uh, didn't they get the bar back in the end? the homeless guy won it for the guys.
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 5:08PM
Eric said...
My List
Charlie from Life,
the whole cast of Chuck,
Vic Mackie from the Shield (is it wrong that I want him to win and still be a cop when the show ends)
I also miss the entire four-some from Pushing Daisies (although Chuck is my least favorite of the four)
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 8:21PM
nattyff said...
- Burn notice cast
- Charlie form life
- Shane for the shield, only to watch him die in a horrible, disturbin, gory death
Reply
5-15-2008 @ 8:40PM
Spencer said...
the MONARCH! and Dr. Girlfriend. (Venture Bros)
Garth Marenghi and Dean Learner (Darkplace and Man to Man) ...release USA dvd region please!
Sylar! (Heroes)
Teyla (though Atlantis is coming back next month, yay!
Reply
5-16-2008 @ 12:49AM
Rebecca said...
I miss the whole gang at Torchwood and I'm really going to miss Tosh and Owen.
Reply
5-16-2008 @ 1:48AM
Phish said...
apart from the last 2, spot on! i really miss those guys.
Reply