The Best TV B----es

Dr. Robert Romano, ER

Before Dr. Gregory House, there was Dr. Robert Romano, the original abrasive doc whom you loved to hate. Between his self-important 'tude, racist and bigoted comments and using the OR to operate on his dog, it's a wonder HR was never on his case. It seemed like Romano finally got his when a helicopter blade chopped off his arm and he then died the following season when — yes — another helicopter fell on him. Only Corday (or "Lizzie," as he called her), his unrequited crush, attended his funeral. But we mourn Romano not just for his "he did not just say that" wisecracks, but for his little seen sensitive side: grieving over Lucy's death, communicating with Reese via sign language and, of course, showing genuine respect and feelings for his dear Lizzie.