Support Supporting Characters
When it comes to supporting characters, a little bit really does go a long way. A quick scene here, a subtle look there... Suddenly, we can't get enough of them.
Be careful what you wish for. When these quirky cast members become featured players, that's when it's time to worry.
It all goes back to
Happy Days (what doesn't?). Arthur Fonzarelli was a minor character when the show began. The creators realized what they had in The Fonz and he natureally became more prominent in the series which initially was, uh, cool.
The next thing you knew, full story arcs revolved around The Fonz and a guy we couldn't get enough of became the guy you couldn't get rid of.
That was then. Let's talk about now.
30 Rock -
Alec Baldwin deserved the supporting actor award for his performance, but every story line now seems to focus on Jack Donaghy. He's much more effective randomly popping in and out during an episode. The same goes for the geeky page Kenneth, and
Tina Fey's cleavage.
Heroes - Hiro is essential to the plot and provides good comic relief in small doses, not when he's all over the episode. It's fun to see Sylar traveling with Mohinder, but does the bad guy need to be in every scene?
Lost - The Others were a lot more mysterious when entire shows weren't based on them. The guy with the beard who was so scary early on has become a joke as we've gotten to know him. Let's get back to the people who were on Oceanic Flight 815, specifically the ones seated in the
front of the plane.
Deal or No Deal - The girls are beautiful, but do we need to hear their witty comments and brilliant insight? As Howie says, just open the case.
Whether it's Joey from Central Perk or Flo from Mel's Diner, some characters are better in small doses.
Who am I missing?