Moments of Joy: Our Favorite Casts
Where Community excels is in the character interaction – they’ve already proven they can match up any group of two or three characters and the results will be funny. Whether it’s Pierce trying to hypnotize Gillian Jacobs’ Britta, or Jeff and Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) bonding over their love of gossip, there’s not a pairing in the show that doesn’t work.
Add in the stellar work of regular faculty members Jim Rash and Ken Jeong, and the occasional guests like John Oliver, Tony Hale, John Michael Higgins, and Dino (Mr. Show, Drinky Crow) Stamatopoulous, and you have an incredible cast that can easily stand among NBC’s other Thursday shows as part of TV’s best comedy block.
Parenthood–This show had us at “Lauren Graham”, we’ll be honest. And, as much as we loved him on Six Feet Under and thought he was wasted on Dirty Sexy Money, throwing Peter Krause in for good measure would have been plenty. But Jason Katims, Ron Howard and Brian Grazer just kept going with names like Craig T. Nelson, Bonnie Bedelia, Mae Whitman, Erika Christensen, Monica Potter and…Dax Shepard? That’s right. The star of Without a Paddle is bringing a surprising sweetness to his role as Crosby, the laid back guy who becomes an instant dad to five-year-old Jabar. It helps that the boy who plays Jabar, Tyree Brown, is cuter than a box of puppies. Still, Dax is certainly more than we could have expected. And that is par for the course with this entire cast, who gelled into one big, sometimes happy onscreen family from the pilot. The show’s plots are derived from everyday stuff (with the Asperger’s syndrome arc for young Max, played by Max Burkholder, being the exception), and are generally more relatable than the soapy Brothers & Sisters, so we dearly hope they keep it that way. The writing is sharp and funny, and Graham, Krause and Whitman are the standouts of the first season. We miss the Bravermans already as we wait for season 2. Treme – David Simon might be better at building a cast than anybody in television. His impressive run began back with Homicide, where he brought together big names like Ned Beatty, veteran character actors like Jon Polito and Yaphet Kotto, and (then) lesser-known like Andre Braugher to create something amazing. HBO’s The Wire was one of the most talented casts ever assembled, made up almost entirely of people you had never heard or.
And now in Treme, his post-Katrina tribute to the spirit of New Orleans, he’s done it again. A few of
his old favorites are back, like Homicide’s Melissa Leo and Clarke Peters and Wendell Pierce from The Wire, but they’re doing anything but reprising their old characters. It’s risky, since us fans would love to see Pierce just play Bunk Moreland forever and ever, but he’s already created a new favorite in trombone player Antoine Baptiste.
his old favorites are back, like Homicide’s Melissa Leo and Clarke Peters and Wendell Pierce from The Wire, but they’re doing anything but reprising their old characters. It’s risky, since us fans would love to see Pierce just play Bunk Moreland forever and ever, but he’s already created a new favorite in trombone player Antoine Baptiste. There are more recognizable faces here than in The Wire, but that’s not a bad thing. Khandi Alexander (NewsRadio, CSI: Miami) finally gets the role she’s been waiting for while Kim Dickens (Lost, Deadwood) is as excellent as ever. Steve Zahn is doing the work of his career, and John Goodman absolutely steals the show. You know how he’s an unstoppable force of nature when he appears in Coen Brothers movies? Picture that, only add in some righteous anger at the Bush Administration.
And it wouldn’t be a David Simon project without some incredibly talented newcomers. With the sprawling cast, it’s impossible to list everybody, but rest assured that Simon’s eye for talent is as sure as ever. It’s unheard of for somebody to be in television for as long as Simon without a misstep, but Treme keeps the streak alive.
Parks and Recreation–We’re not going to lie and say parallels can’t be drawn between Parks & Rec and The Office, but if you think Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope is simply the female Michael Scott, 
you’d be incorrect. Sure, it may have seemed that way the first few episodes, but Poehler’s managed to give Leslie layers over the course of this season. Yes; she’s way too invested in her job as Deputy Director of the Parks Department in Pawnee, Indiana, but she’s also not nearly as stupid as we once thought. She’s more like an eternal optimist with political ambitions that are well beyond her reach, but dammit if she’s not going to keep trying. She’s also a fiercely loyal friend. Whether it’s to Ann, a nurse she met when she came to a town meeting to complain about The Pit behind her house that then-boyfriend Andy (Chris Pratt) fell into; her boss Ron (the genius that is Nick Offerman); or co-workers like April, Donna, Tom and Jerry (hee…Tom and Jerry!) Each of these characters is a unique blend of small town and big city…well, except sweet, inept Jerry. And is there an episode that better explifies how they work in perfect tandem than in the episode entitled “Tom’s Divorce”? We suggest you watch it and find out, pronto. You’ll also see hints of the slowly developing relationship of Andy and April, which has an early Jim and Pam feel to it. This show is obviously in the same vein as The Office, but we also see shades of many classic workplace sitcoms and hard to duplicate gems like Newhart. NBC has held it until mid-season, but we are hopeful we might see it before then.
you’d be incorrect. Sure, it may have seemed that way the first few episodes, but Poehler’s managed to give Leslie layers over the course of this season. Yes; she’s way too invested in her job as Deputy Director of the Parks Department in Pawnee, Indiana, but she’s also not nearly as stupid as we once thought. She’s more like an eternal optimist with political ambitions that are well beyond her reach, but dammit if she’s not going to keep trying. She’s also a fiercely loyal friend. Whether it’s to Ann, a nurse she met when she came to a town meeting to complain about The Pit behind her house that then-boyfriend Andy (Chris Pratt) fell into; her boss Ron (the genius that is Nick Offerman); or co-workers like April, Donna, Tom and Jerry (hee…Tom and Jerry!) Each of these characters is a unique blend of small town and big city…well, except sweet, inept Jerry. And is there an episode that better explifies how they work in perfect tandem than in the episode entitled “Tom’s Divorce”? We suggest you watch it and find out, pronto. You’ll also see hints of the slowly developing relationship of Andy and April, which has an early Jim and Pam feel to it. This show is obviously in the same vein as The Office, but we also see shades of many classic workplace sitcoms and hard to duplicate gems like Newhart. NBC has held it until mid-season, but we are hopeful we might see it before then.Breaking Bad – It could have been a one-man show. Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of Walter White
has won him two consecutive Emmys (beating out guys like John Hamm and Hugh Laurie), and it’s the kind of performance you can build a series around. But the rest of the cast has really stepped up and turned it into a real ensemble show.
has won him two consecutive Emmys (beating out guys like John Hamm and Hugh Laurie), and it’s the kind of performance you can build a series around. But the rest of the cast has really stepped up and turned it into a real ensemble show.Aaron Paul’s Jesse Pinkman has gone from the boneheaded comic relief to a genuinely tragic character. While he’s still prone to violent mood swings and moments of dumbassery, he also broke our hearts when we watched him listen to his late girlfiriend’s voicemail greeting over and over again. Hank (Dean Norris) is becoming more complex with every week, suffering post-traumatic stress, an obsession with Heisenberg, and now possibly crippled after a run-in with a pair of hitmen. And then there’s Anna Gunn, whose Skyler is rapidly becoming Albuquerque’s own Lady Macbeth. Along with Cranston and a passel of excellent guest (Giancarlo Esposito, you should be on every show!), they keep bringing us back to one of the darkest worlds we’ve ever seen on television.
Modern Family–There’s a reason many critics consider this show to be ushering in the “21st 
Century sitcom”. It’s because as much as you try to draw comparisons to 20th Century sitcom archtypes, each character on Modern Family puts a twist on them. Phil (played by Ty Burrell) may seem like your standard-issue dopey sitcom dad, but he’s not so much dopey as forever trying so hard to be cool that he can’t help but stumble…a lot. Patriarch Jay (proving Ed O’Neill’s range is well beyond Al Bundy) is married to a much younger woman, an involved step-dad to her son, a fun grandpa, and understanding of (if not 100% comfortable with) his gay son, Mitchell and partner Cameron. Try finding that one in the annals of sitcom history. You also won’t find a couple like Cam & Mitchell, played to perfection by Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. The kids are all deft with their comic timing; none more so than Rico Rodriguez as Manny, who wil be a hoot to watch as he grows. Even Julie Bowen, who some want to write off as homemaker Claire, is brilliant in her ability to play straight man to her wacky relatives most of the time. But just watch her bring the funny in “Moon Landing”; the episode where all she wanted to do was impress former co-worker Minnie Driver with her awesome family life, only to come home to chaos like Luke reeking of booze and Phil being trapped in a portapotty. An instant comic treasure.
Century sitcom”. It’s because as much as you try to draw comparisons to 20th Century sitcom archtypes, each character on Modern Family puts a twist on them. Phil (played by Ty Burrell) may seem like your standard-issue dopey sitcom dad, but he’s not so much dopey as forever trying so hard to be cool that he can’t help but stumble…a lot. Patriarch Jay (proving Ed O’Neill’s range is well beyond Al Bundy) is married to a much younger woman, an involved step-dad to her son, a fun grandpa, and understanding of (if not 100% comfortable with) his gay son, Mitchell and partner Cameron. Try finding that one in the annals of sitcom history. You also won’t find a couple like Cam & Mitchell, played to perfection by Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. The kids are all deft with their comic timing; none more so than Rico Rodriguez as Manny, who wil be a hoot to watch as he grows. Even Julie Bowen, who some want to write off as homemaker Claire, is brilliant in her ability to play straight man to her wacky relatives most of the time. But just watch her bring the funny in “Moon Landing”; the episode where all she wanted to do was impress former co-worker Minnie Driver with her awesome family life, only to come home to chaos like Luke reeking of booze and Phil being trapped in a portapotty. An instant comic treasure.Saturday Night Live – As with every season since the very beginning, the quality of Saturday Night Live has been all over the board this season. Not every sketch lands, and not every host brings the funny, but at least they have one of their best casts ever.
Kristen Wiig is possibly the most versatile actress ever to hold a position on SNL. She manages to find the joke in every character, and you know she’s always going to be funny in even the most misbegotten sketch. Will Forte plays a fantastic misfit, and he brings a great flair to his collection
of goofballs. And even though he’s got the thankless job of playing President Obama and not actually being African-American, Fred Armisen is reliably silly. He’s got sort of an old-school comedy style, where you could imagine him on Carol Burnett, but then he also brings out characters like Nicholas Fein, political comedian. We love those bits. Then there’s Bill Hader, who is building a career out of doing spot-on impressions of people you didn’t think anyone did impressions of like Lindsey Buckingham, Nick Faldo, and James Carville. His original characters are great, too – Stefon, Vinny Vedecci, and Greg (who is definitely not an alien) – there’s never a time when Hader isn’t funny.
of goofballs. And even though he’s got the thankless job of playing President Obama and not actually being African-American, Fred Armisen is reliably silly. He’s got sort of an old-school comedy style, where you could imagine him on Carol Burnett, but then he also brings out characters like Nicholas Fein, political comedian. We love those bits. Then there’s Bill Hader, who is building a career out of doing spot-on impressions of people you didn’t think anyone did impressions of like Lindsey Buckingham, Nick Faldo, and James Carville. His original characters are great, too – Stefon, Vinny Vedecci, and Greg (who is definitely not an alien) – there’s never a time when Hader isn’t funny.Jason Sudeikis is the closest thing they’ve had to Phil Hartman in many a year – he doesn’t have to be the focus of the sketch, but when he is, he just kills it. And Keenan Thompson found a great bit in What Up With That? It’s an amazingly simple recurring sketch, but it never fails to leave us laughing. And then we’ve got Digital Short guru Andy Samberg and the featured players, all of whom have been leaving a consistently positive impression. Abby Elliot and Bobby Moynihan really should graduate to the regular cast, while newcomers Jenny Slate and Nasim Pedrad have really found their footing in the second half of the season. (Pedrad’s Bedelia, the little girl who’s way too impressed with her parents, is our favorite new character in a long time). Even when the jokes are weak and we’re seeing the fifth talk-show sketch in one episode, we can still count on the performers to deliver.
Glee–What can we say that hasn’t already been said in print about Glee? Well, how about the fact 
that this cast must be some of the hardest working people in Los Angeles? They act, sing and dance on a daily basis. They make a show that caters to musical theater geeks while managing to pull in fans of dark comedy with its secret weapon, Jane Lynch, in the starmaking role of Sue Sylvester. We can certainly point out a few flaws while the show is under a microscope, but we’ll save that for another article once the season wraps next week. For now, we’ll revel in the fact that Matthew Morrison, Lea Michelle, Chris Colfer, Mark Salling, Cory Monteith, Diana Agron, Jenna Ushkowitz, Kevin McHale and Amber Reilly inhabit their unique roles so completely and make this show a constant surprise. What other show has you sitting in front of your TV saying, “Oh my God, I love this song!” on a weekly basis while simultaneously choking you up at the sight of evil Sue visiting her special needs sister in a nursing home or any scene with Kurt and his awesome Dad, Burt, played brilliantly by Mike O’Malley. Go ahead; we’ll wait.
that this cast must be some of the hardest working people in Los Angeles? They act, sing and dance on a daily basis. They make a show that caters to musical theater geeks while managing to pull in fans of dark comedy with its secret weapon, Jane Lynch, in the starmaking role of Sue Sylvester. We can certainly point out a few flaws while the show is under a microscope, but we’ll save that for another article once the season wraps next week. For now, we’ll revel in the fact that Matthew Morrison, Lea Michelle, Chris Colfer, Mark Salling, Cory Monteith, Diana Agron, Jenna Ushkowitz, Kevin McHale and Amber Reilly inhabit their unique roles so completely and make this show a constant surprise. What other show has you sitting in front of your TV saying, “Oh my God, I love this song!” on a weekly basis while simultaneously choking you up at the sight of evil Sue visiting her special needs sister in a nursing home or any scene with Kurt and his awesome Dad, Burt, played brilliantly by Mike O’Malley. Go ahead; we’ll wait.Lost – Jimmy Kimmel nailed it when he said he wanted to see Matthew Fox, Terry O’Quinn, and
Michael Emerson all nominated for an Emmy this year. True, two of them already have Supporting Actor Emmys on their respective mantle, but how do you give Locke or Benry just one? At the very least, they should have one for each version of their characters that they played this season.
Michael Emerson all nominated for an Emmy this year. True, two of them already have Supporting Actor Emmys on their respective mantle, but how do you give Locke or Benry just one? At the very least, they should have one for each version of their characters that they played this season. When Lost began, it was a mostly unknown cast. O’Quinn and Fox, along with Lord of the Rings’ Dominic Monaghan were really the only recognizable cast members. Heck, it was Evangeline Lilly’s first credit outside of playing “Hot Girl Waiting For You” in an ad for a party line that you might still catch if you’re watching TV into the wee hours. Six years later, it’s impossible to imagine anybody else in those roles.
Almost the entire cast ended up playing their characters at different times in their life, and sometimes in different dimensions. We saw Island Locke, the wheelchair-bound Locke of “Walkabout”, Locke X, and Look-a-Locke – they’re all different performances, and Terry O’Quinn made them all work beautifully. Or think of the Sawyer we first met on the Island, the self-pitying version who went out drinking with Christian Shephard, the leader who took the name “LaFleur”, and the alternate Sawyer who became a cop. Josh Holloway sold that character arc and made us care about somebody who was not originally intended to be likeable.
The show wouldn’t have worked if we weren’t drawn in by Jorge Garcia’s massive charisma as Hurley, or if we weren’t constantly fooled by Emerson’s Ben Linus. We needed to grieve along with Sun when she (apparently) lost her husband on the freighter, and we needed to feel Sayid’s pain every time he was drawn back into a life of violence.
Even newer cast members excelled this season. Nester Carbonell spent four seasons being mysterious, and then he did an absolutely amazing job in “Ab Aeterno”. Mark Pellegrino and Titus Welliver didn’t have much screen time to establish Jacob and the Man in Black, and they were able to convey the tragedy of “Across the Sea”. And even though Jeff Fahey didn’t get a big showcase episode, he managed to turn Frank Lapidus into a fan favorite with only a few appearances.
We hate to leave anybody out, but there just isn’t time or space to fit them all in. It’s just an amazing cast, whether we’re talking about Lostaways, the Science Team, or any of the characters who’ve passed through (Alan Dale, is there anything you can’t make better?). Whatever else you want to say about Lost, you can’t deny it had one of the best casts on TV.
And that’s all for this week. Join us next Friday as EJ and Myndi look at their most anticipated Summer programming, from the long-awaited return of Futurama to the game show hosted by wrestler Chris Jericho in which people fall off of buildings. Yes, we’re pretty sure that last one is a real thing and not a fever dream, but we’ll find out for sure next Friday.
