The Death of Enthusiasm

Those of you who have read a few posts on my blog may have noticed that I like to make lists. I like lists because it's easier than writing actual paragraphs filled with sentences, and they also appeal to my selective OCD that forces me to use orderly bullet points or numbers to break up large blocks of text.

Anyway, here are my top five TV characters of the 00's (How do you say that? The oughts?) I made a rule for myself that I could only use one character per program, just to widen the variety a little bit:

5. Murray Hewitt (Flight of the Conchords)

I hadn't seen any Flight of the Conchords for a while, but Dan just bought season 2 on DVD, so I've been reminded of how much I like the character of Murray. Without Murray the show would only be a collection of moderately amusing music parodies. Murray provides the much needed (and somewhat melancholy) anchor to the Conchord's dry, fish-out-of-water shtick.

Rhys Darby's delivery of his lines is so perfect, I'm surprised he hasn't popped up in more movies. This scene always kills me, especially his understanding of the bass guitar being the "dad guitar."




4. Tracy Jordan (30 Rock)

30 Rock really has a great ensemble cast with Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Jack McBrayer, and Jena Maroney all contributing to its greatness. However, there is one reason I started watching the show in the first place and that is Tracy Morgan's manic portrayal of the barely fictionalized version of himself, "Tracy Jordan." He taught me to live every week like it was shark week, and for that I am grateful. BANTER!



3. Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm)

I'm amazed that Larry David (the character) somehow manages to gather enough of the audience's sympathy to make a watchable TV show. After I see a few episodes of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" I start feeling annoyed by everything--it's like Larry David's Larry Davidness rubs off on you in a terrible way.



2. GOB Bluth (Arrested Development)

GOB Bluth will always hold a special place in my heart. I sometimes think that I like Buster better, but I always end up coming back to GOB. I kind of overdosed on Arrested Development a few years ago, but I have a feeling I'll start watching it again, in no small part due to Will Arnett's brilliant portrayal of everyone's favorite failed magician.



1. Charlie Day (It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia)

I can't even describe my love for Charlie. His inarticulate outbursts, his tragic learning disabilities, the fact the he is an abortion survivor all make him one of the most lovable TV characters of all time. Or...maybe he just appears lovable next to the rest of the cast. In any case, the only clip I felt encapsulated the whole of Charlie's spirit is this very short one:

Labels: lists, TV