Just like every villain needs a hero, every hero needs a sidekick. The Lone Ranger had Tonto. Han Solo had Chewbacca. Frodo had Samwise. Though frequently billed as second-rate heroes, I've found that sidekicks, more often than not, end up stealing the show.
To be a sidekick you must exhibit a remarkable sense of loyalty, bravery, humour and dedication. Without them, the hero would be lost. In truth, the sidekicks are usually my favourite characters in TV and movies, so to honour them, here my list of best sidekicks:
Who: Bender
Sidekick To: Fry
Appears In: Futurama
While he may be selfish, devious, lazy, greedy and drunk, deep beneath that shiny metal ass lies a soft core (and a bunch of lies). Hey, he might not be trusted but sure is one hell of a friend to Fry!
Notable Quote: "Bite my shiny metal ass!" Insert evil laughter here.
Who: Goose
Sidekick To: Maverick
Appears In: Top Gun
As a sidekick, sometimes you have to take one for the team. And there's no better example of this than Goose. He wasn't just a wingman, he became Maverick's inspiration and motivation. He's not only a best friend, he's family.
Notable Quote: "Come on Mav, do some pilot shit." May he rest in peace.
Who: Gromit
Sidekick To: Wallace
Appears In: The Incredible Adventures of Wallace & Gromit
Always the quiet and sensible one, he shows an enviable sense of canine devotion to his human friend (and cheeeeeeese). And with so many of Wallace's inventions going awry (despite the best of intentions), it's clear that Gromit is the brains of the operation.
Notable Quote: None. His facial expressions say it all!
Who: Mini Me
Sidekick To: Dr. Evil
Appears In: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
He's the miniscule, more vicious doppelgänger to Austin Powers' arch-nemesis, Dr. Evil (hence the name). But don't underestimate him because he's got the ferocity of a rabid ferret and some killer dance moves to boot! He'd do just about anything for his villainous father, including taking out Dr. Evil's real sonand participating in a choreographed duet.
Notable Quote: None. But he's a biter, sir.
Who: Dr. John Watson
Sidekick To: Sherlock Holmes
Appears In: Sherlock Holmes
Though he may have many incarnations, in all of them, he's smart, reliable and more human than his famous sleuthing partner. Watson is the perfect person to help keep Holmes on track and sane.
Notable Quote: "Does your depravity know no bounds?" In short, no.
Who: Patsy
Sidekick To: Edina Monsoon
Appears In: Absolutely Fabulous
Patsy is the outrageous, selfish, moody, chain-smoking BFF to Eddie. When she's not annoying Eddie's daughter, Saffron, she's boozing it up and still manages to look oh-so-stylish whilst doing so. She might not be the best influence around but she's certainly the most fun!
Notable Quote: "Don't question me." Seriously... don't.
Who: Igor
Sidekick To: Dr. Frankenstein
Appears In: Young Frankenstein
Kooky, loyal, mischevious and dim-witted are all words to describe Dr. Frankenstein's loyal assistant, Igor. And though he might not always understand specifics to your instructions, at least he tries. If anything, he'll make science fun!
Notable Quote: "Abby... Normal. I'm almost sure that was the name." I promise, Igor, I'm not mad.
Who: Sallah
Sidekick To: Indiana Jones
Appears In: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Sure, he might look big and scary but underneath that burly exterior lies a heart of gold. Sallah proves he's a worthy dude by saving Indy's life on more than one occassion. He's faithful, honest and adventurous. What more could you want out of a trusty companion?
Notable Quote: "You go first." And that's exactly what our hero should be doing anyway!
Who: Mercutio
Sidekick To: Romeo
Appears In: Romeo + Juliet
Mercutio is the sword-toting, sharp-tongued, fun-loving BFF to our beloved Romeo. He not only meets his end in a tragic display of bravery, but he's way wise beyond his years. If there's anyone you want to have your back, it's him.
Notable Quote: "A plague o' both your houses! They have made worms' meat of me." Another sidekick turned martyr.
Who: Garth
Sidekick To: Wayne
Appears In: Wayne's World
Meek, soft-spoken and sweet, this air-guitar loving drummer is the perfect complement to Wayne's loud, guitar-playing persona. He might be a little shy, but of this dynamic rock-loving duo, he's magically babelicious!
Notable Quote: "Thanks. I like to play." I do love me a drummer, man!
So now it's your turn... who are your favourite TV/movie sidekicks and why? What makes them so loveable? Sound off in the comments!
Fantastic list of sidekicks! Mercutio and Garth are favs. I'd have to add Manolo from Scarface. He was Tony's sidekick and he's the kind of friend that is always down for whatever. Really loyal. I'd also add Ed from Shaun of the Dead. He's Shaun's bestie. Great sidekick there.
ReplyDeleteI'd also add Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite. How cute were they? "If you vote for me, all your wildest dreams will come true"
OMG, how could I forget about Ed!? Another lovable martyr!
DeleteSo I have a confession... I've never seen Scarface. I KNOW! ::hangs head in shame::. I also wasn't a huge fan of Napoleon Dynamite, but I feel like it's one of those movies I should give another chance.
Tsk Tsk Nikki. Never seen Scarface? You so HAVE to! It's an over the top, bloody, violent, and tacky 80's film with lots of cursing. What more could you want?
DeleteAnd it's VERY quotable. But I do think, it's one of those films you either love or hate.
::hangs head in shame:: I know, I know. It's on the "to-watch list," trust me. I have a feeling it's right up my alley!
DeleteGreat list! My favorite on your list is Watson! I would totally add the minions from Despicable Me. I think they count. :)
ReplyDeleteOh and I would add Pascal from Tangled. A great little sidekick!!! (Obviously I'm in to kid movies.)
DeleteOoooh, minions, yes! I actually watched that movie the other day. Pascal is a good one too. I guess if we're adding to the list, I'd include Abu and the Magic Carpet from Aladdin as well as Smee from Peter Pan.
DeleteAh Patsy. God I loved that series *remembers she has the whole lot on box set and runs away to watch them*.
ReplyDeleteI was so young when I started watching that show and there were a lot of jokes that flew over my head. It's definitely one of those shows that I appreciate more now in adulthood. SO good.
DeleteYou have the boxed set?! Can I come over and we'll have an Ab Fab girl's weekend?!