There's NO small roles!!

Here's a list of some of my favorite tv characters that might not be considered the leads on screen but they are in my heart (awwwww)

I have entered that time of my life where I am rewatching even the most dense of my favorite series. Last year I dedicated months to a second time of Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and yet another viewing of Bojack Horseman. Now I am working my way through Twin Peaks. Something that I’ve noticed is that some of my favorite characters from my favorite shows are minor characters.

Have you every found yourself thinking, “Wow! I didn’t realize that ____________ (fill in character’s name) is only in a few episodes”?

If you have, you too might be a fan of minor role players! To celebrate the small but mighty, here is an unranked list of some of the most efficient characters to grace the screen:

1. The Log Lady

One of my favorite characters to ever be created, The Log Lady is such a quirky and necessary part of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. Her presence is the first real clue that there is a supernatural element that ties into the murder of Laura Palmer. Also, we have to give LL the fashion credit she is due! I mean, LOOK AT THAT ACORN PIN ON HER COLLAR?? She is incredible.

2. Vincent Adultman

Princess Carolyn is my girl. She is tough, dedicated, motivated, and a major pushover when it comes to the men in her life. Which is why the fact that Vincent Adultman, who is obviously three children in a trenchcoat, is her first person she dates after her relationship with the narcissistic titular Bojack makes sense. The whole scenario is silly and I can’t help but chuckle each time I see it play out.

3. Queequeg

Queequeg is not any ordinary Pomeranian. He has tasted human flesh. Before he becomes Dana Scully’s pet in The X Files, it is hinted that Queequeg has dined on his former owner’s body. That itself is a good reason that this random dog is on this list. Later that same season, he is eaten by an alligator. Poor guy.

4. Meredith

It feels almost wrong to call the bubbly secretary from Mad Men a minor character when she’s in three seasons of the show. And while some might think that she is only there for comedic relief, Meredith is so much more. She is witty, sweet, and incredibly fashionable: a real breathe of fresh air when a majority of the characters are misogynist alcoholics with mommy issues.

5. Jodi Lerner

I was recently talking with a friend about The L Word and my love for Jodi. Portrayed by the Oscar-winning Marlee Matlin (who I share a birthday with!!), Jodi is deaf sculptor who gets romantically involved with Bette. They are passionate and heated and I just think their energies were chaotic in all the right ways. Also, I know I’m not the only person to think this because I did in fact find this random post from 2019 that says I am correct.

6. Mimsie

According to The Mary Tyler Moore Show Fandom Wiki page:

“Mimsie (1968-1988) was an orange tabby cat who appeared at the end of most episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and its spinoffs in the MTM Enterprises logo, which itself was a spoof of the MGM Logo, which over the years has featured multiple Lions, including most famously Leo. Mimsie appeared on the company logo as its mascot for its entire existence from 1970-1998.”

Mimsie never made an appearance in an episode, from any of my research which does in fact include watching The Mary Tyler Moore Show myself. BUT I COULDN’T MAKE A LIST WITHOUT NAMING A CAT! So Mimsie makes the cut!