This week's news that Battlestar Galactica's Katee Sackhoff is bringing her brand of blond steel to 24 next season got me thinking. (No, not about THAT.) About how Battlestar, pound for pound, probably had the strongest ensemble cast of the past decade. Oscar-nominees (Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell), talented newcomers (Grace Park, Tahmoh Penikett, Tricia Helfer), seasoned veterans (Michael Hogan, Richard Hatch), and complete surprises (Sackhoff, James Callis) — while the writing on Battlestar Galactica was indeed the strength of the base of the pillar, the ensemble is what gave that pillar its height.
Given that assembly of talent, it's no wonder that people are being drafted for meaty roles: Penikett on Dollhouse, Helfer's run on Burn Notice, and now Sackhoff giving Kiefer Sutherland a run for his money.
But BSG isn't alone in building a powerful company of players: The Wire clan is incredibly strong, as was The West Wing's extended family, The Sopranos' brothers in arms, and Oz's inmates.
Who's your favorite ensemble cast? And who from that cast would you like to see on a more regular basis? (No, not like THAT.)
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I love the West Wing’s ensemble. They all played off of each other wonderfully. The reruns on Bravo are now a part of my morning routine! And also Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They may not have won any awards, but they were great! Dawn may have been whiny alot of the time, but I can’t really think of any other recurring or main characters that weren’t good during the series.
In the last ten years? No, that would be The West Wing.
Chuck
Cold Case
Name a useless member of the Arrested Development clan. Can’t? Duh. Of course you can’t.
I agree…BSG. I love seeing the cast in other roles. But where’s James Callis?
Six Feet Under and Arrested Development
Weeds! And Lost.
Buffy’s core 4 – Buffy, Xander, Willow, and Giles. Their chemistry grounded the fantasy and comedy with what always felt like genuine friendships.
Six Feet Under
LOST, The Office, Breaking Bad
I love BSG’s cast. But I also believe that the cast of Lost is incredibly strong. Granted they have a lot to work with because of the story lines. I also think the casts of The Office and Ugly Betty both have amazing chemistry.
Mad men, damages. 24, true blood, dollhouse, battlestar, life on mars, how I met your mother, big bang, better off ted and LOST!
Arrested Development. And 30 Rock’s leads get all the attention, but the ensemble really makes it what it is, as much of the show’s charm comes from secondaries like Grizz, Dotcom, and Jonathan walking through a scene with just the right timing and line.
I for one thought Jamie Bamber’s towel was the best member of the cast. That performance moved me.