From Maggie Smith in Downton to Mr Blobby 20 characters so brilliant they made bad TV shows good
3 months in The guardian
These cult heroes outshone everyone else on screen. Say hello to the television stars whose excellence turned humdrum shows into essential viewingEver find yourself loving a specific character on TV but slightly ambivalent about the show they’re in? Sadly, it happens. Sometimes a scene-stealer finds themselves stranded in a series that doesn’t deserve their brilliance.We’ve cogitated, consulted the archives and compiled a list of fictional creations who were arguably too good for their own shows. Consider it a counterpoint to our recent list of characters so bad that they ruined shows. Here are 20 great characters in vehicles that weren’t worthy. Continue reading...