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TWoP 10: Characters Who Should Return to Their Shows

by Angel Cohn January 23, 2009 6:00 AM
TWoP 10: Characters Who Should Return to Their Shows

Most of the time we complain about characters on shows that we just hate with a passion and hope would go far, far away. But occasionally shows could be livened up by the reappearance of an old character (and no we don't necessarily mean the dead ghost ones, Denny). Hence the reason we're pretty psyched that George Clooney finally decided to bring back his hunky Dr. Doug Ross to ER (which is the only acceptable reason for them adding on extra episodes) before the show signs off. So we've compiled another list of characters that need to return to their old posts, stat.

1. Carol Hathaway (Julianna Margulies), ER
Hey, they got George Clooney and he's way more famous than Julianna, so it would be nice if she'd return too. Because if Doug makes some off-handed remark about Carol taking care of their kids, it is going to be truly annoying. Plus, their chemistry was one of the things that was so great about the show, a hundred years ago when it started.

2. Addison (Kate Walsh), Grey's Anatomy
Please. Please. Bring her back to Grey's. We're begging here. It was good when she was on. She's being wasted over there on Private Practice barely dealing with patients. Let her put her surgery skills to good use, and bring her back to straighten everyone out. Get Alex away from Izzie. Give Callie a stern talking too about dallying with horrible Sadie. Win. Win.

3. Claude (Christopher Eccleston), Heroes
Invisible man! Cool. Played by a former Doctor from Doctor Who? Geeky cool! Disappearing about as fast as he came? Not so cool. We can't blame him for wanting to hide out from some of the bad storylines and avoid getting his head chopped off by Sylar, but he was kind of awesome, and we'd love to see him make an encore appearance. It might be just what this show needs. Though, we'd settle for Monica at this point too.

4. Libby (Cynthia Watros), Lost
Having dead Ana-Lucia mention Libby in an off-handed comment with no plans at all to bring back actual Libby? Not really nice at all. We've never truly figured out what the deal with Libby and Hurley and the mental institution was, just a little bit of closure is all we're asking for. If they can bring everyone else back in a hallucination/flashback/flash-forward, why not her?

5. Lucas (Michael Weston), House
They finally brought on a new character that we kind of liked and poof, just like that, gone. What the hell? We have to suffer through episode after episode about stupid Thirteen and her battle with Huntington's and her tonsil hockey with Foreman, but they couldn't carve out a few minutes and episode for this truthful P.I. who could match wits with House and had a sense of humor while doing it? Plus, we loved the way that he creeped out Cuddy, and really loved all the dirt he dug up (House as a cheerleader!) It's too bad that his spin-off didn't fly, but we'd love to see him back spying on the staff at Princeton-Plainsboro sometime soon.

6. John Winchester (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), Supernatural
If Jeffrey Dean Morgan is going to be brought back to life on any show after he's dead, it should be this one. Yes, we know he's really dead this time, but at least here if he were walking around as a ghostly apparition it wouldn't be so weird, or gross. In fact, it might be kind of nice to have him haunting Sammy.

7. Henry (Christopher Gorham), Ugly Betty
We miss him. Not his annoying girlfriend and kid issues, but Henry. Sweet nerdy Henry who was just about the most perfect man for Betty. If they could find a way to bring him back, without all the baggage (maybe the baby really isn't his ... this is a soap opera, after all) that'd be appreciated.

8. Brian Dunkleman, American Idol
Sure he was mostly redundant. Sure his teeth didn't gleam as whitely as Ryan Seacrest's. Sure he didn't have the latent sexual tension with Simon. But if they can have four judges, why not a second host? Ryan's got plenty of jobs. He should so learn to share. Besides Dunkleman, who has suffered as the butt of everyone's jokes for the last seven years, can't make this show any more ridiculous than it already is. Oh, and he'd probably be bitter. Which would be awesome.

9.Sid Shapiro (Heavy D), Bones
Remember in Season 1 when the squints and Booth all used to gather at the local Chinese place and get advice from Heavy D's sage bartender Sid Shapiro? Remember? No? Well, neither apparently does the gang since they never go to Wong Fu's anymore and instead frequent an innocuous diner constantly instead. They also forgot their old boss Goodman, but that's a whole 'nother story.

10. Victoria (Ashley Williams), How I Met Your Mother
We're not sure if she's the mother or not, but we kind of liked Victoria, before she ditched Ted for a cake-baking school in Germany. We'd love to see her, and her sweet confections, back on the show again, if only to find out once and for all if this off-again couple ever got back on again.

Your thoughts? Characters you'd love to have back on your favorite shows? Sound off below.

TAGS:

65 Comments

January 23, 2009 6:56 AM
Nick
Reply

Word.

I'm in total agreement with numbers 5,9 and 10.

Lucas, in particular, needs to re-appear and save us from the monster that is Foreteen. Victoria > Stella

January 23, 2009 9:50 AM
Anna
Reply

I'd LOVE to have Victoria back on HIMYM...but only at the end because I'm sure she's the mother.

January 23, 2009 9:59 AM
Karine
Reply

Yes, they should bring Lucas back to House! And I guess it's only fair that if they're bringing Dr. Ross back, Carol should come with him.
And, please, let us know what's the deal between Libby and Hurley.

January 23, 2009 10:00 AM
Lisa P
Reply

Thanks for the Goodman mention! Bones has only gone downhill since he disappeared on his mysterious after-the-fact sabbatical, never to return (or even be mentioned) again. Very shoddy work on the part of the Bones producers and writers, and unjust to both an excellent character and an excellent actor (Jonathan Adams).

Not quite with you on the Libby love, though. I'd rather see Michael return again, this time (I hope) with a mission that makes a little more sense.

January 23, 2009 10:03 AM
Dustolio
Reply

While I liked Victoria, I think The Mother is "The Slutty Punkin"

Also: I was just kinda getting to like Shannon on Lost when they killed her off...

January 23, 2009 10:11 AM
Penuski
Reply

Yes, yes yes, PLEASE can we have some more Jeffrey Dean Morgan on Supernatural? The mother's been dead since before the show started and they keep bringing her back!

January 23, 2009 11:16 AM
Kermit
Reply

Claude back to Heroes, pretty please! I always pretend he's lurking around the action and no one can see/sense him. I love Christopher Eccleston! Maybe they should bring Tennant on in his own teeny arc; it can be a Heroes "thing" to have actors who played Who on their show. I bet Tom Baker's available, though he is 75 now.

January 23, 2009 11:27 AM
Vincent
Reply

Goodman was great on Bones, if not as hot as his replacement to say the least, it would be great to see him back.

Definitely a yes on the Addison, maybe on the John Winchester.

Libby was very boring but it was a bit mean to pretend her story is over when clearly it is not.

January 23, 2009 11:28 AM
Barb
Reply

I prefer Betty without Henry--he's too geeky/boring. I'd like to see more Gio!

January 23, 2009 11:46 AM
Rachel
Reply

Definite NO on Victoria. I despised that character and can barely stand to re-watch episodes with her in them.

Also, I loved Henry at first, but the baby mama drama pretty much ruined him.

January 23, 2009 11:47 AM
ash
Reply

I miss Doakes from Dexter. I know he's dead and gone but jeez...he was the best at being the worst

January 23, 2009 12:27 PM
Jeremy
Reply

Ahem in regards to Victoria on HIMYM. I had forgotten about her, but just reading her name reminded me how much I liked her. I thought Josh Randor had the best chemistry with that actress he's had with any character on the show, and that is including Robin and Stella.

January 23, 2009 12:37 PM
awj
Reply

What about Gale Harold back to Desperate Housewives? (more than VO work) I know he wasn't a regular... would that he were!

January 23, 2009 12:38 PM
awj
Reply

What about Gale Harold back to Desperate Housewives? (more than VO work) I know he wasn't a regular... would that he were!

January 23, 2009 12:49 PM
Faye
Reply

What about Palmer on 24? If you can dispose of him for no good reason for a few hours, why not re-impose him for no good reason for a few hours? I mean, Tony's back, helllllooooo.

January 23, 2009 1:05 PM
HoneyBee
Reply

I wanna see Lt. Karen Davis return to Life TV series. She was replaced by Captain Tidwell, brrr...

I agree with Claude from Heroes. But if they can't have him back, can we have David Tennant guest starred please! Or maybe Billie Piper.

January 23, 2009 1:10 PM
phaedra p
Reply
replied to comment from ash

You are so correct about that one. LOVE DOAKES.

January 23, 2009 1:10 PM
phaedra p
Reply
replied to comment from ash

You are so correct about that one. LOVE DOAKES.

January 23, 2009 1:13 PM
phaedra p
Reply

You forgot about Holly from The Office. She and Michael had great chemistry and were hilarious together. I'm still ticked that they wrote her off the show so quickly.

January 23, 2009 1:30 PM
Amy
Reply

I want Deakins and Carver back on LO:CI.

January 23, 2009 1:34 PM
Yvaughn
Reply

I agree with 1, 3, 6, & 7. Especially #1. Doug and Carol *have* to be together and happy, and their twins are old enough to be left with Carol's mom (in fact, I think they're in school by now). PLEASE, ER, bring them BOTH back! And yes, Henry was wonderful before the whole stupid girlfriend-from-back-home business... I want the real Henry. Also, now that Betty's gone through 3 boyfriends, she's got John Carter syndrome... I no longer believe any of them can be her One True Love. I would buy it of a return of the real Henry. (Do you suppose they could work in an evil twin, to explain his last arc?)

January 23, 2009 1:41 PM
anabolina
Reply
replied to comment from Kermit

OMG. That would be so ridiculously awesome. Tom Baker on Heroes playing a character similar to the Doctor with some sly humor and condescending to all the other characters.

January 23, 2009 1:41 PM
anabolina
Reply
replied to comment from Kermit

OMG. That would be so ridiculously awesome. Tom Baker on Heroes playing a character similar to the Doctor with some sly humor and condescending to all the other characters.

January 23, 2009 2:27 PM
athlios
Reply

last I heard, Carol WAS coming back to ER.

"ET has news on another "ER" alum, Julianna Margulies!

A rep for Julianna confirmed to ET that the actress would also be filming scenes for the show's final season."

January 23, 2009 2:34 PM
DJ
Reply

We need Jake Jagielski, Karen Roe and Rachel Gatina back on One Tree Hill. Why make really strong Characters and not keep them on?

January 23, 2009 2:42 PM
k8ie
Reply

RE: House
LUCAS!!! I loved him!!! Seriously, he was awesome - and as you said - one additional character I actually wanted to stick around!!! Unlike Olivia Wilde's character. I love Peter J. and Kumar though. ;) Um... bring back Jesse Spencer too. I know he's "technically" still on the show and "signed on" for another three years, but "you could have fooled me." Lol, that last phrase didn't need the quotations, but whatever. xD

January 23, 2009 2:45 PM
trippyhop
Reply

I'm still waiting for Conrad, Heylia, and Vaneeta to return to "Weeds." I missed them last season, and I think they should not be "on the run" anymore.

January 23, 2009 4:38 PM
SwtSassyMolassy
Reply

God no! No Victoria on HIMYM. I didn't like her character at all.

January 23, 2009 5:19 PM
claire
Reply

I pray every night Addison will return to Greys to be with Alex!

January 23, 2009 5:42 PM
COCO
Reply

You had me until Dunkleman. What a ridiculous idea that is. :p

January 23, 2009 5:44 PM
COCO
Reply

You had me until Dunkleman. What a ridiculous idea that is. :p

January 23, 2009 5:59 PM
Beckett
Reply

Victoria called Ted's phone, at 2am, and got Robin, in Robin's apartment. If she and Ted ever got back on again, she's an idiot.

2, 3 and 4 though - totally agree.

January 23, 2009 6:42 PM
Artemis Rain
Reply

If anyone should be brought back to Supernatural, it should be Ellen. Did she just fall off the face of the planet or something? She was exactly what that show needed, and now she's nowhere to be found!

January 23, 2009 7:42 PM
amye
Reply

awj, I imagine the reason Gale Harrold's not on DH for awhile is due to the severity of his accident a few months ago.

I'd like to see Mr. Echo brought back to Lost. Okay, I know he's NOW, but couldn't we have some flashbacks? Besides, aren't they in the past now - where he wouldn't be dead?

January 23, 2009 8:22 PM
Amarantha
Reply

Agree very strongly with the suggestion of Doakes on Dexter, because Dexter needs a nemeis, and with the suggestion of Heylia and family on Weeds. I'm not keen on Lucas hanging around House, because his presence would probably push Wilson out of the show the way 13 et al. pushed out Chase and Cameron. I'd add to the list Zach on Bones, but only if they could somehow erase that ridiculous Gorgmogon plotline.

January 23, 2009 8:48 PM
Kio
Reply

James, Barney's brother on HIMYM. He's awesome. Cybill Sheppard as Shawn's mother on Psych.

January 23, 2009 9:29 PM
S. Hemlock
Reply

Yes, Lucas needs to come back to House. He was freaking awesome.

And we need to see more of James and the baby on HIMYM. Uncle Barney is adorable!

January 23, 2009 10:30 PM
CandyMaize
Reply

Well, it was reported that #1 is coming true .. Julianna was apparently on-set filming with George. And I am agreeing with #9 and #10 .. but most of all..
Most of all .. I WANT #6!!! I really want JDM back on 'Supernatural' again .. and not just his voice (like in LDC) .. but a full-body apparition of him! Heck, make him temporarily corporeal .. I don't care .. just let them work out all the details and get him back there!!

January 24, 2009 5:48 AM
Carly
Reply

I wholeheartly agree with bringing back Claude and really disagree with bringing back henry unless he was to hook up with Amanda. oh, and Sid Shapiro was awesome

January 24, 2009 9:39 AM
Barbara
Reply

I hear that Gale Harold is coming back. I cant wait to see him on Desperate Housewives.

January 24, 2009 11:03 AM
lillith
Reply

Gale Harold on DH

January 24, 2009 11:58 AM
Mike
Reply

Paul Ruebens on Pushing Daisies. Course thst means the show would have to return.

January 24, 2009 12:05 PM
Anne
Reply

YES! YES! #7 Bring back Henry. The show sucks without him and Betty isn't half as interesting. PLEASE.

January 24, 2009 2:49 PM
Colleen
Reply

Bring GH (Jackson) back to DH, Noah and Tyler back to Bros & Sis, and Henry AND Gio back to Betty! kthx

January 24, 2009 2:52 PM
Chelsea
Reply

Awesome choices. I don't watch all of these shows but I'm in complete agreement with all of the suggestions for shows I do follow. I'd especially like to see Victoria, Claude, and Lucas pop up again.

January 24, 2009 5:07 PM
Katie
Reply

Since Lost is the only show of the list I watch, can only comment on that. Of all the folks who have "died" and not yet comeback, I'd certainly root for Libby. Although Boone is a real close second.

January 24, 2009 5:48 PM
bethany
Reply

Ellen, what happened to her, i loved Ellen (not keen on Jo) she just disappeared........

January 24, 2009 7:20 PM
Butch
Reply

What about characters who were killed off prematurely? Bring back Doakes!

January 24, 2009 7:37 PM
hillary
Reply

i like victoria and it'd be good to see her again, but i don't think the show is suffering without her, like it seems some of those other shows are.

i want kati back on gossip girl (and NOT to have georgina return).

i miss dee already from battlestar and she's only been gone for an episode.

January 24, 2009 9:38 PM
Abbey
Reply

I'd hate to see Victoria back on HIMYM, but to me she was a total manic pixie dream girl, and I have major issues with those types of characters.

January 24, 2009 10:44 PM
Melissa
Reply
replied to comment from Barb

Yes, bring back Gio, Ugly Betty!

January 24, 2009 10:58 PM
linderhill
Reply

Jeffery Dean Morgan, if the man is coming back to series TV (tearing himself away from the silver screen) he needs to be on Supernatural!

January 24, 2009 11:56 PM
valeriel
Reply
replied to comment from Nick

Yes! I loved Wong Fu, Sid and Dr. Goodman on [i]Bones[/i]. I'd love to see them again!

Any chance to see Daddy Winchester? FANtastic, in my book!

January 25, 2009 2:52 AM
Tarot
Reply

Claude most definitely needs to return, even if it's only for a couple episodes, provided of course he lives to snark another day afterwards.

January 25, 2009 4:19 PM
Wölkchen
Reply

my favourite PI back on HOUSE

I'd go back to enjoying the show

January 25, 2009 6:24 PM
Angelfirenze
Reply
replied to comment from Nick

OH, MY GOSH -- YES. FORETEEN IS BORING on top of everything else. *gnashes teeth*

Hell, it'd even give Wilson something to be jealous about this time. Always a plus.

January 25, 2009 8:51 PM
Tonberry Pie
Reply

Nooo! Dead Daddy Winchester needs to stay dead.

I agree re: Gale Harold, though. I'm so sick of Mike!

January 26, 2009 4:31 AM
Kate
Reply

Sasha Alexander should return to NCIS. Even as a ghost she would make it huge fun.

January 28, 2009 11:52 PM
Miyo
Reply

Hell yes to #3! That suprised the heck out of me to see on this list, but I couldn't agree more. I'm a huge fan of Eccleston's, it would be great to see him in more episodes!

February 1, 2009 5:44 AM
Rob
Reply

I know she was a drug addict, but Rachel (Danneel Harris) needs to be back on One Tree Hill, for no other reason then she is so hot.

March 30, 2009 5:31 PM
Susan
Reply

I agree that John Winchester should come back to the show. I miss him so much!! And he could be a great help for the boys!

March 30, 2009 5:32 PM
Susan
Reply

I agree that John Winchester should come back to the show. I miss him so much!! And he could be a great help for the boys!

March 30, 2009 5:33 PM
susan
Reply
replied to comment from bethany

Yeah, i didn't like Jo either

April 8, 2009 4:08 AM
Jessica
Reply

Yes the PI on House was awesome, but can they please bring back CHASE!? For more than 2 seconds of screen time per episode. And whoever decided Thirteen was an acceptable replacement for Cameron was definitely hallucinating, add that to the whiteboard.

Addison REALLY needs to go back to Grey's, and I miss Burke as well. I really couldn't care less if Isaiah Washington is kind of a douche, his character was interesting and we ended up getting subjected to Hahn instead... ugh. They lost two of the actual grown-up characters, they lost the interest and tension that Addison brought everywhere she went, not to mention the only plausible love interest for Christina. It's still a fun show, but it's gone downhill since losing those two. Not to mention, Private Practice is a waste of finite resources and Kate Walsh.

April 10, 2009 12:03 AM
Rachel
Reply

Oh God no! Please no Addison!!! She was/is terrible! I don't know what it was/is but never suggest that again!

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