Supporting roles in TV-shows - As important as the main characters?

Sure, what would 'The Sopranos' be without James Gandolfini? Would Breaking Bad have made it to 5 seasons if it hadn't been for the amazing job Bryan Cranston has done with his character? Could anyone else have pulled off the role of Luther as good as Idris Elba did in the self-titled show?

1. (Probably not much)
2. (Absolutely not)
3. (No)

If a TV-show lacks a believable lead character, chances are it won't make it past a pilot, let alone a season. You can probably add a few adjectives to the last sentence. Sympathetic, likable, interesting, complex... They're not all definite. I do love Breaking Bad and Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Walter White, however I do not find his character very sympathetic or likable. Interesting however, very much so.

However, for me to really enjoy a TV-show, there needs to be other ingredients working in the recipe as well. It can't all be meat. You need the gravy, the red wine and your vegetables as well. Here's where the supporting cast comes in, and the characters (and casting of them) are essential. I've already written about some of my favorite supporting roles in TV-shows here.

Here follows a couple of characters I feel really contributes to their respective TV-show:

Mike - Breaking Bad

played by Jonathan Banks

Jonathan Banks as Mike in Breaking Bad

Showed up at the end of season 2, and quickly became one of my favorite characters on the show. Stone cold killer with a coolness and sense of old-school gangsterism that gave a new dimension to the show. Whereas most of the bad guys in the show up until this point had been young drug-dealers, Mike was instantly on par with his co-actors with his deep voice and calm presence. Continuing on my food-allorgy, Mike would definitely have been the gravy. 

Mike was also in one of the funniest scenes from the show, as he and Walter completely ignores Jesse's attempt of suggesting the use of magnets for one of their little... side projects: 

Alice Morgan - Luther

played by Ruth Wilson

Ruth Wilson IS Alice Morgan

In the pilot episode of 'Luther', one of the most interesting relationships in modern TV is formed, that of Luther and Alice Morgan. With her parents found dead, Alice is brought in for questioning, and magic happens. Idris Elba is brilliant as Luther, but Alice Morgan is the red wine, the gravy and quite possibly the vegetables as well in this masterpiece of a TV-show. 

Doug Stamper - House of Cards

Played by Michael Kelly

Michael Kelly as the right-hand man in 'House of Cards'. 

Although possibly slightly overrated, 'House of Cards' was/is still a very good show, with Kevin Spacey in a role pretty much perfect for him. Robin Wright is impressive in her role as well, but to me Michael Kelly was one of, if not THE most, impressive bit players in the show. Michael Kelly is made for these roles, business-types or agents, but he still shone in Kevin Spacey's presence. An honorable mention also to Corey Stoll as Peter Russo who did an exceptional job as well. 

In addition to these, here are a few personal favorites from other TV-shows. Some as part of the main cast (though not lead-character), some in smaller parts. 

Rachel Menken in Mad Men - played by Maggie Siff

- One of the first women that challenged Don Draper. Loved her on the show, and still enjoy her performances on 'Sons of Anarchy', where she was especially impressive in her last scene last season.

Sloan in The Newsroom - played by Olivia Munn

- Socially awkard and brutally intelligent in her field. Together with Thomas Sadoski as Don Keefer quite possibly the most interesting and funny characters of the show so far in season 2. 

Rebecca Halliday in The Newsroom - played by Marcia Gay Harden

- Very little screen-time so far, but the addition of Marcia Gay Harden in the second season is promising. Great actress, and she's already done much with the little time she's been given. More of Rebecca, please!

Pamela in Louie - played by Pamela Adlon

- The chemistry between Louis C.K. and Pamela is amazing. Some of the best scenes of the show are the ones with the two of them together. 

Chris Sanchez in Damages/Reese Lansing in The Newsroom - both played by Chris Messina

I like Chris Messina. He's got something. He can perfectly well play an asshole, but is equally good as one of the good guys. Did a great job on Damages, as most of the supporting cast, and I always enjoy his smugness as Reese Lansing in The Newsroom. 

Which are your favorites?