The importance of Sidekicks

While watching the trailer for the Lone Ranger, I was struck by how much Johnny Depp was really the star of the show.  Okay, granted he is Johnny freakin’ Depp.  How could he not be?  However, Mr. Depp’s charismatic portrayal of Tonto got me thinking about how often beloved sidekicks just don’t get no respect.  (Besides Johnny.  He owns an island.)

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A sidekick is defined as a close companion who is generally regarded as subordinate to the one he or she accompanies.  Subordinate, my fangirl butt.  I contend that sidekicks are the true secret to their companion’s success and are often the only reason they get the job done.  Here are the special ingredients to being a great sidekick and endearing your character into our hearts:

1)  Be Relatable

We are the sidekicks.  None of us have a billion dollars and a bat cave.  But we could have a public servant job, a rich friend, and a pair of green tights.  We relate to more to Robin as a sidekick because he is a version of a real person rather than a superhero.

 

2)  Like-ability

Let’s face it, sometimes our heros are a bit detached, difficult, or unlikeable.  (But still hot.  I’m talking to you Benedict Cumberbatch.)  A sidekick makes you look past all the brooding behavior and gives us a convincing reason to like the hero.  We like the hero because the sidekick thinks the hero is good.  If we love Watson and Watson likes Sherlock then we kinda love Sherlock too.  Sidekick Psychology 101.

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3)  Funny

You gotta bring the laughs.  Saving the world is fraught with tension and someone needs to be the release valve.  Xander Harris, I couldn’t have made it through Buffy without you.

4)  Loyal

Heros need backup that will stick with them through literally anything.  Even North of the wall in Westross with white walkers coming your way, Samwell Tarly has your back.

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5)  Infallible moral compass

And just who carried Frodo up Mount Doom to toss in that pesky ring even when Frodo was tempted and tired?  Samwise Gamgee the Shire and Middle-earth thank you.

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6)  Stands up to the boss

Who else can tell “the man” what they need to hear?  No one else has the balls.  Especially Katee Sackhoff’s Deputy Vic Morretti on Longmire.

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Who are your favorite sidekicks?  What you love about them?  From Chewbacca to Mr. Spock, we’ve got a wide world of them to enjoy.

Written by Aloki

Alokiʼs Current Obsessions: Customizing converse shoes, taking action figures on road trips, prepping for Comic-Con, GRIMM, GoT, Longmire, Finnick Odair, Four from Divergent & Ky/Xander from Matched. Robert Pattinson is my constant and celebrity north star. Follow me on twitter @moviegirl13. Mostly for pictures of Rob.