'Hogan's Heroes' rules Honorable Mentions division of Punditty's TV Greats Pantheon

Since some of my loyal readers have asked, Punditty wants to take this opportunity to explain why James MacArthur of “Danno” fame in “Hawaii Five-O” did not make the Pantheon of TV Greats in a Secondary or Lesser Role. While Danno was a crucial character, one that Jack Lord’s Steve McGarrett relied on in times of need, he will be remembered not for his acting but for a phrase. To add insult to injury, it was always McGarrett who uttered it:

“Book ‘em, Danno.” Sorry, Danno. You were a bad-ass in your own way, but you came up short in terms of cutting Punditty’s proverbial mustard.

And now… the Honorable Mentions:

11. The entire supporting cast of “Hogan’s Heroes,” Allied Division. Readers can stop sending e-mails on this topic; here’s your answer. Insomuch as all the Stalag 13 prisoners functioned as cohesive unit in scheming against their Nazi captors, it would be both unfair and impractical to single out an individual “hero” for special recognition. Ironically, if Punditty were forced to choose, he would have to rate Ivan Dixon’s Sgt. James Kinchloe as the most indispensible of Col. Hogan’s co-conspirators. Why is this ironic? Because Dixon was the only original cast member not to complete the entire “Hogan’s Heroes” run, which began in 1965 and ended in 1971. He was replaced by Kenneth Washington, a k a Sgt. Baker, in the show's last season. Why was he the most indispensible? Sure, Carter made the bombs, LeBeau cooked the meals and Newkirk could crack Klink’s safe. But Kinch was the link to the supply line. Kinch made sure everyone else had what they needed to do the job. Together, the Heroes were an unstoppable force. Without Kinch – nothing.

12. The Entire Supporting Cast of “Hogan’s Heroes,” Nazi Division. Punditty could go on forever about the comedic genius of Col. Klink, Sgt. Schultz, Gen. Burkhalter and the rest, but why should he? Readers know that without these well-played foils for Hogan and his crew, the show would never have lasted as long as it did. Punditty highly recommends the Wikipedia entry on “Hogan’s Heroes” for your bookmarks. You’ll learn fascinating details about the actors and even see the lyrics – yes, the lyrics – to the “Hogan’s Heroes” theme song.

13. Evelyn “Angel” Martin (Stuart Margolin), “The RockThe Rockford Files”

14. Jethro Bodine (Max Baer Jr.); “The Beverly Hillbillies”

15. Huggy Bear (Antionio Fargas), “Starsky and Hutch”

16. Sam Drucker (Frank Cady), “Petticoat Junction,” “Green Acres,” “Beverly Hillbillies”

17. Mr. Haney (Pat Buttram), “Green Acres”

18. Otis Campbell (Hal Smith), “The Andy GriffithAndy Griffith Show”

19. Marilyn Whirlwind (Elaine Miles), “Northern Exposure”

20. Floyd Lawson (Howard McNear), “The Andy Griffith Show”

21. Ernest T. Bass (Howard Morris), “The Andy Griffith Show”

22. Eb Dawson (Tom Lester), “Green Acres”

23. Julie Kotter (Marcia Strassman), "Welcome Back, Kotter"

24. Emily Hartley (Suzanne PleshetteSuzanne Pleshette), “The Bob NewhartBob Newhart Show”

25. Ed NortonEd Norton (Art Carney), “The Honeymooners”

Up Next: Number Two and Number One;

If I told you more, I’d spoil the fun!

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The Punditty Pantheon of TV Greats can be viewed in full at:

http://www.punditty.com/tvcharacters.html