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Greatest sidekicks ever: Nos. 36-40
36. Ford Prefect
Sidekick to: Arthur Dent
As practical as a towel and as dependable as the automobile he accidentally named himself after, Ford Prefect — Arthur Dent's boozing, Betelgeusian buddy from Douglas Adams' kooky, universe-spanning epic The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy — is perhaps the best traveling companion any ape-descendant could have. He saved Arthur from certain destruction countless times while chaperoning him to unknown worlds, and such was the strength of Ford's character that he was able to survive the tale's many iterations — from radio to novels to TV to film — without ever losing his cosmic cool. —Neil Drumming
37. Paul Shaffer
Sidekick to: David Letterman
For more than 21 years, this Canadian has been Letterman's trusted music man, but the perpetually shaded Shaffer remains somewhat of a mystery. How else can you describe the guy who co-wrote ''It's Raining Men'' and is enshrined at the National Black Sports and Entertainment Hall of Fame? Paul may be an enigma outside of The Late Show, but his even-keeled demeanor and easy, plentiful laughter neatly complement Dave's cantankerous wit. —Tim Stack
38. Lane Kim
Sidekick to: Rory Gilmore
Lane rocks the sidekick role in a distinctly Gilmore Girls fashion: She brings the wit and pop culture references as fast and sure as the Girls themselves, but never outshines Rory's true No. 1, Mama Lorelai. Lane's own mother — the fearsome antiques maven Mrs. Kim — is a whole different story, which makes her rock & roll rebellion the perfect counterbalance to Rory's bookish tendencies. And while she's got her own thing going on (the drumming career, the intraband marriage), she'd never try to steal the spotlight, like Rory's rival-turned-roomie, Paris. —Tim Gunatilaka
39. Silent Bob
Sidekick to: Jay
Is it the weed or divine patience that keeps this portly, man-(of-few-words)-servant mellow enough to stand by the lanky, foul-mouthed, and frequently offensive Jay? With heroic dedication and resolve, Bob endures Jay's verbal abuse (nicknames like ''fatty,'' ''lunchbox,'' and ''tons of fun''), selflessly (and wordlessly) dispenses advice with a meaningful nod. And — whether dispatching demons or explaining an esoteric film title — Bob can be counted on to save the day. —Erin Richter
40. Larry Dallas
Sidekick to: Jack Tripper
Three's Company's Jack Tripper had to sublimate his heterosexual urges to keep Mr. Roper happy, but his good buddy Larry (Richard Kline) boasted enough libido for the both of them. Though the tall, dark, and hairy used-car salesman had trouble finding a woman who couldn't resist his copious chest pelt — which was usually aglint with some kind of gaudy gold — Larry never failed to smooth over Jack's myriad misunderstandings with his oily lothario charm. This Regal Beagle horndog was truly man's best friend. —Kristen Baldwin
