Recurring Themes

I don't know why I like recurring characters so much, but I always have.

For me, there is always something cool about a show that creates an indelible character and uses that person just enough where we anticipate his or her visit.

It's different than the "special guest star" deal that seemed to always be the staple of "ER," in which a big-name star shows up basically once or twice and gets a lot of attention for doing so.

Take "Supernatural," for example. The episodes with the Winchester boys' father (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) have been among the best of the series because of the interaction among the characters. But the series was all the better for using Morgan selectively, adding to the impact of each of his visits. Had they made him a regular, it would have lessened that impact.

Recently, there's been a whole slew of guest actors who have signed on to many series in recurring roles.

Liev Schreiber is perhaps the most notable, since he is taking over for William L. Petersen in "CSI" while the latter actor is off doing another part.

Other recent announcements include that of Patricia Wettig reviving her role as President Reynolds on "Prison Break" later this season and Eric Roberts joining Christopher Eccleston as new recruits on "Heroes."

Last night, Phil Morris made his first appearance as the Martian Manhunter on "Smallville," a part we will almost definitely see again this season.

And it seems likely that "24" fans will get to see the return of former first couple Charles and Martha Logan at some point later this year, though reports are coming through that former Jack Bauer flame Audrey Raines (Kim Raver) probably won't be returning this year, even though her other series "The Nine" is off the air.

Who are some of your favorite recurring characters?

FRIDAY'S BEST BET: Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) gets his dream job as Sean Astin's butler in tonight's episode of "Monk" (USA, 9 p.m.)