Ted Danson is "Becker," an angry, bitter, cantankerous doctor with a heart of absolute gold. The series ran for six years and was populated with some great characters: Jake, the blind man; Reggie, who ran the coffee shop where Becker hung out; Margaret, the no-nonsense warm and funny woman who runs Becker's office; Linda, the ditsy assistant; Bob, who talks in the third person; and many others, who passed through the coffee shop and Becker's office during the show's run.
Besides Danson, it's hard to single out any one character since they're all so excellent. The showiest role belongs to Shawnee Smith, who is hilarious as a complete airhead. Terry Farrell eventually was replaced by Nancy Travis. Farrell in a way was an odd choice - comedy has never been her thing, but she's believable as a pretty ex-model who takes over her father's coffee shop and looks for love, often in the wrong places.
Danson is terrific, but he and the others wouldn't be as good as they are without the savage and witty dialogue. Becker is Everyman who gives voice to the frustrations of living in the world, but it covers up his loneliness and genuine concern for his patients and others. It's the look we get at the true man that raises the "Becker" to a higher level than many series.
Besides Danson, it's hard to single out any one character since they're all so excellent. The showiest role belongs to Shawnee Smith, who is hilarious as a complete airhead. Terry Farrell eventually was replaced by Nancy Travis. Farrell in a way was an odd choice - comedy has never been her thing, but she's believable as a pretty ex-model who takes over her father's coffee shop and looks for love, often in the wrong places.
Danson is terrific, but he and the others wouldn't be as good as they are without the savage and witty dialogue. Becker is Everyman who gives voice to the frustrations of living in the world, but it covers up his loneliness and genuine concern for his patients and others. It's the look we get at the true man that raises the "Becker" to a higher level than many series.