The unhinged off-and-on federal agent sought justice and righteousness.

Sure, sometimes his methods were, best-case scenario, unethical.

But he fought and investigated for his family and trusted his gut.

25 best TV characters

Jon Hamm on ‘Mad Men’; Michael K. Williams on ‘The Wire’; Sarah Jessica Parker on ‘Sex and the City’; Michael Richards on ‘Seinfeld’.Credit:AMC; HBO (2); NBC

We owe him eight times over for all his prevention efforts.

“Homer is launching himself headfirst into every single impulsive thought that occurs to him.”

He embodies the well-meaning, frequently misguided approach to life that now defines American culture.

Jack Bauer, ‘24’ (Keifer Sutherland)

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He’s not admirableandshouldbe detested but Tony constantly demanded our attention.

Carrie’s legacy is so lasting that actressSarah Jessica Parkerhas still not separated herself from the role.

The conspiracy theorist wants to believe but needs proof; the scientist is looking to take a leap.

Homer Simpson, The Simpsons (Voiced by Dan Castellaneta)

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The wild-haired neighbor of Jerry always moved and talked like he continually battled insomnia with 13 cups of coffee.

It’s hard to find one signature act because there aresomany.Giddy upindeed, Kramer.

Dylan Kickham

Felicity Porter,Felicity(Keri Russell)

The college years are filled with discovery.

Buffy Summers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Sarah Michelle Gellar)

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It’s a lot to condense into one universal character, butthat’s exactly whatFelicitydid with its eponymous protagonist.

And even in defeat, he wouldprove the punchline victor.

You didn’t include GOB on your list of favorite characters?

Tony Soprano, The Sopranos (James Gandolfini)

HBO/Courtesy Everett Collection

Well, then I’d say thatyou’ve made ahuge mistake.

Dan Snierson

Olivia Pope,Scandal(Kerry Washington)

There is only oneOlivia Pope.

(Just ask Fitz.)

Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (Sarah Jessica Parker)

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She’s the gladiator of all gladiators.

She doesn’t run from crisis, but toward it.

She does what it takes to get things done, and you better believe she’s got things handled.

Fox Mulder & Dana Scully, The X-Files (David Duchovy and Gillian Anderson)

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(“Damn you, vile woman!")

Is there anything about Stewie thatisn’thilarious?

Babies who plot are much more interesting than babies who just lounge around looking cute.

Liz Lemon, 30 Rock (Tina Fey)

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The sight of him swaggering down the street while little kids scamper screaming “Omar comin'!

The one-liners Barney quipped were not only creative and hilarious: They infiltrated everyday dialogue.

Barney also inspired us to want to suit up when frequenting our own MacLaren’s.

Cosmo Kramer, Seinfeld (Michael Richards)

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AsGilmore Girlscreator Amy Sherman-Palladino put it:they are best friends first and mother-daughter second.

That’s what makes them different.

Their quick wit andnever-ending knowledge of pop culture?

Ally McBeal, Ally McBeal (Calista Flockhart)

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Well that’s what makes them great.

He’s a white dude in a suit who works in midtown Manhattan.

Oh, he’s also an alcoholic.

“Stephen Colbert,” The Colbert Report (Stephen Colbert)

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And he cheats on his wife.

He’s a rarity in the world of television:The genuine good guy.

Cookie never holds her tongue.

Roseanne Conner, Roseanne (Roseanne Barr)

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“The name’s Cookie: Ask about me,” she seethes early in season 1.

No one ever has to again.

Felicity Porter, Felicity (Keri Russell)

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GOB Bluth, Arrested Development (Will Arnett)

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Olivia Pope, Scandal (Kerry Washington)

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Stewie Griffin, Family Guy (Voiced by Seth MacFarlane)

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Omar Little, The Wire (Michael K. Williams)

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Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother (Neil Patrick Harris)

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Gilmore Girls

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Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation (Amy Poehler)

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Coach Taylor, Friday Night Lights (Kyle Chandler)

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Walter White, Breaking Bad (Bryan Cranston)

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Cookie Lyon, Empire (Taraji P. Henson)

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Michael Scott, The Office (Steve Carell)

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Rachel Green, Friends (Jennifer Aniston)

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