19 Supporting performances from sci-fi TV shows that got us hooked

From | Image Via: Midnight Radio
From | Image Via: Midnight Radio

Science fiction is one of the most sought-after genres for TV show watchers. Sometimes we get intrigued by a good storyline and sometimes by the leads. However, in some cases, a side character in a show can also be intriguing enough to make a lasting impact on the viewers. So in this list, we are going to talk about 19 supporting performances from sci-fi TV shows that got us hooked. Please note that this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

1) Helly R. (Severance)

Premiere Of Apple TV+'s "Severance" - Arrivals - Source: Getty
Premiere Of Apple TV+'s "Severance" - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Helly R.’s performance in the sci-fi show Severance has captivated the audience for various reasons. Helly is shown as defiant and prone to self harm which has intrigued the audience to understand her behavior. Helly’s rebellious spirit is a driving force in the plot. Her character is not unidimensional. It is complex and constantly evolving through the episodes.

2) Martha Walker (Silo)

"Silo" Global Premiere - Arrivals - Source: Getty
"Silo" Global Premiere - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Martha Walker’s character in Silo was intimidating to the audience in the beginning. However, as the story unfolds and viewers learn about her past, earning the respect of the viewers. Martha’s journey and her complex character are crucial to the show. She is the head of the Mechanical department and her character’s desire for justice and truth has intrigued the viewers.

3) Boyd Stevens (From)

Critics Choice Association's 7th Annual Celebration Of Black Cinema And Television - Source: Getty
Critics Choice Association's 7th Annual Celebration Of Black Cinema And Television - Source: Getty

Boyd Stevens's character in From is one of the most crucial factors in the. From the first episode, Boyd’s past has intrigued the audience and has raised many speculations. The moral ambiguity in Boyd’s character is often questioned. However, the complexity of Boyd’s character evoked by Harold Perrineau’s performance has been appreciated by the viewers.

4) Chishiya (Alice In Borderland)

Alice In Borderland | Image Via: Robot Communications
Alice In Borderland | Image Via: Robot Communications

Alice In Borderland has gained immense popularity in recent times. Chishiya’s character in the show is crucial and intriguing to the audience. From the beginning, the mysterious and complex personality has added depth to the show's storyline. It delved into the complexity and unpredictability of the character making him a fan-favorite in Alice In Borderland.

5) Katelyn Bowman (Colony)

Web Summit 2023 - Day Two - Source: Getty
Web Summit 2023 - Day Two - Source: Getty

Katelyn Bowman played by Sarah Wayne Callies in Colony has intrigued the viewers of the show. Katelyn’s desire to protect her family has made her a morally ambiguous character. However, throughout the show, she undergoes significant character development and transformation which has left a lasting impression.

6) Desmond Hume (Lost)

Lost | Image Via: Grass Skirt Productions
Lost | Image Via: Grass Skirt Productions

Desmond Hume played by Henry Ian Cusick in Lost is a significant side character according to viewers. The character has a backstory surrounded by mysteries that intrigue the audience. Desmond’s actions in the crash have made him a pivotal character in the series. The deep connection Desmond has with the island along with his experience with time travel adds a layer of uniqueness.

7) Bill (The Last Of Us)

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Salutes The Filmmaking Pioneers At The 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards - Source: Getty
Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Salutes The Filmmaking Pioneers At The 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards - Source: Getty

Bill, initially seen as a gruff person who is hardened by the years of isolation and constant fight for survival is a crucial side character of The Last Of Us. Despite his rough exterior, the viewers witness his softer side through his relationship with Frank. Bill’s backstory provides a deep exploration of the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic world that captivates the viewers.

8) Rolo Haynes (Black Mirror)

Black Mirror | Image Via: Zeppotron
Black Mirror | Image Via: Zeppotron

Rolo Haynes's character from Black Mirror has intrigued the viewers with his charismatic and twisted sense of humor. This eccentric museum curator who is a self-proclaimed visionary has an intriguing character. His actions are unpredictable and he is not afraid to push boundaries and experiment with technology. His character is a portrayal of the darker aspects of technology that has captivated the audience.

9) The Smoking Man (The X-Files)

Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia 2016 - Day 3 - Source: Getty
Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia 2016 - Day 3 - Source: Getty

The character of The Smoking Man is one of the most intriguing side characters of The X-Files according to the viewers. This shadowy figure who is known to manipulate events and characters for his own purpose exudes a mysterious enigma that the viewers are enraptured with. These ambiguous motives and past which create a constant sense of threat add a layer of complexity.

10) Fennec Shand (The Mandalorian)

2024 Los Angeles Comic-Con - Source: Getty
2024 Los Angeles Comic-Con - Source: Getty

Fennec Shand’s character in The Mandalorian is one of the most intriguing and captivating side characters of the series. She is known for her accuracy and is considered a formidable opponent. Her tragic past adds a layer of depth to her character which the viewers enjoy. Ming-Na Wen has perfectly portrayed Fennec Shand’s demeanor and underlying complexities.

11) Claudia Tiedemann (Dark)

European premiere of the Netflix series
European premiere of the Netflix series "Dark" - Source: Getty

Claudia Tiedemann’s character in Dark has been widely acclaimed by the viewers of the show. Her skilled time traveling through which she manipulates events across different timelines is an intriguing aspect. Though her motivations were unclear initially, the eventual reveal of her true motivations captivated the viewers. Her role in the show in spite of being a side character is crucial.

12) Root (Person Of Interest)

ClexaCon 2021 - Source: Getty
ClexaCon 2021 - Source: Getty

The character of Root in Person Of Interest has captivated the audience with her complexity. Root who is a hacker gives off a mysterious and ambiguous exterior initially. However, through her backstory, the audience can understand the depth of her character and relate to her struggles. Root’s development creates a layer of intrigue that the viewers have enjoyed.

13) Hari Sheldon (Foundation)

SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations:
SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations: "Chernobyl" - Source: Getty

Hari Sheldon’s character in Foundation is one of the most intelligent characters in the series. This brilliant mathematician who developed psychohistory, a science that can predict the future has a huge fan base. Though he seems morally ambiguous the viewers are able to understand the complexity of his character. He is the intellectual cornerstone of the Foundation.

14) Lexa (The 100)

2024 GQ Men Of The Year Party - Source: Getty
2024 GQ Men Of The Year Party - Source: Getty

The character of Lexa, the Commander of the Grounders remains one of the show's most popular characters, even with her limited screen time. Her relationship with Clarke evokes the themes of sacrifice and duty which has brought depth to her character and made a distinct impression on the viewers. She represents hope for peace and has made an impact on the show. Alycia Debnam-Carey played Lexa in The 100.

15) Lt. Commander Bortus (The Orville)

2018 PaleyFest Los Angeles - FOX's
2018 PaleyFest Los Angeles - FOX's "The Orville" - Source: Getty

In The Orville, the character of Lt. Commander Bortus has left an impression on the viewers. His character has constantly entertained the viewers with his humor. Bortus has an intimidating exterior but is a character with emotional depth and vulnerability which the audience has found captivating.

16) Astrid Farnsworth (Fringe)

Science fiction convention FedCon in Duesseldorf - Source: Getty
Science fiction convention FedCon in Duesseldorf - Source: Getty

Astrid Farnsworth in Fringe is an interesting side character. She is crucial to the Fringe Division for her resourcefulness and loyalty. Astrid Farnsworth’s character has undergone considerable development throughout the show. Jasika Nicole has given a nuanced performance through her portrayal of Astrid Farnsworth.

17) Sister Jen (Dune: Prophecy)

VIP Screening of
VIP Screening of "Dune: Prophecy" - Source: Getty

Sister Jen’s character in Dune: Prophecy is considered one of the most intriguing side characters because of her fiery and intelligent personality. Her courageous, just, and inquisitive nature has appealed to viewers. In spite of being a side character, Sister Jen is a crucial part of Dune: Prophecy and The Sisterhood.

18) Captain Jack (Doctor Who)

Dancing On Ice 2019 - Photocall - Source: Getty
Dancing On Ice 2019 - Photocall - Source: Getty

Captain Jack in Doctor Who is subjectively one of the most popular side characters according to the viewers. His unique ways and immortality add a layer of complexity to the show. He has a flamboyant exterior, however, viewers are able to see his selflessness through his sacrifice and heroism. John Barrowman has perfectly portrayed this role and has become unforgettable according to the fans.

19) Maeve Millay (West World)

IMDb LIVE After The Emmys 2018 - Source: Getty
IMDb LIVE After The Emmys 2018 - Source: Getty

The character of Maeve Millay in Westworld has captivated the viewers with her journey of self-awareness. Maeve’s tragic past and breaking free from her programming have given a unique touch to the show. Her unwavering pursuit of freedom has cemented her status as one of the most compelling characters in the series.

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Edited by Sugnik Mondal
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