There are great television characters. Then, there are great TV character rivalries. Here are 20 of the best TV character rivalries.
1 ofMs. Janine Teagues vs. Ms. Ava Coleman (‘Abbott Elementary’)]
OK, maybe we’re pushing the boundaries of the term “rivalry.” There really isn’t anything cut-throat when it comes to the professional relationship between Janine (Quinta Brunson), the optimistic and determined young teacher, and Ava (Janelle James), the incompetent principal at Abbott Elementary. The latter picks on Janine and busts on her at any chance, but she might also be aware that Janine is one of the school’s best teachers. And, it’s teachers like her who actually make Ava look good — and even keep her job. So, maybe it’s more about co-existing for the good of the students.
Archie Bunker vs. Michael Stevic (‘All in the Family’)
OK, maybe we’re pushing the boundaries of the term “rivalry.” There really isn’t anything cut-throat when it comes to the professional relationship between Janine (Quinta Brunson), the optimistic and determined young teacher, and Ava (Janelle James), the incompetent principal at Abbott Elementary. The latter picks on Janine and busts on her at any chance, but she might also be aware that Janine is one of the school’s best teachers. And, it’s teachers like her who actually make Ava look good — and even keep her job. So, maybe it’s more about co-existing for the good of the students.
Archie Bunker vs. Michael Stevic (‘All in the Family’)
While Archie (Carroll O’Connor) and son-in-law Michael (Rob Reiner) could not be more contrasting, they were both stubborn. Michael is progressive, well-educated, and confidently opinionated. (Though, his attitude toward Gloria and the role of the wife seemed rather traditional and conservative.) Of course, Archie argued at two speeds: loud and louder. His open bigotry and political incorrectness naturally clashed with Michael.
Walter White vs. Gustavo “Gus’ Fring (‘Breaking Bad’)
Things started out well for Walter (Bryan Cranston) and Gus (Giancarlo Esposito), owner of the popular fast-food chain Los Pollos Hermanos — at least from a business perspective. However, Walter, the cooker, became disenfranchised with the way Gus was running his meth business. Thus, leading Walter and Jesse (Aaron Paul) thinking they should terminate Gus, who actually always saw Walter as expendable, and Jesse the more loyal of the two. In the end, Walter and Jesse get what they want, and Gus is left with half of his face before dying.