Inspired by the Michael Richards fiasco.

As a cheerful counterpoint to last week's venting, and in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, I'd like to share with you those characters I'm feeling most kindly towards this week. I tried to stick to the same shows I yelled at last week, but that was too hard (see: Grey's Anatomy); other love-fest suggestions are welcome, of course.

Toby (The Office)

I've always appreciated Toby's quiet attempts at reigning in Michael's antics. He doesn't care enough to follow through with his reprimands, but Michael still has insane reactions to everything his says, which leads to Toby's sad deadpan reaction to Michael's insanity. But he truly earned my love a couple weeks ago when he got it into his head to ask Pam out, and then couldn't. He's like Milhouse's dad, except likeable. 

Marc (Ugly Betty)

Inversely proportionate to my hatred of Walter is my love of Marc. He's less nasty than Amanda, he's very good at his job, and he's hilarious. If I were powerful enough to earn an assistant, I would want Marc. As it is, I just want to hang out with him.

Kenneth the Page (30 Rock)

He hasn't shown up since his show-stopping poker match with Alec Baldwin, but just that scene is enough to make him one of my favorite characters for the rest of the year. 

Zack (Heroes) 

Zack probably deserves a post of his own for his breakout episode of Heroes last night. But how "out" was it? That scene in Claire's bedroom was written to be incredibly vague; I think he was telling her he's gay, but he never says it, and all of his remarks could be interpreted either way. But that's not only why he's on this list–it's mostly the classic Nerds Triumph Over Popular Kids to Elect Genuinely Cool Homecoming Queen scenario that made me love him.

Jack (Studio 60)/Jack (30 Rock)

Of the two network execs named Jack on shows about the behind-the-scenes workings of live comedy shows, it's hard to pick a favorite. Alec Baldwin is funnier than any human has a right to be (see epic poker match, above). Stephen Weber is more charming and sympathetic than he has any right to be, as a man whose career highlights consist solely of "Wings" and the TV version of the Shining, on the show where he's primarily cast as a money-loving talent-hating villain. Bravo, Jacks of fake network TV.

Gaius Baltar (Battlestar Galactica)

It's a strong character that can remain believable and–shockingly, considering everything's he's done–sympathetic while being tortured and having orgies on a sentient robot base ship. There has never not been a week, even when he's literally dooming mankind, that I have not loved Gaius Baltar.