They are the reason we tune in. The hero is the reason we watch. The hero has been the central figure since…well the dawn of time. The old serials in the movies use to draw us back next week to see how he survived that ordeal. This is something TV does very well. Here are my top five TV heroes.

5. John Casey. Alright not technically the main hero but he was the hero more often than not. He was the one who would put his life between danger and Chuck without hesitation. John is a throwback to a time that is really no more. Honor, duty, country these are the things he holds most dear. John could be counted on to always do what was in the best interest of national security.

4. Sherlock. I love this show. This is probably my most favorite incarnation of this hero. He is wise cracking and can be due to his way beyond average intelligence. His usage of everyday observations to solve crime without distraction is what makes this character so much fun. How he sees the world like no one else is what drives me back to watch, currently binge viewing season 3 and loving it.

3. Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds. He is an old school pirate captain living life in a western. He has a boat and crew, more family than employees, and a single mindedness to work, however that work cannot, and will not, interfere with his sense of right and wrong. Above all he has the greater good in mind and will work towards that without a moment’s hesitation. He is a hero who is as uncomfortable with the word as any hero would be. Leave no man behind, get the group home at the end of the day, and hopefully gets paid too is the way he lives, and we should all try that more.

2. Raylan Givens. The man turned in his own father as it was the right thing to do. Raylan is a U.S. Marshal and putting away the bad guy is his job. However he is not mean or rude about it. He also understands not all bad guys are well bad guys. We commonly hear stories and see scenes of Raylan’s acts of kindness while bringing in his suspect. He does what is right but he does it the right way.

1. Jack Bauer. Are you really surprised here? This is a man who has sacrificed his own family in service of this nation. He always shows up on the worse possible day and does what needs to be done without a moment’s hesitation. He pushes forward and gets the job done. We may disagree with his methods at times but his results cannot be argued. We all say we are against torture. I know it is absolutely ineffective but we all cheer Jack on when he is doing it. We understand the greater good at play. We can also almost see the torture in his eyes as he is doing these things to save the US and the world.

These are my top five television heroes. I know I missed yours so tell me about them in the comments section. And please do not forget to vote for your favorite.