5 Goodie-Baddie TV Duos Who Care About Each Other Against All Odds

The one relationship trope that never fails is a bond between characters who are so different they could be the two ends of a battery. Typically, one is a morally upstanding protagonist and the other is a wicked baddie.

They are opposites, which makes them attract and creates some of the best arcs on television. In fact, a few of these relationships make entire shows work. Here are five standout examples.

Jake Peralta & Doug Judy

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)

Played by: Andy Samberg and Craig Robinson

The very first duo on our list, and we are already putting our best foot forward with it. The PB & J relationship is a textbook protagonist-antagonist friendship. It starts with Judy being revealed as Jake's nemesis, the Pontiac Bandit, and outwitting the fan-favorite cop.

Then they become reluctant allies, using each other for personal gain, and finally best friends. After all, these two have very similar personalities, even if they choose different sides of the law.

Aziraphale & Crowley

Good Omens (2019-present)

Played by: Michael Sheen and David Tennant

Of course, we couldn't leave out the beautiful relationship between the Good Omens protagonists. They are the extreme example of the dynamic in question, as they are literally a demon and an angel who have been in cahoots for thousands of years.

In Season 1, the representatives of Heaven and Hell on Earth team up to prevent the coming of the Antichrist and the destruction of their comfortable lives. In Season 2, they get to the point where the chemistry between them can no longer be ignored and confess romantic feelings. We are still waiting to see how this exciting union will develop.

Gregory House & James Wilson

House, M.D. (2004-2012)

Played by: Hugh Laurie and Robert Sean Leonard

The characters of House and Wilson were based on Sherlock and Watson, so they inherited the dynamic of a loyal partnership. But the medical series has made House a much more hopeless character than the original. He is not exactly evil, but he is definitely annoying and dangerous, especially to himself.

Wilson, on the other hand, isn't as dependent on House as Watson is on Sherlock, but admits that this 'stupid, screwed-up friendship' is one of the few things that really matter to him.

Will Graham & Hannibal Lecter

Hannibal (2013-2015)

Played by: Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen

The relationship between Will and Hannibal can hardly be called a friendship. It's more like a painful codependency they can't seem to break free of. Hannibal, with his taste for human flesh, is a classic villain, and Will is doing his best to stay sane and do good, despite his bizarre empathy for serial killers.

That's why their relationship, based on manipulation and mutual interest, is so entertaining to watch. And that's why Hannibal has a cult following to this day.

Professor X & Magneto

The X-Men Franchise

Played by: Patrick Stewart/James McAvoy and Ian McKellen/Michael Fassbender

Probably the best love-hate friendship that developed before our eyes over decades of Marvel Comics and the popular movie franchise is that between Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr.

Both characters are nuanced, have extensive backstories, and cannot simply be described as 'good' or 'bad'. But they are definitely on opposite sides of every issue, whether it be human-mutant coexistence or the way to drink martinis. Yet they share a warm friendship and would probably die for each other.