Top 50 Duos: Counting the Seconds

[Issun]

Oh damn that's a good one, even though the season has just passed.

 

[JBear]

Huh. I didn't even know this was a thing? I've never heard of having these two things paired. Is this a regional thing? That said, I can count on one hand the number of times I've had either a grilled cheese or a tomato soup individually, I guess.

 

[Issun]

Huh. I didn't even know this was a thing? I've never heard of having these two things paired. Is this a regional thing? That said, I can count on one hand the number of times I've had either a grilled cheese or a tomato soup individually, I guess.

It's not something I'd heard of until the last few years either but the first time I dipped my grilled cheese in tomato soup and took a bite I understood.

 

[Daikaiju]

It's not something I'd heard of until the last few years either but the first time I dipped my grilled cheese in tomato soup and took a bite I understood.

And lo, Issun was enlightened...

 

[YangusKhan]

Hey, I voted for this one! I don't really make "just" grilled cheese sandwiches anymore; I almost always add extra toppings and some kind of meat too, at which point the only thing that makes it a "grilled cheese" is putting butter on the bread and frying it in a pan.

Huh. I didn't even know this was a thing? I've never heard of having these two things paired. Is this a regional thing? That said, I can count on one hand the number of times I've had either a grilled cheese or a tomato soup individually, I guess.

Lots of sandwich cafe places have "soup and sandwich combo"-type specials, so this is just a more specific pairing of that. Heck I am pretty sure Panera Bread has a slightly discounted grilled cheese & tomato soup combo on their menu.

 

[RT-55J]

ah yeah this is a classic food pairing for me. it's the kind of combo that really elevates both sides of the equation

 

[JBear]

Heck I am pretty sure Panera Bread has a slightly discounted grilled cheese & tomato soup combo on their menu.

I mean, Panera Bread is notably not a thing in Canada*, so I'll take your word for it.

* - Like most things that aren't a thing in Canada, they're probably in Vancouver and/or southern Ontario.

 

[Kirin]

Whereas I grew up where Panera got their start as St. Louis Bread Company, so I’ve known about this combo forever. Didn’t actually vote for it but it’s a tasty one.

 

[Johnny Unusual]

42

Cats & Dogs

53 Points, 2 Lists, Highest Vote: #9 @Pombar ​

Source: The Animal Kingdom

Duo-Type: Mass Hysteria

Cats, sometimes called house cats domestic cats are the world’s only domesticated species of the Felidae family. Cat domestication can be traced far back as 7500 BC in the Near East. They are valued primarily as companionship for humans, though are also useful for killing vermin, particularly small prey like mice and rats. Cats have relatively strong, flexible bodies and are known for their agility, reflexes, night vision and a strongly developed sense of smell and hearing. Male cats are referred to as toms or tomcats and females are called queens and a group may be called a clowder or a glaring.

Dogs, also referred to as domestic dogs, are descendants of the now-extinct grey wolf. The first species to be domesticated by humans, it is believed hunter-gatherer tribes domesticate them 15,000 years ago in Oberkassel, Bonn before agriculture. Since then, dogs have been selectively bred to accommodate physical attributes, sensory abilities and behaviour. Beyond companionship, which is the most popular use for dogs, they are also used for hunting, herding protection, pulling loads, assisting police, assisting military, and helping people with disabilities. Generally known for being loving and loyal, they’ve often been called Man’s Best Friend because of it.

As a duo, dogs and cats are often descriptors for opposites and enemies. After all, dogs and cats often have very different behaviours; dogs are often overtly affectionate, can be trained to do tricks and come across as “friendly” while cats, from a human perspective, seem more aloof, independent and fickle. Sometimes there are people who consider themselves dog people or cat people. They are very different kinds of pets with different needs but both can be loving in their way and great companions for humans.

Both can be similar, too. Due to their domestication, most of them are relatively comfortable with humans. And they are very beloved by their owners in turn. And there’s no shortage of video evidence of dogs and cats getting along very well. Of course, there’s a good chance that the cat is… just going to whap pretty much anyone if they feel like it. But over all, it’s a wonderful pet combo for an ambitious and patient pet owner.

Iconic Moment:

 

[JBear]

I wish my old grumpy cat would get the memo that this is supposed to be a good combo and stop beating his little puppy brother in the face every time he tries to say hello.

 

[Daikaiju]

Duo-Type: Mass Hysteria

Perfection

 

[Pombar]

Perfection

Took the words out of my mouth haha

 

[Johnny Unusual]

Huh. I didn't even know this was a thing? I've never heard of having these two things paired. Is this a regional thing? That said, I can count on one hand the number of times I've had either a grilled cheese or a tomato soup individually, I guess.

I didn't have time to post earlier but I was semi-aware. In our city, there was, for a time when there was a North Side Market, a gourmet grilled cheese place with gourmet tomato soup. It was really good (especially the soup). I didn't really think of it again until I saw the list. Was kind of surprised myself but I guess I new there were people who served them together.

That said, I can't speak for anyone who had wonderbread grilled with Campbell's soup tomato but the last time I had their soup was when my jaw was wired just and I found I just... could not believe how bleh it was. Not trying to yuck anyone's childhood yum (Hell, from time to time, I'll eat Chef Boyardee) but I found it and it's weird pink pallor kind of unappetizing. But a homemade? That stuff is good.

 

[Baudshaw]

43

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

52 Points, 2 Lists, Highest Vote: #4 Caithness ​

Source: The Culinary World

Duo-Type: Toasty and wet

A grilled cheese sandwich, also called a toasted sandwich or a cheese toastie, is a sandwich where cheese is placed between two slices of bread, usually with a form of cooking fat on the outside, then cooked until the bread browns and the cheese melts. It began as “the cheese dream”, an open-faced cheese sandwich that gained popularity in the Great Depression. More conventional grilled cheese emerged in World War II with the US government reporting navy cooks broiling cheese-filled sandwiches.

Tomato Soup is a soup made with tomatoes as the main ingredient. Though commonly smooth in texture, tomato soup can also be chunky or creamy and can also contain other ingredients (chicken and veggies are popular). The first printed tomato soup recipe appeared in 1857’s New Cookery Book and in 1897, Campbell’s soup introduced canned condensed tomato soup which help make it more popular. There are also variants for tomato soup such as gazpacho, a Spanish soup served cold for summer eating.

Though we can find the origins of both dishes, how they became a stalwart duo is not quite clear. I would guess that tomato soup was already popular and probably relatively affordable in the Great Depression when grilled cheese started taking off. I would also not be surprised if they were just served together in cafeterias in WWII. But I can say neither with certainty.

Generic canned tomato soup is… in my opinion, much better as an ingredient than a course unless you start mixing other stuff in (I always am put off by the off-pinkish colour). But a really good home made or restaurant made tomato soup will go wonderfully with it. You can eat them separately and enjoy the warmth filling your body or you can dip your grilled into the soup to sop up some extra flavour.

Now in all honesty, I didn’t grow up with the duo. I’ve always been a big grilled cheese fan since I started cooking for myself (though I have a habit picking too-thick bread slices since I don’t buy Wonder Bread-type breaks) but I’ve only had the duo a few times in restaurants. It’s a perfect and simple lunch time treat, especially for a chilly day.

Iconic Moment:

I can’t think of a specific one. I guess get a grilled cheese and tomato soup from a food truck.

I've gotta be honest about this one- this is not a duo I'm particularly fond of. If you want a delicious cheesy, carbo, tomato mixture you've always got pasta.

 

[Johnny Unusual]

There's only going to be one today.

 

[Johnny Unusual]

41

Kamen Rider W

53 Points, 2 Lists, #7 Caithness ​

Source: Kamen Rider

Duo-Type: Dual Detectives

Shotaro Hidari is a hard-boiled detective in the city of Fuuto. Tough-as-nails and taking guff from no one, Shotaro is a crime fighter no criminal wants to tangle with. At least, that’s the legend he’s building up for himself. A fan of the detective Sokichi Narumi, Shotaro became his protégé until the day he died during a high stakes mission. Shotaro dedicated himself becoming worthy of his mentor, a great detective. Shotaro likes to dress like a film noir private eye complete with fedora (taken from his mentor) and 1940s American fashions. He also is soft-hearted, meaning unlike his mentor he has a hard time making tough decisions. His personal mission is to try to make sure no one is ever sad again. He has some good intuition but in terms of actually solving the case, he often needs help from his partner…

Philip is an amnesiac rescued by Sokichi and Shotaro on their last mission together. A super-genius, Philip is named by Shotaro after fictional detective Philip Marlowe. Philip is initially lacking in any form of empathy and is generally off putting to others, he is also a crime solving genius, thanks in part to his ability to connect to a force known as the True Gaia Memory, which houses the world’s knowledge. Over time, Philip grows more empathetic has he gains memories from his past and he and Shotaro form a friendship. And a superhero…

Using a pair of, no joke, cosmic flashdrive (it’s a big part of the show’s mythology), Shotaro and Philip can fuse and become Kamen Rider W, a motorcycle riding exo-skeletoned superhero. In fact, Shotaro and Philip’s abilities to combine also allow them to combine their own unique abilities into new super powers and weapons. The flashdrives are called Gaia Memories, most of which are sold by the Sonozaki Family on the black market, turning humans into monsters called Dopants. As the duo solves mysteries, they invariably get drawn into new threats posed by the Dopants and the Sonozaki Family. Eventually, they gain another ally, Kamen Rider Accel, who is another investigator.

Due to my lack of general knowledge in the field of tokusatsu programming, I think @Purple or Caithness is going to have to cover what makes this duo so awesome.

Iconic Moment:

Again, something I’m hoping Purple or Caithness will cover.

 

[Purple]

It's also worth noting that while never explicitly called out on either, Philip is really overtly autistic and one of the first people I'd point to if you asked me what someone who's nonbinary might look like (and has this whole Akashic records Matrix-gear-up-but-with-bookshelves deal going on). And then of course there's the fact that while almost every Kamen Rider protagonist is some guy who has like a dozen scenes where it looks like he's about to kiss some other guy, Kamen Rider W seemed to be making it a mission statement to make it as absolutely clear as humanly possible while staying within children's TV guidelines that these two are a committed couple.

And you kinda already mentioned the big iconic moment of the series. By the end, they are in fact doing the whole bodily fusion thing, with the help of this prismatic power-up that also gives them a giant glitzy rainbow weapon (right after a scene where they're riding a motorcycle and hugging while a sappy ballad plays). Prior to that it's a psychic link thing, where they stick their USB sticks in their belt, and Philip's stick and consciousness transfer over to Shotaro... or vice versa with this one particular power-up like a third of the way through the show. Often with some fun stuff with secondary characters trying to catch the resulting fainting victim.

 

[Baudshaw]

I know nothing about this series, but they... have to be gay, right?

They both look like bishounen

 

[Torzelbaum]

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

I do like a nice grilled cheese but tomato soup doesn't do much for me. But this duo is still a good (cheese) pull.

 

[Johnny Unusual]

I'm so excited! By cosmic accident, we are heading into two, arguably three theme days in a row! I LOVE IT.

Today's theme?

Comedy teams!

 

[Johnny Unusual]

40a

Laurel & Hardy

53 Points, 3 Lists, Highest Vote: #15 @Olli ​

Source: film

Duo-Type: Spade and Farley but with reversed power dynamic

Stan Laurel was born 1890 into a theatrical family in England. At age 15, Laurel had his first acting role in Glasow’s Britannia Panopticon and soon became a member of the juvenile theatrical company Levy and Cardwell, which specialized in “Christmas Pantomimes”. In 1909, Laurel was both working as an understudy for Charlie Chaplin and as an actor for legendary comedy impresario Fred Karno. In 1912, Karno took Laurel on tour with him to the US and though not initially planned, Laurel decided to stay. For a time, he was a comedy double act with his common law wife and together they starred in the comedy short film Nuts in May. Eventually, the act split up, supposedly due to Mae Dahlberg “tempestuous” personality, and Stan would continue to appear, write and direct many Hal Roach Studios projects. His characters were met with only slight success, either being seen as a “nutty burglar” or just a cheap Chaplin knock off. But this began to change when he was paired with…

Oliver Hardy was born in 1892 in Harlem, Georgia in the US and by his late teens both was a popular stage singer and operated his own movie house (partially financed by his mother). After seeing film comedies, Hardy was inspired to get involved in comedy himself and started working with Lubin Motion Pictures doing crew work as well as acting as a script-clerk. A year later, he appeared in his first movie as “Babe Hardy” (based on his baby-face and a specific in-joke to how his Italian barber would greet him) in Outwitting Dad. Astoundingly, Hardy appeared in 177 shorts over the course of three years and soon his versatility in these films made him a sought-after actor, particularly for comedic villain and sidekick roles, as well as other supporting actor jobs. In 1921, Hardy starred in a comedy film called the Lucky Dog, where “Charlie Chaplin knock off” Stan Laurel was the lead…

In The Lucky Dog, Hal Roach noticed that Laurel and Hardy seemed to play off each other well. This is in part because both had a great skill that worked well together; play both straight and funny men. They were also both naturally a visual compliment to each other (a larger tall man and a skinny short man) and when they finally began working as a duo, they also incorporated complimentary hairstyles; Laurel with wacky “fright wig” hair and Hardy with a small, smooth spitcurl and mustache. Soon the two began working in slapstick comedies to great success.

One of their most popular styles was “tit for tat” where the duo either with each other or a third party get into an argument. Usually someone might damage something of theirs or vice versa and the response was an escalating series of retaliations of the same act (usually vandalism) until it erupts into chaos. The other is “tell me that again”, where Laurel has a good idea, explains it to Hardy, Laurel tries to repeat it only for it to come out as word salad, only then for Hardy to have a complete understanding. The shorts often had little elements of what Laurel called “white magic”, bits of magic realism in the film, such as Laurel being able to treat his thumb as a lighter and Hardy struggling to do the same.

The duo had many strengths setting them apart from other double acts. Though their characters were consistent from picture to picture (Laurel was generally meek and awkward, while Hardy was arrogant and self-important, only to be accidentally laid low by his friend), both could alternate between straight man and funny man in a way that made sense within the narrative. They also had another strength which is unlike a lot of silent comedians, they made the transition to sound with relative ease, allowing them now to combine classic slapstick with vaudeville routines.

Iconic Moment:

Big Business, a wild tit for tat short

 

[Johnny Unusual]

40b

Chip ‘n’ Dale

53 Points, 3 Lists, Highest Vote: #15 @Daikaiju ​

Source: Disney films

Duo-Type: Spade and Farley but with fur

Chip is a chipmunk. Usually portrayed living in the forest or the park, Chip has a black nose, thin incisors, and smooth fur. He’s tends to be a little uptight but mostly plays it safe and is fairly focused. He’s usually portrayed as level-headed and logically-minded and has a slight temper. He also lives with…

Dale is a chipmunk. He has a large red nose, gapped buck teeth and scruffy fur. He is often silly and easily distracted, finding the fun side of life. He’s usually slow to anger or frustration and is very easy going, sometimes so much so he is unaware when a situation has gotten dangerous.

Initially appearing in Private Pluto, the original Chip n Dale were identical. Originally, their sounds were going to be squeaks but instead it was voices speed up so they could be almost or partially understood. Eventually, they were changed when they were given their more common sparring partner, Donald Duck, in subsequent cartoons, when it was decided the chemistry would work better if one was a “little goofball” and the duo became complete.

The duo starred in 23 theatrical short films until the 50s, most of them played opposite Donald Duck (with Pluto being a distant second). As a duo, the chipmunks were often looking for food to eat or protecting their home and usually run afoul Donald (or a similar opponent) and use their mischievous nature to win the day, though not before both parties struggle a bit (though the Chip n Dale do find themselves in hot water, usually they have the advantage for most of the cartoon despite their opponents size). They will often taunt Donald until he gets into one of his famous rages and will often defeat himself. Though the two work as a team, Dale’s easy-going attitude often causes upset between the two.

Eventually, the duo got their own TV spin-off in the late 80s: Chip N Dale: Rescue Rangers, where they played detectives helping those in need. Along with an expanded cast (including the brilliant Gadget, the strong but distractable Monterey Jack and wacky animal sidekick Zipper, because even animals get animal sidekicks), the personalities are expanded, with Chip being mature and a bit no-nonsense while Dale is an impassioned but careless free spirit.

Iconic Moment:

I mean, this is the one that lives forever in my head.

 

[Kirin]

Last vid is blocked in the US

 

[JBear]

Last vid is blocked in the US

I... don't think I've ever seen that work the other way. Because I assure you that the reverse happens here all the time. How novel!

 

[Daikaiju]

Two for two at the same rank. Go figure.

 

[Kirin]

Anyway, these didn't make my list, but I do have fond memories of Rescue Rangers from being heavily in my cartoon rotation growing up. In addition to the lead duo having good balance, I appreciate that one of the main recurring antagonists is a literal fat cat industrialist.

 

[Johnny Unusual]

Today's theme is more specific... PARANORMAL INVESTIGATORS!

 

[Johnny Unusual]

39

Dana Scully & Fox Mulder

55 Points, 2 Lists, #1 @YangusKhan ​

Source: The X-Files

Duo-Type: Skeptic and believer

Dr. Dana Scully, MD, was raised in a catholic family and Dana grew up close to her faith and though she drifted away from the church itself, she had always maintained her faith. Dana Scully attended the University of Maryland where she studied physics and wrote her thesis Einstein's Twin Paradox: A New Interpretation. Afterward, she obtained a medical degree and was invited to the FBI Academy, where she decided she could distinguish herself. She very much did and soon even became an instructor within the academy. Despite her faith, Scully, is very much a skeptic and looks at things with a logically eye. Ironic then that two years into her career she would be partnered with…

Fox Mulder was very young when his sister mysteriously disappeared, an event he became convinced was tied to paranormal phenomena. Throughout the 1980s, Fox joined the FBI academy (where he earned the nickname Spooky because of his belief in the paranormal) and graduated with highest honors, where he worked as a psychological profiler in the Violent Crimes Unit. During this time, Mulder discovered an obscure FBI section called the X-Files, detailing unexplained cases seemingly related to the paranormal. Fox became obsessed with them and was eventually able to use his clout to re-open them, albeit with minimal support from other sources. He has been labelled a kook due to his assertion of a vast government conspiracy to hide the existence of UFOs.

Soon after being assigned to work with Mulder, the two develop a clear dynamic based on their values and worldview; Scully is a skeptic who carefully questions outlandish claims and approaches them with logic while Mulder is a believer in the strange who looks for things others do not and his unorthodox style gets him closer to truths some people want buried. Scully eventually realizes there are elements of truth to Mulder’s seemingly insane claims, yet while she becomes more open, she remains very logical minded and rarely jumps to conclusions. Despite the differences, their varied styles often benefit each other with Scully helping keep Mulder grounded and Mulder helping see that there are things in this world that seem to defy explanation.

The X-Files became a popular mainstay show in the 90s, heavily inspired by the 70s TV series Kolchak the Night Stalker (about a newspaper reporter who continuously stumbles on monsters in the LA area). The show had a cult success but I think part of what made the X-Files a superior successor, despite it’s flaws (an overly convoluted overarching narrative being the biggest) was that Kolchak was usually alone but the relationship between these two became the real backbone of the show. Though because the series was about the supernatural, there was a sense that Scully was the character who needed to grow, this wasn’t a Holmes/Watson, they were real equals, each bringing different and essential skills and perspectives to each case and generating a real friendship in the face of a terrifying, labyrinthine conspiracy.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the show but one of the other things I was never that into was the romantic development. There are a few shows where it felt like it was supposed to be like that because it is male/female co-leads but it doesn’t always work. That’s to me because the show is on all cylinders is when these characters get to work and show what they can do. Granted, I also care when they face emotional turmoil and they need to turn to each other but to me, it’s one of TV’s great professional dynamics. I get why it happened; these are characters with real chemistry. But to me it’s a chemistry based on a different kind of trust. And being united by a bond that even if they go about it in radically different ways, both are passionate about finding the truth.

Iconic Moment:

It’s been a while since I’ve seen the show and even then I was more a casual viewer. One of my favourites is a quirky later episode, a comedic one about vampires called Bad Blood written by Vince Gilligan. The premise is this happens in the beginning…

And Mulder and Scully have to get their stories straight but both of their recounting of events… skews things a bit, usually making the other look like a more cartoonish version of themselves.

 

[Daikaiju]

Not my cup of tea, but i did enjoy the episode with the weatherman.

 

[Johnny Unusual]

38

Dipper & Mabel Pines

56 Points, 2 Lists, #10 Johnny Unusual ​

Source: Gravity Falls

Duo-Type: Mystery Twins

Dipper Pines is a 12-year-old child from Piedmont, California. Dipper is very clever and loves to increase and test his intelligence. Despite being very rational, he can be easily frustrated at times, especially when people don’t take him seriously or looking at him as “cute” (such as being sensitive about his “kitten sneeze”). Dipper’s birth name is Mason but he got the nickname Dipper from his Big Dipper shaped constellation of birthmarks on his forehead that he usually hides under his baseball cap. Dipper gets really into projects, sometimes to the point of obsession (and thoughtlessness towards others) and sometimes gets so overwhelmed when things don’t go according to plan, he panics but generally his friends and family can guide him through, such as his twin sister…

Mabel Pines is a 12-year-old child from Piedmont, California. Constantly chipper and optimistic (and quite distractible), Mabel is entering into, according to her brother, her “boy crazy” phrase and is often looking for love. But more than anything, Mabel wants to have fun. A true social butterfly, Mabel is great at making friends and follows her heart in all matters, often in a real pedal-to-the-metal 100%-in intense fashion. Her ability to look on the bright side of everything helps see her through in tough situations. Like her brother, when she develops an obsession or focus, it’s hard to make her think of anything else and sometimes it can cause tension when others need her. Mabel has great artistic skills, once making a very impressive wax replica of her great uncle. She’s also known for her love of sweaters, which has a huge collection of, and which usually reflect her love of cute animals, rainbows and tortured puns.

When Dipper and Mabel are sent to their Great Uncle Stan Pines and his tourist trap The Mystery Shack for the Summer in the small Oregon town of Gravity Falls, Dipper starts to notice weird, paranormal activity. He begins to investigate for himself and Mabel often helps, though her mind is usually on other things. Though often their focuses are different, they continually save each other and help each other through bizarre supernatural perils and happenstances including ghosts, monsters, time travelers, magical/super science artifacts and entities. Often with the help of their friends, Dipper and Mabel get closer to Gravity Falls strange secrets.

The duo are often assisted and supported by Soos, the Mystery Shack’s resident maintenance man. The two are very different and sometimes their very different goals put them at odds but they are also often extremely supportive of each other, willing to put aside their own wants for the needs of the others, painful as it might be to do so. When not hip deep in danger, the two love spending the Summer playing together, being silly and bonding with their curmudgeonly con artist Grunkle in the shack. Sometimes when finding something supernatural, they also may leverage it for their own needs, such as using a magic photo copier to impress a girl, messing with love potions to try to bring balance to a friend group or using a mind-control tie to win a local election, but it often ends with them learning a lesson.

Gravity Falls is a great show and having a great cast is definitely part of it. Despite the fact that Mabel is the part of the duo who is rarely actively pursuing the main narrative thrust, the mysteries of Gravity Falls, the show gives them basically equal attention with an equal amount of love and care because often it’s clear the mystery sometimes just needs to come second to how these characters want the best for the other and even when the want for oneself if pressing and difficult, they can put it aside. Both are at a critical and confusing age in their development and it is clear that without the other, either could get sort of lost in the weeds but together they are able to remind each other of what’s important and what’s great about the other one.

Iconic Moment:

In their darkest hour, Mabel finds herself trapped in her own fantasy world, afraid to leave it and face the apocalypse and growing up. Dipper reminds her of why they need each other.