Confessions Of A TV Junkie: The Shepard Matrix

By Sharon Leary
12:00AM / Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Sharon Leary comes clean about her "habit" via "Confessions Of A TV Junkie."

I have a confession to make…I’m addicted to television. There, I said it.

Sadly, there isn’t a twelve-step program to overcome this addiction. I think it’s more of a one-step program, unplug your TV!

Yet there is an upside to this not-quite-in-the-closet, constant need to tune in...I’ve discovered a phenomenon known as the Three Shepards.

Did I pique your interest yet? Are you wondering what the heck are the "Three Shepards"?


The Three Shepard’s are a “who,” not a what, unless of course, you consider them a television three-pack.

The characters: Derek Shepard of Grey’s Anatomy, portrayed by Patrick Dempsey, Jack Shepard of LOST, portrayed by Matthew Fox and John Shepard of Stargate Atlantis, portrayed by Joe Flanigan. Three of the HOTTEST characters television has to offer at the moment-all with the last name of Shepard!

Coincidence? I think not.

Each of these guys plays a character with different personalities, features and traits. So I’ve developed the Shepard Test to see where your favorite actor fits in. There is one exception to the rules of the Test, but more on that later.


First we have Shepard category 1, also known as the McDreamy category. These guys are sexy through and through. Patrick Dempsey (the epitome of McDreamy and the prototype for this adjective), Christopher Meloni of Law and Order SVU, James Denton of Desperate Housewives, Goran Visnjic of ER and Jensen Ackles of Supernatural.


Next is Shepard category 2. This is a serious, more dramatic guy, but who can steam up your glasses with a sideways glance. Matthew Fox, Steve Burton and Maurice Bernard of General Hospital, Wentworth Miller of Prisonbreak, and Noah Wyle formerly of ER. Seriously, check out the eyes on these guys.


Finally there is Shepard category 3. This guy is constantly cracking jokes, cocky, self-confident and who is just so damn good to look at. Joe Flanigan, Hugh Laurie of House, Josh Holloway of LOST, Ty Pennington of Extreme Makeover Home, and Justin Chambers and Eric Dane (McSteamy) of Grey’s Anatomy.


I’ve thought this through very carefully and I’m offering People Magazine the chance to utilize the Shepard Matrix I’ve developed (yes, I went so far as to develop a matrix). They should definitely consult it before making any decisions about the 2007 Sexiest Man of the Year. We don’t want a repeat of what happened in 2006-McDreamy was robbed.


Oh, and the exception to the Shepard Test-that would be the McKay Rule. It means that your McDreamy may not be widely associated to the sexiest man alive list, in fact he may not even be nominated, but no matter he’s on your list. It could also be referred to as Geek Love and I’m proud to say my McDreamy is an exception: David Hewlett-Dr. Rodney McKay of Stargate Atlantis.


Happy viewing and Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Sharon Leary lives, works, and watches an abundance of television in North Adams.