Going to the beach on a crowded Saturday? Swing around the minivan and take five TV characters with you! Who would you take and why?

There's only one rule -- the characters have to be on a TV series that's airing new episodes this Summer.

Here are my five. Don't agree? Share your choices in the comments.

Getting There: Sookie Stackhouse (True Blood)

It's always a good idea to have a telepath around. She can read minds, and tell you where people are going. Take the less populated roads, and head to the nice beach where everyone else isn't. She can even provide the drinks too – a six-pack of TruBlood.

 

Finding Your Own Private Beach: Hank Lawson (Royal Pains)

This guy lives in a billionaire's guest house and has instant access to anyone's home in the Hamptons. Sure, he's good to have around if someone gets swimmer's ear, but he's worth it just for his beachfront connections.

Avoiding Beach Blanket Blight: Adrian Monk (Monk)

Obsessive-compulsive Monk will make sure that you're safe from seagull flu, nasty sand fleas and decaying diapers. He'll measure out a safe distance from where the water first touches the sand and keep you far behind it so that you're nowhere near slimy seaweed or stinging jellyfish. Plus, he'll help you solve the latest Sue Grafton novel.

Meeting Hot New Friends: Vincent Chase (Entourage)

Vince is a movie star. He's a big deal. He knows everyone, and everyone knows him. If he's next to you on the beach, you'll instantly be the most popular person near the water. Soon you'll have your own entourage!

Dining on a Dime: Teddy Rist (The Philanthropist)

No need to drag a tacky Igloo cooler or a ratty beach towel with you. With his deep tycoon pockets, Teddy will pick up the tab for a bottle of Cristal and a platter of chilled lobster served in a fancy seaside, chaise-lounge cabana. Whatever you don't eat or drink, he'll even give to the homeless guy living under the boardwalk.

You can't go wrong with this crew. What better group to go to the beach with – a mind-reader, a doctor, a detective, a movie star and a tycoon? That should pretty much cover all your needs.

Abe Fried-Tanzer is a student at New York University majoring in cinema studies and journalism. He makes it his priority each year to see every Oscar-nominated film and watch every new television pilot, and writes reviews and awards predictions on his personal movie and TV blogs.