I have decided to start adding Top 5 lists to the Bad Influence Speaks. As always, these are my views on TV shows, books, and movies. Not everyone will agree (and really, I would hate it if that happened). Also, only doing a top 5 will inevitably leave out some favorites as will how well I remember a show at the point I'm making the list.
Shows with supernatural or non-human characters are generally fascinating. Being "other" allows for so much more range in the actions and character development. I mean, you can understand that you can take a vampire more places (writing wise) than a accountant.
So on to the list. And, yes, I realize that it's vampire heavy. Click on the pics to enlarge them.
Bad Influence Speaks' Top 5 Supernatural Characters on TV
Number 5: Henry Fitzroy, Blood Ties (Lifetime)
Henry Fitzroy was a vampire whose youthful appearance belied his age as he was the bastard son of Henry VII. He was one of those smart, creative, and charming guys whose smile (not to mention vampire powers) could get him past any troubles. He was played by Kyle Schmid in a charming and playful fashion that drew you in even if his young looks did make you feel ancient. I think Kyle was 23 when he had the role.
The Blood Ties series aired for 1 season (2 in the US) about 5 years ago. It was based on the Blood Books series by Tanya Huff that followed the interactions of Vicki Nelson (Christina Cox), a legally blind former cop turned private investigator, her old partner, Mike Celluci (Dylan Neal), and her new partner, Henry Fitzroy, as they faced supernatural threats.
Number 4: Spike, Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel (WB/CW)
I'm sure I don't have to explain Spike to anyone. This charming bad boy stole the show when he appeared in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Even though he was originally one of the villains, Spike was one of the most interesting and attractive characters on the show. He was utterly unashamed of who and what he was. Confidence (and a smart mouth) can be so attractive in a man. Spike was played by the irresistible James Marsters in a way that cemented his role in television history.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the brainchild of Joss Whedon, aired for 6 seasons and spawned the sister show, Angel. Both series made such an impact on pop culture that they encompass entire tracks at conventions and are even the focus of university courses.
Number 3: Aidan, Being Human (Syfy)
As you can tell, I like vampires. Aidan (played by Sam Witwer) is the more vulnerable of this group though. After years spent reveling in the excesses of vampirism, he is struggling to stay on the wagon. Sure there are a few slips but he is putting the effort out to live a more normal life.
Syfy's Being Human was created by the same person who does BBC's Being Human. While many of the major plot lines are the same, there are enough differences that you can easily consider them separate shows entirely. Being Human is in its first season and airs on Syfy at 9 pm EST on Monday nights.
Number 2: Methos, Highlander
I think Methos might be the favorite character for all Highlander fans. Besides being the oldest (and most fabled) of the immortals, he was one of the most charming and sarcastic men from the show. What can you really say about a man who knew "how tall Nero was," but doesn't know that Chubby Checker popularized the twist. I have a page of rules for living that was based on Methos quotes and my favorite is never apologize for who you are.
Methos appeared in seasons 3-6 of Highlander and was played (masterfully in my opinion) by Peter Wingfield. He also appeared in the Highlander: The Source, a movie that came out in 2007. If you've never seen the show, you can find it on Hulu.com. I'd highly recommend checking it out. After all, would I lie to you?
Number 1: Castiel, Supernatural (CW)
My, my, my, Castiel. An angel that rebels against his brethren in order to save humanity. When Cas first appeared in Supernatural, he had questions but still followed orders. Now, after an averted apocalypse, he is the rebel leader in a civil war in Heaven. I'm not sure I would call him kind since he is more than willing to kill to get the job done, but he is compassionate. His time on Earth has taught him that however flawed people may be they are still to be valued. He's done a good job of picking up sarcasm as well.
Supernatural is in its sixth and final season. It airs on the CW at 9 pm EST on Friday nights.
Quotes and pictures for Supernatural, Being Human, and Blood Ties can be found on my blog.
As always, comments are welcome. Who are your favorite supernatural characters?
