Please don’t laugh, but I’ve been watching The Mentalist while I’ve been unable to concentrate. In case you have been lucky enough to miss it, it’s about an ex-psychic - in other words, a con man - who starts working with the California Bureau of Investigation after a serial killer, Red John, kills his wife and daughter.
It is basically a mad romp, and Patrick Jane, the mentalist of the title, is a very amusing psychopath…
So I thought I’d watch a few episodes and be able to give it up - I don’t watch that much TV - yet somehow I got hooked.
The occasional appearance of Malcolm McDowell as a cult leader helped. But really, the truth is, it is very good story telling.
I am currently impressed with the characterisation of billionaire businessman Tommy Volker. Initially he seems very smooth - and indeed, he remains very controlled.
The interesting part is that when he talks to Agent Teresa Lisbon everything he says is polite or flattering and even charming. Except the way he says it, and his body language, is completely chilling.
One of the best villains I’ve seen in a long time.
Do you have a favourite villain?
Ann
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So many .... Also, most of my favourite characters are flawed and tricky. They may do the right thing in the end, but they may be atoning for past evils, or be tempted by other things along their journey to finding their soul. I've always loved the character of Loki in the Norse myths (and as captured by Joanne Harris). Not seen the series (though Tom H is excellent - and he could easily be referring to Loki in that quote).