For those of you who follow my blog, you know I’m a fan of pretty much anything paranormal. My latest obsession is ABC’s 666 Park Avenue, a television series that’s part The Devil’s Advocate (my favorite movie), and part Rosemary’s Baby.
Okay, so there was clearly no way I wouldn’t love this show!
Even though 666 Park Avenue takes its title from a book written by Gabriella Pierce, I haven’t found the plot to be anything like the book. The series revolves around the residents of a building (technically 999 Park Avenue) and its mysterious owners, the Dorans.
From what we’ve seen so far, Gavin Doran (whom you Lost fans might recognize as Terry O’Quinn) is most definitely a paranormal type of villain…perhaps even the devil himself. He handpicks the residents of the building and makes devil’s bargains with them. In the very first scene of the premiere episode, we learn that he made a deal with one of the building’s residents, a violinist. The violinist received ten years at the top of his field, in exchange for (presumably) his soul. Gavin Doran calls the violinist to tell him his time is up, and when the violinist tries to flee the building, he’s sucked back inside, never to be seen again.
Even though Gavin Doran is clearly a villain of sorts, I can’t help but like his character the most off all. He’s charming, you see, utterly suave…and outwardly even kind. He admits when he’s wrong, and even when cashing in on his bargains, he remains the consummate gentlemen. Even though the series’ heroes are the new co-resident managers, Jane Van Veen and Henry Martin (at least, I think they’re the heroes), I’m far more intrigued by Gavin Doran. The villain has stolen the show.
Okay, since I love to know these things, do any of you have a beloved movie or book where the villain absolutely outshines the hero? Or maybe he’s got a hint of vulnerability and you just can’t help but fall for him? If so, please share. 
Rosalie Lario
Author of the Demons of Infernum Series
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Anton Chigurh, Javier Bardem’s character in No Country for Old Men is a great example of this–IMO. He was a horrible man committing gruesome crimes but I kept hoping there would be some redeeming quality that would give him an ounce of humanity. At the end of the movie (I didn’t read the book) he had the perfect opportunity. All he had to do was let Carla Jean Moss go. He didn’t. I love that movie. It was brilliantly acted all the way around, but it was more than Bardem’s awesome hair that stole the show. His portrayal was both chilling and gripping.
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Yes, that’s it! I love when you can’t help but root for the bad guy, even though you know he’s bad! And awesome hair doesn’t hurt either, lol.
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Great Post Rosalie! You guys are like my older sister, her love for the sinister started with Dark Shadows. I’m afraid I am the opposite, I like a man who acts badly, but deep down his soul is pure.
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Rosalie Lario Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
I like those kind of men too, lol!
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Terry O’Quinn will always be Tom Boone from the tv show JAG for me so I can never see him as totally evil! I haven’t seen 666 yet. I’ll have to check it out. Redeeming qualities are a must for me!
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Rosalie Lario Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
I’m digging the show so far. A little bit cheesy, but hey, that works just fine for me!
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What about the bar owner dude from Deadwood? He’s pretty dark and awful mostly but sometimes I think he’s the real hero of the piece. I dont know what that says about me…..
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Rosalie Lario Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 7:19 am
Haven’t seen that one yet!
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Did someone mention Dark Shadows? I vaguley remember the original and the movie with Johnny Depp is AMAZING! Now Barnabus Collins is a villain but the hero too in a funny/scary really entertaining way. Music is sensational too!
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Rosalie Lario Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 7:49 am
I just saw the preview for the Dark Shadows movie last night. Plan on checking it out. Johnny Depp rocks!
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Oh I’m loving 666 Park Avenue too!!!
But the building manager chickie bugs me… SHe seriously goes into dark scary places and says “Anyone there?” Has she never watched a horror movie??? LOL
I agree with you about Gavin… He’s evil and very charming!
Lisa
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Rosalie Lario Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 7:31 am
Lol, yes, I agree. I was watching last night and going, “How can you go down there alone, AGAIN??” I guess they’re trying to establish her character. So far she’s coming off a bit like a loon.
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I hadn’t even heard of this show but now I’m definitely dvr’ing
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Rosalie Lario Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 7:31 am
It’s definitely worth a try, Patricia, for us paranorm fans!
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Brahm Stokers Dracula with Gary Oldman. Such a passionate love story.
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Rosalie Lario Reply:
November 2nd, 2012 at 6:32 pm
Yes, he did make an amazing villain in that one, didn’t he?
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