Gone are the days of the Green Hornet and the Knight Rider. TV drama has no more of those heroes who could see only in black and white. Crime fighting is no more about good vs. evil.
There's probably a reason why Dior gray is an aspirational colour in the world of fashion. And that seems to have made its way into the idiot box as well.
Layers, perceptions, and the once unacceptable attitudes have become the norm. And what's more, that's what we viewers want - something gritty, real, and a brief walk on the dangerous side.
Here's a look at the anti-heroes we invite into our living rooms and make time for in our daily schedule.
GREGORY HOUSE
But seriously, what do we love about Gregory House played by the immensely talented Hugh Laurie? Well, did we mention his charming cynicism? There's oodles more to him of course. He plays the piano and organ like a dream, strums the guitar like a rock star, is an unabashed flirt, a loyal friend despite seeming otherwise, and incredibly good looking! But most importantly he makes us smile, and at extremes makes us want to will him into reality.
We're especially looking forward to seeing him this season as the famed Liza Cuddy & House chemistry seems to be going somewhere interesting. Sigh! See you on September 20, House!
Sue Sylvester
Bad guys are supposed to be beaten. They can't have a meaty role. And even if they do, they've got to go by the time credits role. And that isn't the case with Sue Sylvester of Glee fame. This bad girl just won't back down.
Played by the fantastic Jane Lynch, Sylvester is the cheer-leading coach with a nasty temper and a hobby of persecuting Glee club members, the school's musical troupe. There are times when there's a glimmer of goodness that makes us warm to her. But it's snuffed out as quick as lightning. But watching her onscreen seems to purge us of all our bully fantasies. Phew!
Don Draper
You know how it is falling for the bad guys. It's a constant war. The extremes they characterise have you in their grip. Don Draper of Mad Men, is one such bad guy.
Played by the award winning John Hamm, Draper is chivalrous, respectful around women, yet has extramarital affairs. But unlike his colleagues in his ad agency, he isn't keen on sharing them. There is a certain dignity to that.
He's ethical in the cutthroat world of advertising. And he may not approve of a colleague's homosexuality, but he tolerates it and doesn't rat him out in the homophobic era of the 1950s.
There are times when we respect him and sometimes appalled by his actions. But we're glad there's someone to offer us a dilemma to chew on between mouthfuls at dinner time.
Dexter Morgan
Blood-spatter analyst by day, and serial killer by night. That's one helluva profession. His fans would like to call him a vigilante. And those who don't take a back seat and ponder over what's right and wrong.
He's not just any serial killer. As a child he displayed apathy with regard to killing animals. His father foresaw where this could lead and trained him in a code of ethics, that would let him kill only killers. Even Steven.
Michael C Hall plays the aloof forensic expert with such cool. And he's good looking to boot.
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