Ray Stephenson (Pullo) and Kevin McKidd (Lucius)
Today on Advent Heroes, you get a twofer (2 for 1). Ray Stephenson and Kevin McKidd, or as I prefer to think of them, Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus (or as I like to call him, Luscious Vorenus). One is dark, the other one fair, but they complimented each other so well in the excellent series, Rome that I find it impossible to separate them in terms of who is my favourite. Pullo was the wise-cracking anti-hero, always getting into fights and other mischief, yet at heart he was a good noble man who cares for his friends. Lucius epitomised the Stoic hero. He's quieter than Pullo, and thinks more about the consequences of his actions, but is still a tough guy who is hopelessly in love with his wife.
My favourite scene in the series was in the penultimate episode of Series 1, when Pullo is sent to the gladiator arena for killing someone. Because he feels guilty over the death of a slave, rather than the man he was arrested for killing, he decides to let them kill him. Just when it seems he won't fight back, the other gladiators disrespect his regiment. Then he goes all badass on them. Meanwhile, Lucius is watching from afar and as Pullo starts to struggle, Lucius runs into the ring and helps him. It's bloody and gory, and not for the faint-hearted, but it made me cry and perfectly illustrated their sometimes tempestuous friendship.
On looks alone, these guys aren't top of the list. However, having read your account of them it just goes to show that there is a lot more to attraction. Trust, loyalty, friendship and laughter are the main ingredients of a true hero.
ReplyDeleteI have always really liked Ray Stevens, quite a dish in so many things but he seems to have vanished recently. Don;t much care for Kevin KcKidd but you are so right, they did compliment eachh other in Rome. Historically hilarious but great entertainment.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately it's not the best picture I could find of them when they were together. But I like their ruggedness anyway. And as you say, Patricia, it is also about trust, loyalty, friendship and laughter.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, oh I agree, historically Rome was hilarious, but it was such fun! Me and my friends watched the whole series when holidaying in Norfolk last year, and it was the best part of our week. We had so many laughs watching, and there are quite a few swoonsome men in it.