One of the most popular character archetypes in all of fiction, spanning forms and genres of all shapes and sizes, the magnificent bast*rd is a ruthless, charismatic schemer and plotter. The character type was given its name by the movie Patton, who used the phrase to describe his arch-enemy in World War II, the Desert Fox Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, the most respected and charismatic leader in the German army. Usually a villain or an antagonist in any given narrative, very occasionally an anti-hero friend to the protagonist, the magnificent bast*rd is often best used sparingly in any conventional narrative the size of their cojones can derail a narrative, stealing the show through sheer force of personality. Always seven or eight steps ahead of their opponents, the magnificent bast*rd is rarely ever caught off-guard, and even then will almost always have more than one back-up plan that will allow them to pull off part of the plan and escape to try again later. But its not just the genius of the magnificent bast*rd that sets them apart: audacious, usually charming and witty, magnificent bast*rds are creatures of panache, admired as well as respected for their boldness and ability to improvise under fire. Lateral thinking is where they live, and where others are reckless and impulsive, the magnificent bast*rd is fearless and creative, always innovating, often imitated but never duplicated. Here are the ten most magnificent bast*rds in television and of course, here be spoilers. Dont say we didnt warn you. Oh, and no - despite the tagline to this article, Blackadder isn't on the list. He only thinks he's a magnificent bast*rd...
Professional writer, punk werewolf and nesting place for starfish. Obsessed with squid, spirals and story. I publish short weird fiction online at desincarne.com, and tweet nonsense under the name Jack The Bodiless. You can follow me all you like, just don't touch my stuff.
