Look out- it's contagious!

Many of us know first-hand what it's like to be hit by

Thornton Syndrome.

One minute, you're minding your own business...

then you've watched "North & South" and
*BAM* 

suddenly, you're googling Richard Armitage, wanting to see the rest of his work and any photo available.  Don't worry- you're not alone. Not many can avoid the power of the cravat.

Then there's Gisborne Syndrome.

There is more to this condition than drooling at the sight of black leather and Guyliner,

or grown women wanting their own Guy of Gisborne action figure.

Little Guy is so cute.

I have recently discovered another symptom of Gisborne Syndrome:

favoring the anti-hero in other movies or series.

How many of you have caught yourself doing this since becoming a fan of Gizzy?

Richard's portrayal of Gisborne has warped my brain.  Now, every time I see a baddie

on a movie/television show, instead of disliking him, I immediately start analyzing.

"Hmm... I wonder what happened in his past to make this guy the way he is now?"

Then my sympathy (deserving or not) turns into favoring that character, especially if he's handsome.

No more "obvious" heartthrobs for me.  (The one the storyline wants you to love.) 

I now prefer the non-conventional male characters and it's all HIS fault:

(Oops!  Where did that come from?)

Examples of my personal Gisborne Syndrome experiences:

Over the holidays, when watching "Frosty the Snowman" with my boys,

I sided with Professor Hinkle for the first time ever.  (The magician whose discarded hat

brings Frosty to life.  He wants it back when he finds out it really is magical.)

Professor Hinkle doesn't threaten to kill anyone like Gisborne would,

but he does become a stalker.  Still, I couldn't help but sympathize with the poor guy.

I enjoyed watching several actors in "3:10 to Yuma"

but the character that intrigued me the most was Charlie Prince, played by Ben Foster.

This guy is a dirty-rotten, thieving, gun-slinging, murdering... you get the idea.

I have no idea WHY he was my favorite character,

other than to blame you-know-who:

Stop making me side with the baddies, Gisborne!

I just rediscovered "Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman."

I used to watch it as a kid, but forgot almost everything that happened,

so it has been fun to see it again, this time on DVD.  It's my current viewing obsession.

Instead of having a crush on Sully or Matthew like most ladies might,

my favorite character is Hank Lawson, owner of the local saloon and brothel.

 

He usually has a cigar in one hand and a whiskey in the other.

Like Gisborne, Hank is often a scoundrel, but has a soft side as well.
He frequently wears a smirk... maybe it's the liquor... but I love watching him, scoundrel or not.

Young Spock on Star Trek, played by Zachary Quinto, is not a baddie, however he's a rather unconventional crush since he's a different species, right?  :)  When I saw the new Star Trek movie, I immediately favored Spock over Kirk... kind of like, "Why fancy Robin when you could fancy Gisborne?" sort of a thing.  I guess I could like them both, but Gisborne Syndrome won't allow it.  That and I like his pointy sideburns for some reason. 
(Send help, someone!)

I must favor the baddie/underdog/unconventional one of the bunch

and it's all because of HIM:

Don't worry, Giz... you're still my favorite bad boy!

Have you been hit by Gisborne Syndrome?

If so, in what way?  (Favoring baddies, buying Gisborne merchandise... please explain.)