Updated at 2:15 p.m. Friday, May 23

Sir Guy of Gisborne has defeated Ben Linus of "Lost" in RedEye’s Best TV Character tourney.

Posted at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 23

When British actor Richard Armitage heard that his “Robin Hood” character, Sir Guy of Gisborne, has a commanding lead in RedEye’s Best TV Character tourney, he had one question.

“We do love to hate our baddies, don’t we,” he asked me Friday morning via phone from London. “That’s a good thing, I think.

“I think it’s pretty sick actually, that there’s a taste for that kind of sadistic, ruthless killer. I’m guessing it’s sort of a TV unpopularity contest, isn’t it?”

OK, that was two questions, but Armitage might be allowed the surprise. His character, from what is fair to call an obscure adventure series on BBC America, has defeated Andy Botwin from “Weeds,” Dexter Morgan from “Dexter,’ Kenneth Parcell from “30 Rock” and, in a bit of a dogfight, Michael Scott from “The Office.”

He’s now beaten “Lost” baddie Benjamin Linus.

Armitage can thank the members of his Armitage Army fan club for the thousands of votes he’s getting each round. The fans—from all over the world—have come out to droves to vote. Many of them are from the U.S., which makes Armitage happy.

“I’m really pleased people are enjoying the show as well,” he said. “I kind of always knew that the humor and the style of our particular ‘Robin Hood’ would go down well stateside. I think that the boldness, the way it’s executed is quite appealing to you guys. I’m just really glad you’re all enjoying it.

“Maybe the black leather has something to do with it as well.”

For those who don’t know, Sir Guy, the dark henchman on “Robin Hood,” wears leather from head-to-toe. He’s heart may be just as dark as the leather outfit, which is one reason Armitage thinks Sir Guy has become so popular.

“When you give a character such a dark center, a damaged inner life; when you give them the potential for redemption, I think everybody is sort of attracted to them,” he said. “They feel that there’s a journey to go on. I think we the feel a need to see them through that journey.

“It’s a similar thing to why people enjoy period dramas as well. It’s like ripping the corset off a constrained woman, isn’t it? We want to sort of exhale, and see this guy come into the light.”

Armitage and I talked about Season 3 of "Robin Hood," which begins filming soon, and for you Armitage Army soldiers, he spilled a deep dark secret about his past to me—about his leather trousers. Go to the jump for more from Armitage.

At one point during the tournament I had to explain that as Sir Guy you don’t wear tights on “Robin Hood,” but leather.

Because it looks like plastic? There was a huge debate about this last year because everyone thought [Sir Guy’s leather outfit] was plastic. But no, it’s definitely, definitely leather.

It’s going to go through a bit of a redesign for Series 3 [which starts filming June 30]. It’s getting dirtied and sort of reshaped so it’s not quite so 80s rock singer looking.

What else can you tell us about Season 3 of “Robin Hood”?

It’s hard to say. I’ve literally just received two draft copies of episodes 1 and 2 but there’s certainly going to be a big revenge story line with Robin and Guy.

I think Guy’s going on a little bit of a death-wish mission. I can’t give it away, but something happens at the end of Series 2 that Guy needs to redeem himself from.

I think there’s going to be a lot of self-punishment. And he’s going to go through a little self-abuse which will be quite interesting to see.

Do you think they will ever kill him off?

I think, you know, no matter what you do with the formula, the baddies do have to get it in the end. There’s a real desire in me to see that happen. I want to see him get his comeuppance, otherwise you feel a little bit cheated.

But how they do it and the interesting way they do it will be the big surprise. I kind of think he deserves it at some point.

Many of your fans in the U.S. have asked me if you have plans to work on something in the U.S. Do you?

I don’t at the moment. I’m kind of pretty tied up with “MI-5” and “Robin Hood.” I think “MI-5” I having a little bit of a re emergence on BBC America. They might bunch a lot of it up together and get it back in the running. I think Series 7 [in which Armitage plays a regular character] will be quite appealing to you lot.

So hopefully that will happen. I’d like to come over for a job.

Several Armitage Army soldiers asked me why, in our earlier interview, I didn’t ask you any personal question. Do you have any big secret you want to tell me?

Not that I want to tell you, no. Well, [laughs], I can’t think of anything I’d like to share.

Actually no, there’s one thing. There is a little confession I have. I did wear leather trousers through most of drama school and most of the late 90s when they were well out of fashion.

So I actually think that I’m getting my comeuppance with [Sir Guy]. There’s a little confession for you.

They’re still in my wardrobe as well. I don’t think anyone should wear leather trousers, anyway. But I don’t think blokes over 30 should wear leather trousers.

Is it true you have to powder in order to wear leather trousers?

Um, yeah, you do have to … [Laughs] Yes, A little bit.

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Now that the polls are closed, we can all be magnanimous and say they are both really great characters, right!? And how wonderful that you got to talk to them both, Curt, and get their take on things. Congratulations to them both for making it to the final showdown. And much happy viewing in future for everyone watching these two phenomenal bad guys do their thing!

(Okay, anyone up for a championship bout between Kara Thrace and Sir Guy? Now THAT would be interesting!)

Curt's reply: That would be interesting. Maybe in 32 years, after our 32nd tourney, when we have 32 past champs, we'll do a best of tourney!

Curt, RA--thank you!!! That was a lovely interview. RA is right about the 80s rocker motiff--I always get a bit of a Billy Idol vibe from Sir Guy ;)
Those RH S3 details are juicy as well. Suicide missions, self-punishment, revenge and re-designed leather? Sounds like a winner to me.
Thanks again for all the fun,
ELM

Curt's reply: I aim to please ELM. Thanks for reading.

To Curt and RedEye: Thank you for conducting this tourney! It was great fun. Best part: reading fan comments and watching my "Guy" win!
PS: Don't tell anyone, but I have never actually seen "Lost"...However, after reading many great comments from the "Linus Camp", I am tempted to watch at least one episode, and see what the fuss is all about...For sure, by next year...
Curt's reply: Never ... seen ... "Lost"?! I forgive.

Thank you for another lovely interview, Curt.

Curt's reply: You're welcome

Great Job Curt!
Never underestimate the power of leather pants and a woman. oh yes and the AA.
Thanks for bringing our RA to the attention of your readers.
Really with such great baddies, it is the viewers that ultimately win!
Here is to a strong future of baddies (black leather is optional but recommended).
Thanks again Curt.
Curt's reply: Hi Ramones. Happy you enjoyed.

I think Richard made a good point about a bad boy with a hope for redemption; it does make one want to take that journey. Richard brings so much to this character that its really quite to joy to watch it unfold, even when that dark center becomes pitch black.

The Sheriff is bad without any hope of redemption, and played wonderfully by Keith Allen, however he does not evoke any need in me to invest time and go along for the ride. There is no hope for that caharcter and he is no more than a prop for the adventures of the others.

At the end of the day, they are just characters and if we were to come across real people like this, I imagine they would hold only the interest of police psychologists and the FBI. hahaha

Thank you Curt for the fun two weeks. I enjoyed every aspect of your tourney.
Curt's reply: Tourney's done, but I'm not. Keep checking in Cara. Thanks

Congrats to Richard, we voted for the character and the wonderful man who plays him. we are very grounded gentlewomen, who may like a baddie in fantasy, but we know good guys are best in reality!
Richard and Guy really deserve this win. This whole tournament reminds me of that saying "Nice Guy's finish last" Well Guy may be a bad guy and won, but the good person behind him Richard Armitage, won too.
angela
Curt's reply: Thanks for participating Angela.

Hey, Curt --
I was wondering if you have ever seen this interview with Richard Armitage re: Guy. It's one of my favorites and I don't think it's up on YouTube anymore.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7010000/newsid_7017400/7017402.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&asb=1&news=1&ms3=20
What a Charming Guy!
Kate
Curt's reply: I will check it out kate. Thanks

Thanks for the follow-up interview with Richard Armitage, Curt. I love to hear him talk about his characters and I can't wait for Season 3 of Robin Hood...especially now there's a slight wardrobe change with the leathers. In the meantime, I hope everyone here in the U.S. will watch Season 2 Robin Hood on BBC America. You won't regret it!

Curt's reply: RA tells me there are big shocks coming in Season 2 as well. Should be fun.

Thanks for the interview, Richard is certainly not giving away too much but I must say, "what comes around goes around" with regard to the leather trousers ha ha!!! I look forward to series 3 with baited breath, love both characters, Robin and Sir Guy, mostly Robin but it will be very interesting considering the ending of series two.

Curt's reply: We're in the middle of Season 2 right now. Sounds like a great ending in store.

That was so much fun thank you. And I'm so thrilled that we managed to get a win for Richard as Guy.
He's given so much to this role it's a pleasure to watch and yes the black leather coupled with smouldering gorgeousness is a factor.
And yes again it's that possibility of redemption that's the key. There's so much fanfic about Sir Guy (I've written a bit of it). And lots are on the theme of his being led to redemption by the love of a good woman. Female psychology there. (Well this female anyway).
Thanks again.

Curt's reply: You are welcome AJ. Did you add your pin to the world map on the blog? Go for it.

Richard Armitage sounds like a lovely man; congrats to him for a well-deserved win for playing such a despicable character so well. But would you consider interviewing the actual STAR of the show: Jonas Armstrong? He has a multi-national fanbase as well (the Armstrong Angels), who think he's just the most handsome, humble and lovely human being on earth! Thanks.

Curt's reply: Thanks for the tip, Ula. I would love to interview JA.

I would like to thank you for the interviews, contest, and the fun too. A group of us have wandered in and diverted, (hopefully not derailed), what was meant to be a primarily local feature I presume, and everyone has been very gracious about it all.
I am currently watching Lost as it approaches the finale in my country, and I fully appreciate the character of Ben Linus, but I think with Guy it is a bit like having Ben, Jack and Sawyer in one package and some of us can't resist the extras. LOL
Curt's reply: "Lost" season finale is coming this week Tiff. I can't wait. Watch for more from Michael Emerson on the finale later in the week. And thanks for participating in the contest, reading the blog. But you are incorrect: I've always had aspiration to go international!
Have you placed your pin on the world map on my blog? I like to see where readers live. Thanks again.

Another interview with RA is always a welcomed and appreciated thing. I love Robin Hood and have never wanted the "bad" guy to get the girl, except in this case. Even just a one night fling? That would be a great surprise and very unexpected writing. Don't ya think?
As I see it Marion's attracted to Guy's damaged past wanting to fix whatever went wrong in his life to make him this way because he reveals his good side on occasion. Will we find out what it was?
And as for the whole black leather thing, I just see black, not a rocker outfit, but I see what you mean. Course I see lots and lots of leather because I live near the Harley Davidson Factory. You gotta love a man in leather! Maybe that's what Guy needs, a Harley!
Curt's reply: Thanks for writing in again, MA. I'm happy you're enjoying the posts.

Thanks so much for the lovely interview, Curt! :-D

I can't wait for Season 3 of Robin Hood. What will it happen to Sir Guy?

Curt's reply: We'll have to see Borbo. Thanks for commenting.

I'm one the RA fans "from all over the world". I'm from Chile, and I love RA's works!
Thank you from Chile, for this great interview!

Curt's reply: Welcome Chile. And you're welcome. Add your pin to my world map. You can find it on the right side of the first page.

Guy admits he’s done “Crimes, Heinous crimes” but he does want to be absolved. He felt that Marian’s “pure blood” would wash all that away. Guy shows us all our own inner dark side, and who can say, looking back at past actions, that they wouldn’t have done things differently.

Curt's reply: Thanks for commenting.

Thanks for the lovely interview with Richard Armitage. It's always a joy for me to hear him talking. He has such a candid way about him and he's got the most sexiest voice. He has a lot of fans here in America. Hope to see more of him here.

Curt's reply: Thanks for reading and commenting.

Hi there what a lovely interview. Richard seems like a lovely man! The only downside is I have to wait such a long time for series two of robin Hood to be released on dvd in Ireland!
Boo Hoo!
Di.
Curt's reply: Stay strong Di, stay strong. Thanks for commenting.

I think that Ben from Lost is a huge loser. He was always toying with people's emotions anyways. I don't consider him a true "baddie." He also reminds me of a frog, with his big bug eyes and all. Sir Guy is more mean, he burned down Marian's house. He also wasn't around very much, in my opinion. Ben was always a big part of the main episodes. I think Guy needs to have longer parts in Robin Hood. Thanks again for such a great interview. You did a fantastic job.
Curt's reply: Thanks for reading Mira.

I agree with Mira about Guy needing to have longer scenes. My friends and I only watched Robin Hood to see Sir Guy. We fell not just for his good looks, but for his tortured soul - we glimpsed a brave and noble nature struggling to emerge from beneath his habitual badness and longed for his redemption. We would wander off to do the ironing or cooking whenever Robin appeared as most of his adventures were boring, silly or sometimes plain embarrassing (i.e: the Ep 12 scenes in the barn).

Thanks so much for the great interview, Curt! It's very much appreciated - as was the poll. We had such fun voting for our Guy!
Curt's reply: You bet Zibba. Hey, did you add you location to the map on the right side of my main page? Thanks

I'm disappointed that he didn't share anything personal with his fans . . . It would have been nice to learn a little more about him. I've heard he is desperate to make it in the US. If that is the case, he's going to have to open up and share. What's he afraid of? We Americans don't bite. . . well too hard anyway. He should be able to take it....he wears leather doesn't he?

Curt's reply: He DID share a secret! Check the jump to the post when Richard talks about his wardrobe choices in the 1990s.

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