The Strange Mystique of Harry Pearce. I Worship His Sirship.

At first I thought it was all about Peter Firth. There is no question that Firth is adorable in interviews, intelligent, self-depreciating, direct and a wonderful actor.  But it is not Peter who is enthralling me and stealing all my free time . . . it is Harry Pearce -- that's Sir Harry, to you. Yes, I've found that I worship his sirship and I'll tell you why.

Its not just those wonderful pouty lips that Harry and Peter Firth share, but rather the expressions and emotions he conveys with them that have me hooked. Here is a guy who is unabashedly able to express how he's feeling. How many heads of British Security Services can you say that about? He shows anger, frustration, grief, anguish, complete and utter contempt and insanely deep love. Sometimes all in the same moment.

Lips aside, I will admit publicly that he may not be the very  handsomest of men. But he has a great warm open and expressive face of the kind you maybe just don't expect from the head of the British Security Services. (Or have I mentioned already that he is Head of the British Security Services?) What makes him so very manly and attractive is his humanity, combined with that serious power and authority he has going for him. Think about the resources at Sir Harry's disposal (status is built right into the name.) He has a staff of amazingly talented and brazen individuals who will do his bidding and follow his orders. But he doesn't tend to abuse that. He makes measured, thoughtful and very difficult decisions all the time and stands behind them with a shocking amount of integrity, with just a touch of "I will do whatever the hell I want" thrown in.

His necktie is a lethal weapon, he can hold out against torment and torture, and he will shatter a glass to gouge his lunch companion if needs be (which also brings out something we don't see often - his very attractive smile).

Though he is unquestionably at a high level in government, he doesn't spend much time hanging around schmoozing people and attending fancy events. He is almost always in his office working. And when he's not, he's home walking his foo-foo dog, rocking the quiz shows on tv, making tea for colleagues or going to the dog races with their kids. No driving around in midlife crisis red convertibles for this one.

He is tough as nails, but he cares about real things and real people. Not superficial, Harry, but deep. And in love.

If he were a character in an American show, he would almost certainly be with many empty-headed young women. Thank heavens he's not. Instead, he is completely besotted with fabulously appealing and intellectual Ruth -- who has more gorgeousness in her eyes than any Hollywood actress can match in her whole body. Yes, I admit Ruth is a much younger woman, but one who, at 40 years old and slightly frumpy in style, is not your typical eye candy. She is a woman of compassion, substance and conviction. And she is brilliant.

I love it when powerful men adore brilliant women.

If he weren't attractive enough for all the reasons above, his unlimited capacity to desire and adore Ruth, despite continuing rejection is enough to secure a place in my heart forever.