Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Bohannon and Lilly: When You're Hot, You're Hot


Two of my favorite characters, Bohannon and Lilly, are from the AMC series, Hell On Wheels. Actually, this post is supposed to be about word-of-mouth and how that is the singularly most important thing a product can have, whether it is a TV series or book. I don't watch TV much and how I got hooked on HOW was a friend of mine told me I had to watch it.  Why?  Because of the character, Cullen Bohannon. She was right! I watched and I was hooked. Of course, I told everyone I knew how terrific this series was. I even recorded the marathon and loaned it out. New fans were created and we are all awaiting the 2nd season now.

Word-of-mouth is an elusive thing. It is not anything tangible that a writer can acquire through ads or blogging or anything else. It happens or it doesn't. About 80 percent of the books I've read have been due to recommendations from my friends. The others I read because I liked the story line. But I discovered Jeffery Deaver, Greg Iles and Shanna Abe, all through word-of-mouth. And, word-of-mouth spreads easily. I have recommended these authors to several other readers. So, if you like a book, be sure to tell someone, not just write a review. They are not the same as a verbal recommendation to a friend. Maybe it has something to do with sharing and the excitement that comes with sharing something you enjoyed.

And speaking of sharing something I enjoy, I will share a clip of Bohannon and Lilly.  First, a little background for those who don't know the story. Bohannon is an ex-Confederate soldier whose wife and son were murdered by Union soldiers. He is tracking down these men and killing them. He's very blunt and violent and he's not always heroic, which is what I love about this character. He's not John Wayne. He has a dark side and is generally feared by most men. Of course, I don't know of a woman watching the show that doesn't love him. The actor in the role is from Tennessee so his Southern accent doesn't sound fake.

Lilly is from London. She was out West with her husband when Indians attacked their camp. A warrior killed her husband. In return, Lilly broke off the arrow stuck in her shoulder and shoved it through the warrior's neck. Now, that is my kind of heroine! She continues to show spirit and courage as she decides to stay in the camp town of Hell on Wheels and rather than become the railroad baron's mistress, she sets up her own tent. Now, this is partly because she likes Bohannon, I think. There has only been a hint of romance with longing looks in the series so far but the tension between the characters is terrific. The big question is: Are they destined to be together?  What do you think?



If you want to see some clips from the show, click to watch and there are other links to vids that follow.

Thanks for stopping by!

Patricia Preston

13 comments:

Taryn Kincaid said...

I've never seen -- or even heard of -- that series. But he sure is a hottie.

Dana Delamar said...

I completely second your love of Hell on Wheels--great show! I've shared my love of it a bit, but thanks for the reminder to share the books and shows I love. I probably don't do that enough!

Patricia Preston said...

Taryn, you'll have to watch it. It may repeat this summer. I'm hoping it comes out in a DVD set I can buy. He's not a hero and yet sometimes he is. He reluctantly saves people yet he doesn't hesitate to kill. There's a large cast of interesting characters.

Dana, glad you stopped by. I can't wait for Season 2. I wonder how the story will change now that Bohannon is wanted for murder. I think the town will have buildings and Lilly will stay on and have a business of her own.

Samantha Ann King said...

Love Cullen and Lilly. Can't wait for the new season.

Katherine Bone said...

I love this show, Trish, but I haven't been able to see the past few episodes. It should be shown in reruns and I'm counting on it.

Love the characters. Even Common is uber cool! O'Reily does his part to make us hate him. Very well told and historically correct when it comes to character motivation.

Patricia Preston said...

Samantha: I can't wait either! They are terrific characters.

Kathy: You have missed some good stuff! Maybe they'll have another marathon. The final episode was so good. I'm hoping it will be out on DVD this summer.

Carla Swafford said...

I love this show too, Patricia. I like he's not the typical hero we see and read over and over again. He has layers. He's real.

Patricia Preston said...

Carla: Definitely true. I think that's why he has such appeal. Didn't you love the scene where he whipped the Swede and just kept at it! I love it that they didn't make him PC. I hope they don't change him. Can't wait for the next season.

Patricia Bradley said...

He is truly a hottie! And you know they'll get together, but not for a while. And we wouldn't want them to 'cause then we'd lose all that sexual tension!

Patricia Preston said...

Pat, you'll have to watch this series. Good stuff!!

Cerise DeLand said...

I adore these two!!!! So GLAD you wrote about them and the series.
And for history buffs, what I see is def. more accurate than what I see (AND YES, absolutely lick the screen of) in DOWNTON ABBEY!
Yes, I am such a sucker. Note well, I do read good stuff, certified, as I am currently reading CATHERINE THE GREAT the new biog. by Massie.

Patricia Preston said...

Thanks for stopping by, Cerise. Word is really spreading about this series!

Anonymous said...

The second season of Hell On Wheels it ends on a disapointing note and thats all I will say. However, may the end of season two is very surprising but Miss Lilly voices out her feelings to Cullen out right. I love it now if all women would do that they just might get what they want! You may also like the English mini series called North and South which has the same intensity and the leading man is very handsome as the leading woman very fiesty too. Check it out..