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Meet the new Saint: James Purefoy

Dec 10, 2007, 01:39 PM | by Marc Bernardin

Categories: Television, Water cooler

Saint_l As the New Orleans Saints (of the National Football League) plummet into inconsequence, another Saint is making a comeback. (How's that for a totally ridiculous segue? Sometimes, letting your fingers do the walking results in buffoonery.)

But, yes, according to author Leslie Charteris' official website, indefatigable rogue and occasional cat burglar Simon Templar—who was last seen in 1997's misbegotten Val Kilmer flick—will be returning to the small screen. Rome's James Purefoy (pictured, left) will be stepping into the shoes made famous by a ridiculously handsome pre-Bond Roger Moore (right) for a new TV series, which we probably won't see here in the US because we're just not cool enough.

Templar Saint Tue, Dec 18, 2007 at 11:18 AM EST

The Saint is scheduled to be on TNT in the USA. Quite a difference from Saving Grace. I have high expectations for this show. The character has been around since 1928 so it has staying power. Purefoy is an excellent choice , humor and hard edge is what the character is about.

Deborah Wed, Dec 12, 2007 at 07:31 PM EST

Love him and happy to hear about The Saint.

CheleBelle Tue, Dec 11, 2007 at 02:05 PM EST

It's his voice...James Purefoy has the most unbelieveable voice...like a mash up of a cat's purr, caviar AND velvet...::::SIGH:::: Will be waiting for it on BBC America with as much patience as I can muster and maintain.

Lene Tue, Dec 11, 2007 at 11:15 AM EST

Thoroughly enjoyed him in Rome and not just for his willingness to disrobe. he's a great actor, nekkid or not. Can't wait to see this.

GeeMoney Tue, Dec 11, 2007 at 08:15 AM EST

Hey some of us actually liked "The Saint" starring Val Kilmer!

Lauren Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 09:47 PM EST

this is stellar news! Oh how I have been missing James since the end (fall) of Rome...

Ceballos Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 07:53 PM EST

This is completely random (and I swear I mean no disrispect to La La Love You), but...


I think we need to come up with a new go-to mundane task to describe someone who we consider fascinating making a mundane task interesting. I mean, I know "I'd watch _____ read the phone book" has served us well, but it's been around for a long time and I think we could do better.


I'm thinking something like "fold laundry" or "fix a bowl of cereal" or whatever...

La La Love You Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 07:00 PM EST

Hottie hot hot hot! I would watch him read the phonebook.

Sven Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 06:50 PM EST

Suzanne,

I only stopped to watch that bit of Cane as I recognized Atia. Actually I stopped because I could not figure out where I had seen that actress, and then when I heard her voice, I realized who it was. But that was not enough to get me to watch any more of the program. So far only Journeyman has kept me coming back, but even that has not gotten me to watch every week.

Snarf Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 05:54 PM EST

Probably make it to CBC or Bravo! in Canada.

suzanne Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 05:44 PM EST

Thanks Sven, I haven't seen Cane (or know anyone who has!) so I wasen't aware.

Ep Sato Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 04:41 PM EST

Like the Original Office and Hotel Babylon, this'll probably make the rotations on BBC America, which means we'll all be able to watch via "On Demand". I thought Purefoy was great in Rome and would like to see him in a role a little less, uh, naked.

After Val Kilmer's crapfest, it'd be nice to see the character come back with some gusto. With at least one Roger Moore cameo, of course.

chippy Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 03:42 PM EST

Everything about Rome was terrific. Hope we get to see James Purefoy in another exciting series...he was one cool Marc Antony.

Sven Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 03:09 PM EST

Suzanne,

Atia (Polly Walker) has been on television, at least ten episodes of Cane according to imdb (http://imdb.com/name/nm0908116/). She is/was Ellis Samuels. More than that I can not tell you, as I only saw a bit of the first episode.

suzanne Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 02:39 PM EST

Sweet! Lucious Vorenus is on TV, next will be Marc Antony, all I need is Atia and Titus Pollo on the screen again and I'll be a happy camper!

TVSlave Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 02:35 PM EST

To J
Ditto....yum

Sven Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 02:04 PM EST

Anything that gets the cast of Rome some work is alright with me. I actually kind of enjoyed the Val Kilmer film, although it did not hold a candle to the original Roger Moore tv series.

J Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 02:02 PM EST

That man is delectable. I will watch him do anything.

J Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 01:54 PM EST

That man is delectable. I will watch him do anything.

Stef Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 01:50 PM EST

James Purefoy killed (no pun intented) in "Rome". With all the great TV over there I've considered moving!

Emoney Mon, Dec 10, 2007 at 01:50 PM EST

Oh, delicious! The more naked Marc Antony, the more exciting Rome was. I am sure he'll wear more clothes in this series, but I bet it will be good anyway. I hope we get to see it...

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