2010 How Michael Emerson Became TV's Best "Guest Star"

                
                
How Michael Emerson Became TV's Best "Guest Star"
By Robert Dougherty | Yahoo! Contributor Network – Fri, Oct 15, 2010 11:07 AM
Months ago, viewers said a mixed goodbye to "Lost" but there were no mixed feelings about one of the show's unlikely heroes. Ben Linus was TV's greatest villain for years, but thanks to some last-minute shifts - and the smoke monster seizing the island's evil throne - fans were actually sad that Ben couldn't cross over with the castaways. TV has had countless "love to hate" characters, but few have done as well at making people love to love them over time. That is why Michael Emerson is the best actor on TV to many and why his possible return to TV excited Losties everywhere.
Emerson is forever known for being "creepy" with his large eyes and Hannibal Lecter-esque voice. Being creepy and evil was his defining trait before that, thanks to his Emmy winning guest star arc on "The Practice"in 2001. Serial killer William Hinks served as the prototype for Ben Linus, having the same way with words, odd inflection, and talent for brilliant schemes. This made the masterminds of "Lost"call on him for a guest arc - although this mere "arc" wound up saving the series.
When Emerson came on as a character who claimed his name was Henry Gale,"Lost" was facing its first prolonged slump. But if Emerson and Ben had not become the center of the show, it might have collapsed well before the controversial series finale. Guest characters and actors rarely take over a series like Emerson and Ben did, yet from Seasons Three to Five, they fueled the show's return to power. They also revived many fans' passion for the show and helped ensure "Lost" would be a phenomenon to the end.
Although Emerson became typecast as creepy, those who paid closer attention knew better. In fact, he almost made Ben into a comic relief character, on par with Hurley - although Ben had a more wicked sense of humor. In spite of Ben seeming inhuman and emotionless, Emerson made it all the more powerful when he did break down - particularly after a brutal family tragedy.
As Ben lost more of his power and sense of self, Emerson did the near impossible and made him into a tragic figure. In spite of committing genocide, and ultimately killing arch-rival John Locke, it became okay to root for him. Not because he was fun to hate or to hiss at - but because one actually wanted him to find his soul again. Only a Michael Emerson can get away with a trick like that.
Placing someone as their favorite TV actor because of one role might be premature. But that makes it all the more exciting that Emerson might get another role soon enough. Not only are JJ Abrams and NBC planning to bring him back to TV, they are bringing "Lost" BFF and rival Terry O'Quinn with him. Emerson made everyone better on "Lost" - but pair him with someone like O'Quinn, and it generates as much power as the island itself.
Michael Emerson already helped give "Lost" a major sendoff. But can he help make a show big from the ground up as well? Few who watched "Lost" would argue against it, as even though the island isn't coming back, seeing its former king on TV again soon could be the next best thing.