Helen wrote: <Perhaps that's one of the reasons I don't think there was much passion on his side. I've always had the opinion that when he suddenly realised she actually was attracted to him, he'd turn the charm on and off to get what he needed (such as buying time) and then get the hell away.>

I can't argue with the on-screen fact that there *is* a physical attraction there, but I agree it's never strong enough on either side to overcome the calculation (and on Avon's side, definitely, an emotional revulsion). Probably because, again, there's no attraction to each other as human beings - Avon recognises that that's rather an over-generous description of the extremely winsome monster that is Her Supremeness, and Servalan because she's not actually capable of *thinking* about other people except as tools or threats - 'things' to be used (yes, even Don Keller. Have a listen to her in 'Sand', it's all about *her* and what 'love' and 'power' were for *her*, not a word about the man himself).

As well, of course, there's a rather clinical appreciation of each other's mental agility and an enjoyment of the battle of wills; I do think this is always important for Avon, someone who engages his mind, who interests him intellectually is always going to be more interesting than someone who may be moral and good, but is mentally straightforward. His mental games with Servalan are on a lesser and far harsher plane than those he had with Blake, but they're still a source of some cold amusement.

All of which is why they *can* play out their twisted little flirtations, even though there's no emotional connection whatsoever: why Avon can do it without his revulsion for what she is and has done getting in the way. What they 'share' is all so essentially meaningless ... JMO, of course.

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