But Mama I’m in love with a criminal! Ramadan has always been a time for family, reflection, and some good drama. But over the last few years, there’s been a subtle, yet undeniable shift in the type of characters we can’t seem to resist. No, we’re not talking about the charming, dutiful heroes of the screen, or the well-mannered, upstanding gentlemen. Instead, it’s the rogues, the scruffy boys, the bad boys — the outlaws who, despite all their flaws, capture our hearts and leave us hooked week after week. Is it too obvious that we’re talking about Ahmed Malek ‘Wel’aa’ in Welad El Shams? Oops.
Let’s take this Ramadan season as a prime example. From Ahmed Malek’s brooding portrayal of Wel’aa in Welad El Shams, a homeless smoker with a bad attitude who, somehow, oozes charm despite his obvious flaws, to Ahmed El Awady‘s testosterone-fueled character ‘Fahd’ in Fahd El Batal, a man who seems to take the title of “bad boy” to a whole new level with his raw intensity and rebelliousness, to Youssef Omar’s depiction of Aly in Kamel El Adad ++, the typical college f-boy, we find ourselves inexplicably drawn to these characters. Despite their flaws— or perhaps because of them— these characters have quickly become the ones we’re rooting for.
But why? What is it about these rough-around-the-edges, complicated bad boys that make us swoon, root for them, and, dare we say, love them despite everything?
1. THE ALLURE OF THE ‘UNATTAINABLE’
The rogue boy is often mysterious and hard to get— and let’s face it, there’s something irresistibly magnetic about someone who seems just beyond our reach. In drama, the “bad boy” is rarely one for easy emotions or obvious expressions of love. They aren’t the type to easily give away their hearts. This mystery entices us— we want to know what makes them tick, what lies beneath the surface, and how we might somehow unlock their deepest layers.
2. THE APPEAL OF IMPERFECTION
In a world where perfection is so often idealized, there’s something refreshing about a character who is allowed to fail, flounder, or make mistakes. Take Youssef Omar’s Aly, for example. He embodies everything we know we should avoid— the careless playboy who’s often selfish, immature, and sometimes downright irritating. Simply, a walking red flag. But there’s a depth to him– that probably exists only in our minds– that pulls us in. His messiness makes him real. Like, Seif is the easy choice– the right one, but what is life without a little adventure? There’s no pretense; he’s unapologetically himself, and while that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it makes him feel more human than the perfect, polished hero. There’s something cathartic about watching these characters navigate their own imperfections, knowing full well they don’t have it all together.
3. THE REBELLIOUS SPIRIT
It’s undeniable— the rebel has always had an inherent allure. From a young age, we’re often drawn to those who challenge the status quo, who break rules, and who refuse to be boxed in. In Fahd El Batal, Ahmed El Awady’s portrayal of Fahd epitomizes this ideal. His raw, unapologetic masculinity (he’ll probably reveal his toxic masculinity in two episodes from now) and the sheer force of his presence are magnetic. The bad boy doesn’t follow the rules because he makes his own, and there’s something intoxicating about watching someone live without restraint. They embody freedom in its purest form. This sense of rebellion against societal norms is something we find thrilling, even if we don’t necessarily want to adopt it ourselves.
4. THE ‘FIXER-UPPER’ FANTASY
We all secretly love the idea of being the one to tame the wild, unruly bad boy. There’s something about the concept of helping him grow or change that appeals to our inner fixer. We believe that underneath all the scruff, the attitude, and the messy exterior, there’s a heart of gold waiting to be discovered. It’s a fantasy that, while often unrealistic, speaks to our desire for connection and the hope that we could be the one to spark a positive transformation. The rogue characters, even at their worst, give us this sliver of hope that they can be “saved,” or at the very least, redeemed in some small way. The idea of peeling back the layers and revealing the softer, more vulnerable side of the “bad boy” makes us believe that no one is beyond saving.
5. THE THRILL OF THE DRAMA
Bad boys bring drama. And let’s be real— drama makes for great television. When you introduce a rogue character, conflict is almost guaranteed. Whether it’s their reckless actions, their inability to maintain relationships, or the fallout from their impulsive decisions, the chaos they create is the engine that drives the plot forward. Characters like Ahmed Malek’s Wel’aa are walking time bombs, filled with potential for intense, explosive moments. And as viewers, we’re hooked, eagerly anticipating the next twist in the story. It’s the kind of drama that is addictive, keeping us coming back for more, even when we know these characters are far from perfect.
6. THE HIDDEN DEPTHS
While bad boys are often painted as one-dimensional characters, we know better. There’s always more lurking beneath the surface. These rogue figures— like Ahmed Malek’s Wel’aa or Youssef Omar’s Aly— carry an air of complexity that makes us want to understand them. They might seem hard and distant on the outside, but there’s usually a reason for it. These characters have layers, and we enjoy peeling them back, uncovering the trauma, pain, or experiences that made them who they are. It’s this complexity that makes us empathize with them, even when their actions are less than admirable. We may not condone everything they do, but we can see humanity within their flawed nature.
So, what is it about rogue guys in drama that we can’t get enough of? And just between us, who would you have truly picked in Kamel El Adad++? Aly (Youssef Omar,) or Seif (Youssef Gabriel)? The battle of good and bad seems to always end up with the bad winning.
