Romano, also known as the Man in the Hat (due to his outfit: black suit and black hat) was an evil cult leader in Spain, who committed suicide along with 115 followers. The energy of the mass suicide made him powerful and strong, and he went to the Dark Side and is Melinda's archenemy. He started to trick souls to go with him, by making them refuse to "cross over" into The Light. The character is portrayed by John Walcott.

When Romano first appeared on the show his appearances were quick and mysterious, and he was usually attached to a laughing man who never speaks. He always seemed to be observing Melinda. When there was a plane crash on Grandview by the end of season one, he tried to gather all of the lost souls from the accident. That was the first time he declared his hatred and rivalry to Melinda, and threatened her to release all "his earthbound souls" in exchange for hers.

Romano and Melinda confronted each other verbally, both using persuasive speeches directed to the souls from the plane crash. Finally, Romano managed to get at least seven of the souls, including a stewardess who later does go into the light in season two.

_________________