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television receiver show baddie can make or break a serial publication , and when the author and creators do n’t give them the fourth dimension they merit to grow and deepen , it affects the entire structure of the show . While the agonist and heroes are typically yield the most clock time and focus , villains are just as important to the story because they act as a hydrofoil to the Heron , supply further insight into both of their psyche . Plenty ofsupporting role in TV appearance are well than the heroes , as main characters rarely get to be as morally ambiguous as side characters or villains .
The ascending of antiheroes being the focussing of idiot box shows has increase the attention and care that villains get on television , but that does n’t signify all opposer are treat equally . Additionally , television receiver ’s well - redeemed villainsare oft talk over because a well - crafted redemption arc is a complex but rewarding panorama of television receiver . How a villain is written out of the show orwhere their story leaves off in the conclusion comes to define how interview remember their lineament . Just because an individual in a show is characterized as a villain does n’t imply they ’re always in the legal injury and merit a unsatisfying conclusion .
10Thomas Barrow - Downton Abbey (2010–2015)
Played by Rob James-Collier
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Set in the other 20th century , Downton Abbey follows the life of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the fictional Yorkshire estate . The serial explores themes of societal change , romance , and scheme against the background of diachronic result , including the sinking feeling of the Titanic , World War I , and the rise of the work stratum .
While there are plenty of villains inDownton Abbey , the big opposer is consideration and the restrictions of the sentence . However , when it comes to villains on the show , Thomas Barrow had great potential , but ultimately a letdown for audiences and the other characters . Unfortunately , Barrow ’s character fall victim to the trope of make water the few LGBTQ+ characters on the show into adversary . Instead of giving him a nuanced overture to the battle of living in a restrictive time , the series made him bitter , tempestuous , and vengeful towards others .
By the destruction ofDownton Abbey , the series prove to give Barrow some repurchase , but it felt disingenuous and rushed compare to the time and development other characters receive .
TheDownton Abbeytimeline of the movies and TV seasonscan grow a piddling complex , butmany of the best installments have been defined by how good their villains were . By the closing ofDownton Abbey , the series tried to give Barrow some repurchase , but it sense artful and induce compared to the time and development other eccentric receive . If Barrow had been impart more time to find comparable - apt the great unwashed and escape the confines of Downton , the audience might have been well able to read his motivations and feel more empathy towards him .
Title
Rotten Tomatoes Critic mark
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Downton Abbey ( 2010–2015 )
88 %
93 %
9Christopher - Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)
Played by David Sutcliffe
In the fictional township of Star ’s empty , unmarried female parent Lorelai Gilmore raises her high - achieving teenaged girl Rory . female parent and daughter rely on each other throughout their own spirit change , romantic entanglements , and friendships .
Christopher is rarely rank amongGilmore Girls ' good beloved interests , as his relationship with Lorelai ( Lauren Graham ) is one of the most hated dynamics on the show . However , for all of Christopher ’s shift , he ’s not an malefic man , just a troubled and imperfect one . Everything he did to win back Lorelai was a mistaken attempt to give his life-time some purpose and make up for his absence in Rory ’s life . This is n’t to say that Christopher deserved a well-chosen ending , as he had many flaw , but it would have been interesting to understand him well .
ThoughGilmore Girlsdid a great job devote even its most unlikable characters depth and nuance , Christopher ended up becoming a bit one - dimensional by the last of the serial . There was little to say about him , and even when the interview got an insight into his relationship with his father , this paled in comparability to the compelling dynamic between Lorelai and her parents . Additionally , seeing him unfeignedly grapple with the way he impact Rory ’s development with his absence could ’ve help oneself viewer understand Rory ’s spark .
Image by Yeider Chacon
Gilmore Girls ( 2000–2007 )
N / A
8The Night King - Game Of Thrones (2011–2018)
Played by Richard Brake & Vladimir Furdik
found on George R. R. Martin ’s on-going A Song of Ice and Fire novel series , Game of Thrones is a fancy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos . It survey noble families like the Starks , Lannisters , and Targaryen vie for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North . The series received significant vital success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production value , sprawl curing , iconic characters , and shameful spin .
When it comes to the most universally contemn villains in TV history , Game of Thronesdelivers on all fronts . From outright monsters like Joffrey , Cersei , and Ramsey to more sly antagonists like Little Finger , Game of Thronescontinuously proved thatit ’s not the fantastical or magical that ’s the most terrific part ofA Song of Ice and Fire , but the wily political game . This was proved by the innovation and use of the Night King across the second one-half of the serial .
He would have been more effective if he had remain ephemeral and out of reach .
Set in the early 20th century, Downton Abbey follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the fictional Yorkshire estate. The series explores themes of social change, romance, and intrigue against the backdrop of historical events, including the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, and the rise of the working class.
The loss on in the North and beyond the Wall were a separate taradiddle arc from the play for the can happen in the Red Keep and the inspiration of power across the sea . However , by the terminal seasons , almost everyone had joined together to stop the coming assault from the Night King that would ’ve destroyed the worldly concern . Despite the long - look battle and the many baleful allusions to the Night King ’s power and regular army , his mysterious characterization disappeared almost straight off . He would have been more effective if he had remained ephemeral and out of reach .
Game of Thrones ( 2011–2018 )
89 %
85 %
7Marina - The Magicians (2015–2020)
Played by Kacey Rohl
The Magicians fall out a mathematical group of young adults who enroll at Brakebills University , a secretive institution devoted to teaching magic . As they engage in an unconventional instruction in spellcasting , they actualize that a puerility fancy world is indeed literal and presents a significant menace to humanity .
Of all the villains inThe Magicians , Marina was the one that stuck around the longest . Though she rarely pose the king of world - terminate threats that the like of the Beast or the nameless god did , she was cunning and resourceful . It was exciting whenever Marina was bring back , as she always arouse things up and increase the degree of dramatic play , and was normally a welcome respite from some of the heavier storyline . However , Marina was always getting in fuss and being used by others .
When comparing The Beast ’s villain insertion to other iconic fantasy TV show , it ’s easy to see that The Magicians did it well .
Though Marina was quick to utilise others as pawns in her own biz , it was vindicated that she had some moral compass , like when she helped Julia ( Stella Maeve ) in her initial search for Reynard . Unfortunately , whenever Marina tried to facilitate , it often begin her killed or worse , which was wholly unfair . Additionally , there were a few glimpse into her deeper motivations and backstory , like her abbreviated allusion to her father and her ire at being kick out of Brakebills . However , she was just as complex and nuanced as the agonist , and her character justify further geographic expedition .
The Magicians ( 2015–2020 )
91 %
In the fictional town of Star’s Hollow, single mother Lorelai Gilmore raises her high-achieving teenage daughter Rory. Mother and daughter rely on each other throughout their own life changes, romantic entanglements, and friendships.
74 %
6Love - You (2018–2024)
Played by Victoria Pedretti
You is a psychological thriller that follows a perilously charming and intensely obsessional young valet who manipulates his way into the lives of those he fix upon , using extreme bar to pursue his unsettling aims .
Joe ( Penn Badgley ) is the ultimate villain ofYou , but as the supporter , it would have been difficult to make him glean the consequence of his action too shortly . Unfortunately , this means that with every time of year ofYou , many undeserving people become victim of Joe ’s pathology and must go into hiding or become another on his farsighted list of kills . sexual love was an interesting persona , as it seemed that she would just be another one of Joe ’s ill - fate dearest interests , but her fate turned out to be more complex .
Seeing Love be the one to take Joe down would ’ve been an unbelievably satisfying ending to the show .
Love became quite a baddie in her own right wing , challenging Joe and pushing back on his pattern . It ’s a shame that Love ’s time on the show was write out short , as she was an first-class enhancer to Joe and the only soul to truly challenge him . Seeing Love be the one to take Joe down would ’ve been an incredibly satisfying ending to the show . While , structurally , it made sense for Love and Joe to end up at odds and for her destiny to be tragical , she should ’ve gotten an even more volatile termination to her arc .
You ( 2018–2024 )
92 %
75 %
5Logan - Westworld (2016-2022)
Played by Ben Barnes
HBO’sWestworldis a dystopian science fiction westerly that is found on the Michael Crichton - directed film , Westworld . The serial publication centers on high up - ante up guest who inspect a westerly theme park full of human - like android to last out unwarranted illusion . Westworldwould later introduce a futurist mid-21st century where the cosmos is run by an artificial word call Rehoboam . The series was fantastically democratic during its four - season test but was canceled by HBO in November 2022 .
There were plenty of violent and horrible antagonists inWestworld , a show where few , if any , character were redeemable . However , see their villainous plot unfold and seeing how they manipulated the other individuals was part of the merriment of watching the serial . However , Logan never live up to the in high spirits criterion that the other malicious characters set . His hidden intentions are merely to push William ( Jimmi Simpson ) as far as he can to uncover his secrets . Compared to someone like the Man in Black ( Ed Harris ) , Logan is pesky at best .
While others have clear reasons for press out the dark parts of their personality at the ballpark , Logan come off but as a spoiled kid who need thrills for the saki of excitement . Additionally , byWestworldseason 2 , he fades to the ground and succumbs to his fateas another causality of the parking lot . As one of thebest Western TV show of the last ten , hearing carry villains inWestworldthat challenge expectations and hand-to-hand struggle with nuanced moral codes .
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
Westworld ( 2016–2022 )
80 %
4Isobel - The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017)
Played by Mia Kirshner
base on the novels by L.J. Smith , The Vampire Diaries is a story about the developing sexual love Triangulum between Elena Gilbert and two vampiric brothers , Stefan and Damon Salvatore . pose in the Ithiel Town of Mystic Falls , Virginia , the show follows the triad from high school through college as they battle for one another ’s fondness .
Elena ’s ( Nina Dobrev ) biological mother inThe Vampire Diaries , Isobel , make a good deal of grief both on and off - silver screen , but her impact is never to the full explore . Isobel is connected to many important characters inThe Vampire Diaries , as she ’s the former wife of Alaric ( Matthew Davis ) , Elena ’s female parent , and was turned into a vampire by Damon ( Ian Somerhalder ) . One of the most interesting aspects of Isobel ’s character was that she became unaired to Katherine , one of the most compelling characters on the show .
The end of Isobel ’s arc was disappointing , as she and Elena never had the opportunity to connect or grapple with their uncertain kinship .
However , the interview never get to see Isobel truly enjoy being a vampire , as she was used for the development of others rather than herself . The oddment of Isobel ’s electric arc was disappointing , as she and Elena never had the opportunity to connect or cope with their uncertain relationship . Ultimately , it was loose to detest Isobel for the things she did wrong and the people she betrayed . However , her reasoning never buy the farm much deeper than that she did what she wanted , which was a ill service to what could ’ve been an interesting graphic symbol .
The Vampire Diaries ( 2009–2017 )
86 %
72 %
3Fire Lord Ozai - Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)
Played by Mark Hamill
Avatar : The Last Airbender is an Animated Fantasy and Adventure series that appear on Nickelodeon and was created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko . The serial publication featured voices from Zach Tyler Eisen , Jack DeSena , Dante Basco , and Mae Whitman . The premise keep an eye on a unseasoned boy name Aang , an Air Bender who is set to be the next Avatar , master of all elements , in a second to unite the nations together and bring peace .
Fire Lord Ozai is a terrific and interesting villain , but when equate to his child , Zuko and Azula , he is hardly the most memorable antagonist . When it comes to Zuko , the serial publication cater him with an iconic repurchase arc and the opportunity to do commodity and contend against his founding father by the end of the show . Similarly , Azula demonstrates how far she ’s unforced to go to receive recognition from her father and make power through her despicable actions .
From Aang and Fire Lord Ozai to Sherlock and Moriarty , the best TV villains are the ones that show what the Italian sandwich could eventually turn into .
The Magicians follows a group of young adults who enroll at Brakebills University, a secretive institution devoted to teaching magic. As they engage in an unconventional education in spellcasting, they realize that a childhood fantasy world is indeed real and presents a significant threat to humanity.
However , other than the last battle between Aang and Ozai and the thing the interview is severalize about his action , not much is known about Ozai . It ’s clear that he was influenced by his ancestors who started the Fire Nation ’s invasionof the other nations , but he ’s used more as a faraway over - curve evil rather than an literal soul . find oneself out more about his upbringing and what was happening in the Fire res publica when he was growing up would serve the looker see the parallels between him and Aang even more clearly .
Avatar : The Last Airbender ( 2005–2008 )
100 %
99 %
2Maggie Walsh - Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)
Played by Lindsay Crouse
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a television series create by Joss Whedon , focusing on Buffy Summers , portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar , a young cleaning lady prefer to battle against lamia , demons , and other supernatural personnel while navigating the complexities of adolescent life .
Buffy The Vampire Slayerseason 4 was a transitional period for the belovedsupernatural adolescent drama TV show , as the characters were survive to college , essentially altering the structure of the serial . The introduction of the secret Initiative was a strong choice for the antagonistic force inBuffyseason 4 , as it also lend Riley ( Marc Blucas ) into the mixture and resulted in the conception of Adam ( George Hertzberg).Adam was a fantastical baddie , and though he could n’t have existed without Maggie Walsh , she was a means to an endto make him .
Seeing Maggie be now turned into a zombie spirit for Adam after he waken up was a disappointing way of reason out her electric discharge and struggle with Buffy .
Had Maggie grown closer to Buffy ( Sarah Michelle Gellar ) and been seen in a more empathetic light source , her betrayal and origination of Adam would ’ve reach harder . Also , learn Maggie be immediately turned into a zombi for Adam after he woke up was a unsatisfying way of concluding her discharge and difference of opinion with Buffy . After she treated Buffy like an bother throughout time of year 4 , never allow the two of them to have it out was a languish chance inBuffy The Vampire Slayerseason 4 .
Buffy The Vampire Slayer ( 1997 - 2003 )
1Jenny Humphrey - Gossip Girl (2007–2012)
Played by Taylor Momsen
Set among Manhattan ’s elite group , this drama serial follows wealthy stripling whose scandalous lives are exposed by an anon. blogger . The show turn over into themes of treachery , ambition , and the complexity of high - social club friendships , as the characters navigate interpersonal conflicts and personal aspirations .
Though few characters inGossip Girlhad any redeeming timber , Jenny did n’t deserve to be treated so raspingly throughout her time onGossip Girl . Despite being much young than the other protagonists , they used her as a piece in their game and punished her when she endeavor to fight back back . While Jenny did get annoying at prison term , it ’s because of the other fictional character ’s actions thatshe was pushed into the function of a villain and did n’t get the opportunity she merit .
Jenny baffle plenty of screen sentence , buther outlet from the series was anticlimactic and did n’t befit the strong character she had become . While part of this was because Momsen was ready to will the serial publication , that did n’t mean Jenny needed to be rush out with such a counterintuitive discharge . fancy Jenny get a repurchase arc and refuse to be pushed around by the privileged and awful the great unwashed who took advantage of her would ’ve been a better closing .
You is a psychological thriller that follows a dangerously charming and intensely obsessive young man who manipulates his way into the lives of those he fixates upon, using extreme measures to pursue his unsettling aims.
Gossip Girl ( 2007–2012 )
84 %
79 %
HBO’sWestworldis a dystopian science fiction western that is based on the Michael Crichton-directed film,Westworld.The series centers on high-paying guests who visit a western theme park full of human-like androids to live out wild fantasies.Westworldwould later introduce a futuristic mid-21st century where the world is run by an artificial intelligence called Rehoboam. The series was incredibly popular during its four-season run but was canceled by HBO in November 2022.
Based on the novels by L.J. Smith, The Vampire Diaries is a story about the developing love triangle between Elena Gilbert and two vampiric brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Set in the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, the show follows the trio from high school through college as they battle for one another’s affection.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a television series created by Joss Whedon, focusing on Buffy Summers, portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, a young woman chosen to battle against vampires, demons, and other supernatural forces while navigating the complexities of teenage life.
Set among Manhattan’s elite, this drama series follows wealthy teenagers whose scandalous lives are exposed by an anonymous blogger. The show delves into themes of betrayal, ambition, and the complexities of high-society friendships, as the characters navigate interpersonal conflicts and personal aspirations.
