Open Discussion:
In recent television history—let’s say in the last 10 years—what villain stands out in your mind as the best bad guy (or lady)? Benjamin Linus from LOST, James Moriarty in Sherlock, or Henry Rollins’ AJ Weston on Sons of Anarchy? Or maybe The Ice Truck Killer from Dexter?
What makes for a great villain?
The Governor from The Walking Dead, Season 3 – intelligent, insane, vicious, bent on revenge
You’ve got to love Moriarty from the new Sherlock series. the perfect combination of genius and mad man.
Russell Edgington (Denis O’Hare) in True Blood. He’s equal parts hilariously funny and nightmarishly scary.
Nobody mentioned Tony Soprano? I must have read the question wrong.
I liked Moriarty as a villain in Sherlock — he pulled off the playful psychopath very convincingly.
In general, though, I like a good anti-villain, someone you can root for because he’s well-intentioned, charismatic, or multidimensional.
If cartoons aren’t off the table, you could always pick Magneto or Dr. Doom.
I thought the TV Moriarty was kind of annoying – he seemed very derivative of the most recent version of The Master from Doctor Who.
Personally, I loved Moriarty. I thought he was terrifying.
Speaking of that, how did Sherlock survive? Theories?
I can’t believe I forgot Mr. Burns…
On TV right now? Walter White, although the Cousins were more frightening.
But all time? Maybe Cancer Man or J.R Ewing (yeah, I know he’s back but it’s not the same)
Oh, and KHAAAAANNNN!
When LOST was on, Ben was really bad. I love the bad Wessen on Grimm.
Captain Aizen from Bleach. Dude was cold blooded and didn’t care who he hurt in his plans.
Second this. It was downright ridiculous how a simple case of “clark kent” glasses changed his entire “look” but they pulled it off perfectly.
Although, admittedly, his zanpakuto’s special ability was a little much. Fortunately he never really used it much.
Princess Azula from Avatar: The Last Airbender. You don’t get a lot of truly GREAT female villains, but she definitely qualifies.
Walter White, Gus Fring, Hector Salamanca
Fox/Faux News presenters. Walt from Breaking Bad is also pretty badass.
The Faux News crowd is too generic; I’d go with Donald Trump. He’s not only evil, but ridiculous too.
My husband said “Donald Trump” when I asked him!
Omar Devone Little of The Wire- was there ever a more lovable psychopath whistling nursery tunes and shopping in a satin housecoat?
If you are talking villain and ‘The Wire’ then it has to be Marlo Stanfield. Also would add Honey-Nut Cheerios-loving to Omar’s description