So Good They're Bad – TV's Best Anti-Heroes
FeaturesTV 21st August 2017 Jon Dingle 0
What makes us root for the bad guy? Is it their charm? Is it because they always get the best lines? Or do we...
What makes us root for the bad guy? Is it their charm? Is it because they always get the best lines? Or do we all deep down know that under the right circumstances, we could be that evil? Whatever the reason, it's good to be bad.
To celebrate the release of Lucifer Season Two, on Blu-ray™ and DVD, we take a look at some of the best baddies on TV.
Tony Soprano
Source: Uproxx
As a mob boss, Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) steals, kills and does anything necessary to stay on top. Despite the horrendous actions he takes, he is not labelled as a villain because of how audiences identify with him during the series' six thrilling seasons. His story is told via visits to a psychologist, who discovers that he is a dedicated family man, accustomed to the life he's built for himself, fearful of somebody taking it away from him.
Source: Screen Rant
Charting one of the best character arcs of all time, Breaking Bad sees the transformation of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) from meek chemistry teacher to notorious drug manufacturer after being diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. The series main achievement is keeping the audience on White's side as he becomes a darker, more morally twisted character, leaving them wondering how they can side with a person who does some despicable things.
Gregory House
Source: USA Network
Despite having the worst bedside manner of any TV doctor, Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) is a man in demand due to an unmatched ability to crack the most difficult diagnosis mysteries. His prickly demeanour riles up both patients and fellow medical staff, and yet audiences enjoyed his snide and sarcastic comments so much that the series rans for an impressive 8 seasons.
Frank Underwood
Source: Starpulse
Whereas some TV shows gradually reveal a character's dark side, Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) stares into the camera in episode one and tells audiences that he has no shame in taking action to do what he sees as 'right', before killing a wounded dog. From that moment, audiences are compelled to keep watching to find out how deplorable the politician will get and how far his awful actions will get him.
Source: Kings River Life Magazine
When Lucifer (Tom Ellis) becomes bored and unhappy as the Lord Of Hell he decides to relocate to the City Of Angels itself, Los Angeles, to better understand humanity. Having spent centuries amongst the souls of hell, he doesn't always act morally correct, but Lucifer eventually begins working with the LAPD to use his powers to solve crimes in one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
LUCIFER THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON IS OUT NOW ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD.
Breaking Bad5 House1 House of Cards6 James Gandolfini3 Lucifer2 The Sopranos1
Jon Dingle Editor
A film journalist, writer and a filmmaker in business for over 20 years. I am passionate about movies, television series, music and online games.
Home » TV » So Good They're Bad – TV's Best Anti-Heroes