Summary
Villains and heroes team up when a greater threat emerges, leading to unexpected alliances and complex character dynamics.
Redemption arcs for villains can be satisfying, but not always deserved, as characters evolve through self-interest or necessity.
TV series like Game of Thrones and The Vampire Diaries showcase the evolution of characters from villains to allies for the greater good.
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On TV, a hero and their story are only as good as the villains they fight against, but when these everyday villains pale in comparison to a greater threat, these characters from opposite worlds must team up for the greater good. As the season progresses, a good television series will raise the stakes and increase the threat the main antagonist poses. This means that over the years, a character that might have been a major threat in season 1 is practically an ally by the final season.
Of course, a villain doesn’t have to be redeemed by their actions, and might only be helping the hero for selfish reasons.
While some TV show redemption arcs can be undeserved, others take their time and provide satisfying payoffs by the time the villains are ready to team up with the heroes and better themselves. Of course, a villain doesn’t have to be redeemed by their actions, and might only be helping the hero for selfish reasons. However, this doesn’t take away how enjoyable it is to see the hero and villain out of their elements and forced to work together when it matters most.
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10 Game Of Thrones (2011 – 2019)
In excellent character arcs that were backtracked in the final season
Game Of Thrones
Created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Game of Thrones is a TV series based on the book “A Song of Ice of Fire” by George R. R. Martin. It tells the story of the ongoing battle between the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros – as they fight for control of the coveted Iron Throne. Friction between the houses leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the far north. Amidst the war, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night’s Watch, led by House Stark’s Jon Snow, is the first to encounter icy horrors that threaten all realms of men. The series premiered on HBO in the United States on April 17, 2011, and quickly became one of the biggest event series in the “Golden Age” of TV. Winner of 38 Primetime Emmy Awards, Game of Thrones has attracted record viewership on HBO and has a broad, active, international fan base.
Release Date April 11, 2011
Seasons 8
Directors David Nutter , Alan Taylor , D.B. Weiss , David Benioff
Game of Thrones is known for having some of the most unforgivable villains on television, as well as some of the best character development in people who start as antagonists. Although Game of Thrones season 8 was a letdown for many fans who have been with the series since the beginning, there were still epic moments throughout the series that make it a highlight of the fantasy genre. The character, Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), begins as a horrible man who injures a child.
Additionally, when the Night King threatens to end life in Westeros, the Starks, their allies, and their previous enemies must all come together to stop Winter from falling for an eternity.
However, Jamie slowly learned the error of his ways and allied himself with Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) in important battles. Later on in the series, Jaime reverts to his old ways, but for a moment, he fights on the side of relative good. Additionally, when the Night King threatens to end life in Westeros, the Starks, their allies, and their previous enemies must all come together to stop Winter from falling for an eternity. In most cases, the alliances between separate parties are short-lived on Game of Thrones, but they change the story forever,
9 Attack On Titan (2013 – 2023)
When Eren shows his true colors it’s up to everyone to stop him
Attack On Titan
Based on the manga, Attack on Titan is a dark-action fantasy series set in a world where humanity has been corralled into walled cities from fear of monstrous human-eating Titans that exist outside of them. When protagonist Eren Yeager’s mother is killed in front of his eyes at a young age, his thirst for vengeance leads him to join an elite group of soldiers created to fight back against the Titan menace.
Cast Matthew Mercer , Josh Grelle , Hiroshi Kamiya , Shiori Mikami , Jerry Jewell , Kishô Taniyama , Jessica Calvello , Masahiko Tanaka , Yui Ishikawa , Romi Park , Robert McCollum , Tomohisa Hashizume , Hiro Shimono , Trina Nishimura
Release Date April 7, 2013
Seasons 4
Franchise Attack on Titan
Eren Yeager is one of the best characters in all of anime because of how well-developed he is and the strength of his arc over time. In the beginning, Eren is a wide-eyed young recruit who would do anything to protect the people of his island. However, when he learns the truth about the island and the Eldians, he concocts a plan to destroy the world so no one can be persecuted ever again. This puts him at odds not only with his sworn enemies but with his closest friends
In the final season, the deadliest Attack on Titan characters teamed up to take Eren down before he could complete the Rumbling. The residents of the island have fought against the outsiders for hundreds of years, and resent them deeply for the devastation that occurs at the hands of the Titans. However, when Eren becomes the biggest antagonist of the story, they put aside their differences and realize they have more in common than they believed.
Watch Attack on Titan on Hulu and Crunchyroll.
8 Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 – 2008)
In one of the best redemption arcs in TV history
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Avatar: The Last Airbender is an Animated Fantasy and Adventure series that appeared on Nickelodeon and was created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. The series featured voices from Zach Tyler Eisen, Jack DeSena, Dante Basco, and Mae Whitman. The premise follows a young boy named Aang, an Air Bender who is set to be the next Avatar, master of all elements, in a bit to unite the nations together and bring peace.
Cast Mako , Dee Bradley Baker , Jack De Sena , Michaela Jill Murphy , Zach Tyler , Dante Basco , Mae Whitman
Release Date February 21, 2005
Seasons 3
Directors Dave Filoni
Zuko is an incredibly strong character because of how much he has evolved since the beginning of Avatar: The Last Airbender to season 3. His initial motivation to capture the Avatar is wrong, but it is understandable considering his banishment from his home and his desperation to receive approval from his father. However, in his isolation and journeys, Zuko learns about the world and realizes that what the Fire Nation is doing is wrong and that only the Avatar can stop his father.
Aang and his friends are hesitant to accept Zuko when he offers his help because of the months he spent chasing them and sabotaging their plans. However, Zuko ends up winning Aang over by teaching him firebending and going on an adventure together where he proves himself a valuable and true ally. In the final battle with Fire Lord Ozai, Zuko is an invaluable fighter, helping Aang save the world and redeeming himself in the process.
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7 Dexter (2006 – 2013)
There were killers Dexter couldn’t handle on his own
Dexter
Based on the character created by author Jeff Lindsay, Showtime’s Dexter follows Miami Metro Police Department’s most skilled blood spatter analyst, Dexter Morgan, as he attempts to satisfy his Dark Passenger’s need to kill by hunting down criminals who have escaped justice. However, using the rules his adoptive father taught him to remain undiscovered, Dexter must walk the fine line of seemingly blending into society while continuously feeding his dark urges. Dexter faces several serial killers as his facade slowly crumbles around him; with every problem solved by his Dark Passenger, another one arises for his suburban fatherly life. When Dexter takes things personally or feels that the law is failing, he takes matters into his own hands and even compromises the investigations of his co-workers. Dexter aired on Showtime for eight seasons before receiving a mini-sequel series called Dexter: New Blood, which picked up ten years after the show’s events. You can buy each season for just $9.99 for Prime Day.
Cast David Zayas , Michael C. Hall , Lauren Velez , C. S. Lee , James Remar , Jennifer Carpenter , Desmond Harrington , Julie Benz
Release Date October 31, 2010
Seasons 8
Directors Clyde Phillips
Showrunner Clyde Phillips
Though Dexter (Michael C. Hall) tried to keep his identity as a serial killer a secret, many characters knew about his dark passenger on Dexter. Dexter’s main motivation throughout the series was to keep his serial killer tendencies in check, and this put him at odds with some of the most formidable killers imaginable. However, Dexter loved this cat-and-mouse game, going so far as to sabotage police investigations so that he could be the one to catch and kill the villains.
In this way, Dexter teams up with almost every villain on the show at one point or another, because he’s most honest with the people he’s in conflict with rather than those he’s supposed to be helping. Throughout the show, Dexter manipulates many people into helping him and aiding in his killings, but sooner or later, they turn on him. Even if Dexter is successful in catching these killers eventually, his vigilantism and horrible crimes make him the greatest villain of all.
6 Hannibal (2013 – 2015)
Though Will doesn’t always know Hannibal is the villain, he is still drawn to him
Hannibal
Created for TV by Bryan Fuller, Hannibal is a TV adaptation/reimagining of Thomas Harris’ Red Dragon novel. The show follows the exploits of FBI criminal profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) and their perpetual game of cat and mouse that unfolds over the series. When a string of murders in Minnesota requires a brilliant mind to crack the case, Will Graham is called in to investigate – but due to the intimate and terrifying nature of the crimes, he is appointed Dr. Lecter to act as his psychiatrist. The truth of Dr. Lecter is that he is Will’s target – but to complicate matters, he’s the only person that can truly understand him.
Release Date April 4, 2013
Seasons 3
Directors Bryan Fuller
Showrunner Bryan Fuller
Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) have a complex and manipulative relationship in Hannibal, the series explores the early years of the infamous serial killer from literary fiction. At the start of the show, Will relies on Hannibal for emotional support, not knowing that Hannibal is trying to corrupt him and turn him into a killer. By the end of the series, Will is hardly a hero anymore as he must turn to Hannibal for help when he’s accused of murders he didn’t commit.
The largest force of evil in the show isn’t precisely Will or Hannibal, but the demons inside them they try to fight and embrace in equal measure.
Of course, it was Hannibal who framed Will, but that doesn’t change the fact that Will needs him if he’s ever going to get out of prison. However, when working together, the pair find they unlock something in each other and can’t help wanting to partner up again and again. The largest force of evil in the show isn’t precisely Will or Hannibal, but the demons inside them they try to fight and embrace in equal measure. Additionally, in the final season, there is an even more insidious serial killer that takes the two of them to catch.
5 The Flash (2014 – 2023)
When Barry needs help fixing his mistakes he has to turn to the man he hates
The Flash
After witnessing his mother’s murder, and his father wrongly convicted, Detective West and his family take in Barry Allen (Grant Gustin). Becoming a forensic scientist, Allen tries to uncover the truth about his mother’s murder, which leads him to Harrison Wells’ particle accelerator. When the accelerator causes an explosion, Allen is struck by lightning and enters a coma. When he wakes up, he learns he has the ability to move at superhuman speeds, though he is not the only meta-human created in the wake of the explosion. Based on one of the most popular characters from DC Comics, the TV adaptation of The Flash was developed by Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, and Geoff Johns. The series ran for nine seasons on The CW and is one of the most popular shows in the network’s “Arrowverse.”
Cast Rick Cosnett , jesse l martin , Candice Patton , Tom Cavanagh , Grant Gustin , Danielle Panabaker
Release Date October 7, 2014
Seasons 9
Directors David McWhirter , Stefan Pleszczynski
Showrunner Eric Wallace
Based on the DC Comics character of the same name, The Flash took the characters and stories from the comics and expanded them into a wider universe that lasted nine seasons. Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) made many mistakes throughout the seasons and even ripped a hole in the space-time continuum, but he always meant well. Conversely, one of his greatest enemies, the Reverse Flash (Tom Cavanagh), has the same speed and abilities but uses them for evil to further his selfish desires and machinations. Worst of all, the Reverse Flash is responsible for the death of Barry’s mother.
However, they aren’t the only speedsters in the series, and when Barry meets different villains that push him to the edge of his abilities, he has no choice but to accept help from the Reverse Flash. The Flash is the best of the Arrowverse shows because it so effectively raised the stakes every season and raised questions about who were the heroes and the villains. Additionally, creating sympathy for the Reverse Flash after everything he’d done to Barry wasn’t easy, but the series made it possible.
4 Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997 – 2003)
Buffy will often do whatever it takes to save the world
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a supernatural comedy-drama series released in 1997. The show follows the exploits of Buffy, a woman born into a line of “Slayers” destined to do battle with vampires, demons, and monsters. Aided by her close group of friends and a Watcher who helps her hone her craft, the crew solves mysteries and battles the forces of evil to protect their town – and the world.
Cast Sarah Michelle Gellar , Nicholas Brendon , Alyson Hannigan , Charisma Carpenter , Dan Rubin , David Boreanaz , Seth Green , James Marsters
Release Date March 10, 1997
Seasons 7
However, it’s clear that they both have a vested interest in stopping him and returning the world to the status quo, so Buffy agrees to trust Spike and use his intel.
Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is the personification of heroism in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. However, carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders takes a toll, and she can’t always do it alone. Mostly, she turns to her friends and allies for support in these cases, but they’re not always the best people for the job. Her first, and most iconic, team-up with a villain comes in season 2, when Spike (James Marsters), comes to Buffy for help because he doesn’t want Angelus (David Boreanaz) to end the world.
At first, Buffy is skeptical because Spike had been framed as the Big Bad of season 2 until Angel lost his soul and turned into Angelus. However, it’s clear that they both have a vested interest in stopping him and returning the world to the status quo, so Buffy agrees to trust Spike and use his intel. From there, Buffy becomes more inclined to trust darker figures on the outskirts of the demon underworld when she’s on the hunt, which comes in handy in defeating many of her biggest enemies.
3 The Vampire Diaries (2009 – 2017)
Villainy quickly becomes relative in this teen drama with fantasy elements
The Vampire Diaries
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.
Cast Nina Dobrev , Ian Somerhalder , Steven R. McQueen , Paul Wesley , Kat Graham , Michael Trevino , Michael Malarkey , Zach Roerig , Candice King , Matthew Davis
Seasons 8
Directors John Dahl
Showrunner Julie Plec
Franchise The Vampire Diaries
The relationship between the heroes and villains in The Vampire Diaries can be boiled down to a few key relationships in the series. The Vampire Diaries believes in redemption, but it also believes in betrayal, moral ambiguity, and the inherent attractiveness of the bad boy archetype. One of the central thrusts of the show is that Elena (Nina Dobrev) is in a love triangle with two brothers, Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder) Salvatore. However, Elena chooses Damon over Stefan in The Vampire Diaries, despite his ruthless killing and amorality in season 1.
This is because he quickly changes sides when bigger evils threaten Elena. Elena is the uniting factor in many hero-villain team-ups, as she’s frequently under attack. In the early seasons, the original vampire, Klaus (Joseph Morgan) brings together Damon, Katherine (Dobrev), and other minor antagonists to stop his evil plot. However, Klaus quickly earns goodwill with the audience, helping fight off his mother and father. In the end, he ended up getting his own spinoff and becoming a hero himself.
2 Lost (2004 – 2010)
Alliances change as the island becomes more sinister
Lost
Lost is a mystery drama series created for TV that follows a group of survivors of a plane crash and tells its story between the past, present, and future via flashbacks. When Oceanic Airlines Flight 815 crashes and lands on a mysterious island in the pacific ocean, the castaways discover their new temporary home may have a mind of its own, as strange supernatural events keep them locked to the island. From an unknown black smoke creature to dangerous islanders, the passengers must work together to survive the island’s seemingly deadly intentions.
Cast Evangeline Lilly , Naveen Andrews , Henry Ian Cusick , Daniel Dae Kim , Harold Perrineau , Dominic Monaghan , Emilie de Ravin , Jorge Garcia , Josh Holloway , Michael Emerson , Terry O’Quinn , Matthew Fox , Ken Leung , Elizabeth Mitchell , Yunjin Kim
Release Date September 22, 2004
Seasons 6
Directors Jack Bender , Stephen Williams
Showrunner Damon Lindelof , Carlton Cuse
It could be argued that the greatest villain on Lost isn’t a character or even the Man In Black, but the island itself. The island is where the complex forces of good and evil converge, and these conflicting motivators cause the characters to act on their deepest desires and fears. Jack (Matthew Fox) is frequently positioned as the protagonist and embodiment of good in the series, but this isn’t always the case. In many instances, Jack makes the wrong choice, and it’s the people he views as evil who understand what it takes to survive.
However, when they realize how dangerous the Others are to their group, they put aside their differences, even if they don’t always agree on the best defense.
The Others are a group of scientists and researchers living on the island who become the primary threat to the survivors of the plane crash at the end of season 1. Before their existence was revealed, factions had begun to form amongst the survivors, and tensions were rising to extreme heights, particularly between Jack and John Locke (Terry O’Quinn). Their combative dynamic spans the series. However, when they realize how dangerous the Others are to their group, they put aside their differences, even if they don’t always agree on the best defense.
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1 Once Upon A Time (2011 – 2018)
The heroes and villains switch sides many times
Once Upon A Time
Once Upon a Time is an adventure fantasy-drama series created for ABC that features fairy tale characters and their Disney incarnations in a modern setting. When Emma Swan and her son Henry accidentally drive into the town of Storybrooke, they soon discover the inhabitants are those from fairy tales, and they have no knowledge of the modern world inhabited by Emma and Henry. Robbed of their pasts and given new identities by the Evil Queen known as Regina, the hope of the town’s residents lie solely in the hands of Emma, who has stronger connections to the town than she knows.
Cast Ginnifer Goodwin , josh dallas , Lana Parrilla , Robert Carlyle , Jennifer Morrison , Jared Gilmore
Release Date October 3, 2011
Seasons 7
Directors Christopher Gorham
Showrunner Adam Horowitz
In Once Upon A Time season 1 the villains and heroes are clear-cut, and while the villains might be made more sympathetic with a tragic backstory, they are the ones to fight against. However, it doesn’t take long for the fairytale morality to fade away and for the relationships in the series to get much more complicated. By the show’s end, Regina (Lana Parrilla), who was once the Evil Queen, has mended her relationship with Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin), and become a savior herself.
It takes her many seasons, but what spurs this change is the fact that she unties with Snow, Emma (Jennifer Morrison), and Charming (Josh Dallas) because they share the common purpose of getting Henry (Jared S. Gilmore) back in season 2. Joining them is the other sometimes-villain, Mr. Gold (Robert Carlyle), who grapples with his own darkness to try and put his family first. What’s unique about Once Upon A Time is that every villain is given the opportunity to be good, but not all of them take it.
Watch Once Upon A Time on Hulu or Disney+.