TV Villains Who Deserved Redemption: One might think that the hero of a story is who makes it memorable, but what if I told you that it’s the villains who let the heroes shine with their terrible atrocities? A villain can make or break a show or movie because it is through them that we learn to root for the good in the world. However, if we keep the heroes aside, we are left to wonder who these villains are and why they do the things that they do.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most memorable villains in recent times, characters whose depth and complexity made them more than just villains. They challenged our morals, stirred our empathy, and left us wondering what could’ve been if they had a shot at redemption. These characters have, over time, become more than just villains; they are people whom we have wondered about and who have left us questioning everything about our lives!
TV Villains Who Deserved Redemption Arcs
Nina Myers – 24
One of the most harsh betrayals in TV history, Nina Myers’ infamous character arc is remembered by every single fan of the show. Her role as a trusted agent turned traitor was shocking, but the show never explored her motivations in-depth. Interestingly enough, Jack Bauer had commented that Nina was worse than a traitor because she doesn’t have a cause, which defines Nina’s character and what became of it brilliantly.
A redemption arc would’ve been fantastic for her, and although she was killed in Day 3 at Jack’s hands, one only wishes to get some answers about her actions! Thus, her character arc remains just another villain without a purpose and adding that arc would’ve taken her character into much richer territory.
Kuvira – The Legend of Korra
Much like some of the other villains on this list, Kuvira is a TV villain who deserved a redemption arc because she had a complex backstory that could’ve been explored to give her more weight and purpose. Her desire to bring order to a broken Earth Kingdom is rooted in deep emotional wounds and abandonment. While her means are extreme and dictatorial, her goal was to achieve unity and strength.
In the end, although Kuvira did get somewhat of a redemption arc by convincing Commander Guan to surrender and permanently ending the empire that she had once created, it would’ve been fantastic to explore that side of her more. At this point, her end feels rushed, and her full potential unexplored.
Cersei Lannister – Game of Thrones
Cersei is one of the best villains of all time, period. Her cruelty, manipulation and thirst for power made her one of the most hated characters on television, leaving fans to wait with bated breath for her demise. However, behind the icy facade was a woman fiercely protective of her children and someone who was told time and time again to have no value beyond her titles. Cersei deserved a slow-burn redemption arc (or at least a better death at this point) where she would showcase a final act of self-sacrifice or even show genuine remorse. It would’ve made her character truly memorable and added another layer to an already complicated character.
Bellatrix Lestrange – Harry Potter Film Series
One of our favourite secondary villains of all time, Lestrange was a sadistic and terrifying character whose loyalty to Voldemort goes to a terrifying degree. However, it’s surprising how very little her character is explored in the film. The film should’ve given us more about her past and how a brilliant witch ended up surrendering so completely to such dark ideologies. Of course, her crimes are unforgivable, but her arc should’ve highlighted the seductive danger of fanaticism and whether escape is ever possible. Lestrange is a fascinating character; it’s sad that we hardly get to know her beyond one of Voldemort’s lackeys.
Reiner Braun – Attack on Titan
Reiner is a tragic figure whose complex character, torn between duty and guilt, can make anyone frustrated with him. He played a major role in the death of hundreds of innocents on Paradis Island, but there’s more to the story than meets the eye. Although he does get a fairly good redemption arc in the manga, his story clearly deserved a deeper redemption arc since his internal conflicts and emotional breakdowns make it clear that he’s not a villain by choice. A full exploration of the cost of war, indoctrination and survival would not only have painted his character in a better light, but it also would’ve made a bigger impact on real-world situations.
These villains remind us that not all evil is born; some of it is made, and in many cases, could be unmade. Redemption arcs, when done well, humanise antagonists and challenge viewers to reevaluate their definitions of good and bad. Although, to be clear, there’s no way to forgive all the bad things that any of these characters have done, one can always hope for people who have lost their way to come back to the light.
What are your thoughts on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
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