8 Villain Reveals That Ruined Their Shows Forever

Summary

• Villains are crucial to a show’s legacy; a compelling antagonist can elevate the series, but mishandling a villain can ruin the entire story.
• A poorly executed twist (like revealing the Final Five Cylons in Battlestar Galactica) can disappoint viewers and harm the show’s credibility.
• Characters like Colleen Wing in Iron Fist showcase how a poorly executed plot twist can undermine a show’s narrative integrity.

The villain in a TV show is just as important as the hero, and their storyline can determine the fate of a series’ legacy. A well-crafted antagonist, with compelling motivations and a formidable presence, can elevate a show to new heights, captivating viewers and driving the narrative forward. However, when a series missteps in its villain’s characterization or storyline, it can have devastating consequences for the show’s overall impact and longevity. From underwhelming reveals to poorly conceived character arcs, a mishandled villain can undermine the credibility and engagement of an entire series.

Shows like Game of Thrones, Line of Duty, and Sherlock have all fallen victim to this pitfall, with their later seasons suffering from the absence of truly worthy adversaries or the mishandling of key antagonists. The importance of a strong villain cannot be overstated, as their presence and storyline can make or break a show’s ability to maintain its quality, a prime example being the villains in Sherlock that came after one of the series’ best. In the world of television, where a series’ legacy is defined by its ability to deliver a satisfying and memorable narrative, the villain’s role is just as crucial as the hero’s, and their impact can resonate long after the final credits roll.

8 Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

The identity reveal of the Final Five Cylons was anticlimactic

When the identities of the Final Five Cylons in Battlestar Galactica were revealed, it exemplified the perils of a poorly executed twist. After three seasons of anticipation, the identities of these mysterious ancient beings were finally unveiled, only to leave viewers utterly disappointed. Saul and Ellen Tigh, Galen Tyrol, Samuel Anders, and Tory Foster, all familiar faces, were revealed to be the Final Five, yet they had no knowledge of their own origins. This lack of foresight in the storytelling made it glaringly apparent that the showrunners were not following a well-crafted plan.

While the 2007-08 writer’s strike undoubtedly influenced the show’s overall conclusion, it does not excuse the unsatisfying nature of this pivotal reveal. Instead of providing a jaw-dropping moment that would captivate viewers, the revelation of the Final Five left more questions than answers, leading to frustration and disappointment. The attempt to shock and awe fell flat, as the twist lacked the necessary substance and coherence to make it truly impactful. Ultimately, this storyline served as a prime example of how a poorly executed twist can undermine the entire foundation of a series, leaving a once-promising show in ruins.

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7 Prison Break (2005-2017)

Revealing the identity of the members of The Company only brought head scratches

In Prison Break season 4, a significant shift in the series’ direction took place with the introduction of the Illuminati-like Company, ultimately leading to the show’s downfall. As the plot grew increasingly intricate, the show began to rely on far-fetched twists and revelations that felt disconnected from its initial premise. The unveiling of Michael Scofield’s mother as a high-ranking Company operative exemplified this trend, as it strained credibility and failed to align with the show’s established narrative framework. These convoluted plot developments, rather than adding depth to the story, only served to erode the series’ foundation.

By opting to extend Michael’s arc beyond his successful mission to extricate his brother Lincoln from prison, the showrunners set the stage for a decline in quality. The decision to embroil Michael in the Company’s nefarious schemes led the show down a path of diminishing returns, as the narrative became bogged down by an overabundance of double agents and improbable coincidences. In the end, this deviation from the show’s original vision and the overreliance on sensationalistic twists sealed Prison Break‘s fate, transforming a once-compelling series into a shadow of its former self.

6 The Flash (2014-2023)

Julian Albert being Dr. Alchemy was not much of a shocker

Unveiling Tom Felton’s Julian Albert as Dr. Alchemy in The Flash season 3 proved to be a lackluster twist that failed to be captivating. Julian was portrayed as a formidable adversary by terrorizing Barry Allen and his team while under the control of Savitar. However, the revelation of his true identity fell short of delivering the desired impact. Felton’s history of portraying antagonistic characters in films such as Rise of the Planet of the Apes and the Harry Potter series made his villainous turn in The Flash feel almost inevitable, thereby diminishing the shock value of the reveal.

The predictability of Julian’s unmasking was unsurprising, as it was initially assumed that it was too obvious to be true, only for the suspicions to be confirmed in a disappointing manner. The fact that Julian was acting under Savitar’s influence, essentially stripping him of direct culpability for his actions, further diluted the emotional weight of the revelation. The Dr. Alchemy storyline failed to live up to its potential, presenting a subpar resolution that did little to enhance the overall narrative arc of the season.

5 Iron Fist (2017-2018)

Colleen Wing’s role of ally to villain was a jarring deviation

The handling of Colleen Wing’s character arc in the Netflix series Iron Fist exemplifies a poorly executed plot twist that undermined the show’s narrative integrity. Initially introduced as an ally and skilled martial artist running her own dojo, Colleen appeared to be a steadfast supporter of the protagonist, Finn Jones’ Daniel Rand. However, the revelation of her secret membership in the nefarious Hand organization, while intended to be a shocking development, fell flat in its execution. The abruptness of Colleen’s heel turn and the swift abandonment of her previous life and students to side with Iron Fist felt underdeveloped.

Despite her belief that the Hand aimed to reform individuals and shape the world positively, this justification did little to mitigate the dissonance created by her sudden allegiance shift. The show’s hasty resolution of this plot point, quickly brushing aside Colleen’s complex history in favor of refocusing on Daniel’s personal drama, further undermined the significance of her character’s journey. Consequently, the mishandling of Colleen Wing’s storyline exemplifies a larger issue within Iron Fist‘s narrative structure, ultimately detracting from the overall coherence and impact of the series.

4 Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

Daenerys Targaryen’s transformation into a villain needed more time to be executed properly

The transformation of Daenerys Targaryen from a heroic figure to a villainous character in the final seasons of Game of Thrones illustrates the importance of pacing and development in executing a significant character arc shift. While some may have been surprised by her character’s development, the seeds of her descent into madness and vengeance were planted throughout the series. However, the abruptness of Daenerys’ villainous shift felt rushed and underdeveloped. The transition from Daenerys as a protector of the powerless to a ruthless ruler willing to burn innocent civilians alive occurred within a couple of episodes.

To effectively convey such a profound transformation, the series would have benefited from dedicating at least a full season, if not more, to exploring the gradual erosion of Daenerys’s moral compass. By allocating more screen time to showcase her internal struggles, conflicting motivations, and the cumulative impact of her experiences, the show could have provided a more nuanced and convincing portrayal of her descent into villainy. The rushed execution of Daenerys’s character arc in the final seasons undermined the credibility and emotional resonance of her journey, diminishing the overall impact of the series’ conclusion.

3 Line of Duty (2012-2021)

The reveal of Ian Buckells being “H” was an unsatisfying bombshell

When Line of Duty unveiled DS Ian Buckells as the enigmatic “H,” the criminal mastermind behind the series’ intricate web of corruption, it proved to be a major disappointment that eventually affected the entire series. The notion that a seemingly incompetent and foolish character had been pulling the strings all along felt incongruous with the show’s meticulously crafted narrative. The lack of adequate foreshadowing and the abruptness of this reveal further compounded the sense of disappointment, as it appeared to be a hasty attempt to tie up loose ends without proper consideration for the story’s integrity.

This unsatisfying twist ending sparked a flurry of speculation and theories, with some even suggesting that Buckells’ unmasking was simply another red herring, a misdirection designed to maintain interest in a potential future season. However, the handling of the “H” reveal in Line of Duty‘s finale undeniably fell short of expectations, leaving a once-captivating series with a lackluster conclusion that failed to do justice to its intricate and suspenseful narrative. The decision to cast Buckells as the ultimate villain, without providing sufficient groundwork or justification, left a lingering sense of frustration and disappointment in its wake.

2 Luke Cage (2016-2018)

The series struggled after the premature death of the impressive villain Cottonmouth

The mishandling of Mahershala Ali’s character, Cottonmouth, in the first season of Luke Cage was a missed opportunity to capitalize on a compelling villain storyline, tarnishing Luke Cage’s legacy as a must-watch show. Ali’s nuanced performance as the charismatic and ruthless antagonist elevated the show’s initial episodes, creating a captivating dynamic between the hero and his rival. However, due to Ali’s limited availability for only seven episodes, the series was forced to condense Cottonmouth’s story arc, resulting in a premature and abrupt conclusion to his character.

The decision to kill off Cottonmouth early in the season, despite his significant impact on the narrative, left a void that the show struggled to fill in the subsequent episodes. The absence of Ali’s commanding presence and the complex villain he brought to life exposed the series’ difficulty in maintaining the same level of intrigue and tension. Cottonmouth’s untimely demise disrupted the carefully constructed balance between the protagonist and the antagonist, undermining the show’s ability to sustain a compelling narrative. Luke Cage’s failure to craft a more satisfying character arc for Cottonmouth ultimately hindered its overall potential.

1 Sherlock (2010-2017)

No villain could rival the incredible Jim Moriarty

The absence of a villain as captivating and dangerous as Jim Moriarty (portrayed by Andrew Scott) in the later seasons of the BBC’s Sherlock series highlights the show’s struggle to maintain its narrative intensity and intellectual intrigue. Moriarty, with his unparalleled wickedness and fascinating character, set an exceptionally high standard for antagonists in the Sherlock series, making him an integral part of the show’s most compelling storylines. His ability to match wits with the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes created a riveting hero/villain dynamic that propelled the narrative forward.

However, following Moriarty’s shocking demise in Sherlock season 2, the series failed to introduce a villain capable of filling the void left by his absence. The subsequent antagonists, when compared to Moriarty’s cunning and charisma, appeared lackluster and intellectually inferior, diminishing the show’s ability to sustain the same level of excitement and psychological tension. The absence of a villain as brilliant and menacing as Moriarty exposed the series’ reliance on his character to drive the plot and maintain the high-stakes battle of intellect that defined its early success.