When a new television series debuts, its trajectory remains uncertain. The original intentions of the show’s creators and writers are often subject to change for a myriad of reasons. Sometimes, characters initially designed to be antagonists capture the audience’s affection, leading to a gradual rewrite that transforms them into heroes. This dynamic raises challenging questions about how to reconcile a character’s past misdeeds, as writers may opt to overlook or minimize these transgressions.
Some series start with a succinct story arc intended to conclude by the end of the first season. In these instances, the narrative includes unresolved injustices inflicted by the main antagonist, as well as a lack of consequences for their actions. However, when a show garners impressive viewership, it often receives a green light for additional seasons, necessitating a complex narrative shift to somehow exonerate these characters. Many audiences may find themselves forgiving characters for acts that previously seemed unforgivable, creating an intriguing discussion around morality and redemption in storytelling.
10
Joe For Killing Beck
You (2018-2025)
Joe Goldberg was designed to be an antihero. His character, marked by stalking, kidnapping, and murder, initially appears as a charming bookstore clerk with an innocent crush. However, as viewers soon discover, beneath that facade lies a man compelled by his own desires. Throughout the first season of You, Joe’s relentless pursuit of his love interest exposes a darker narrative, showcasing his troubling behaviors that include kidnapping her ex and spying on her relentlessly.
The series faced lackluster ratings during its original network run, ending with a shocking climax where Joe kills Beck, apparently escaping justice. Yet, after gaining a substantial fanbase on Netflix, the show was renewed for additional seasons, prompting a narrative shift that sought to reframe Joe as a somewhat sympathetic character. This evolution raises concerns about the implications of forgiving heinous actions for the sake of storytelling engagement.
9
Faith For Killing The Deputy Mayor
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
Faith, introduced as a new Slayer, serves as a foil to Buffy with her brash demeanor and reckless tendencies. Initially positioned as a rebellious counterpart, Faith’s character takes a dark turn when she accidentally kills a human, which unleashes her inner turmoil and complexity. This pivotal moment deepens her character but also sets her on a path toward villainy that seems to be a personal choice given the support she could have received from her peers.
The depth of Faith’s struggles reveals a layered character wrestling with her past traumas. However, her acts of violence, especially murder, should carry weight that affects her future relationships and character arc, raising questions about the moral consequences of forgiveness in character development.
8
Damon For Killing Lexi
The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
In The Vampire Diaries, the Salvatore brothers are portrayed with contrasting moral compasses, with Damon embodying a darker persona. His character revels in chaos and destruction, highlighted by his senseless killing of Lexi, Stefan’s closest friend. This pivotal act encapsulates Damon’s unsettling descent into moral ambiguity, a point that should have been more consequential within the narrative.
Despite the gravity of his actions, the repercussions are surprisingly minimal as the series progresses. This lack of accountability raises profound questions about forgiveness and redemption within the show’s framework and its portrayal of morality.
7
Joffrey Baratheon For Ordering Ned Stark’s Execution
Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)
From his introduction, Joffrey Baratheon is characterized as a villain incapable of evoking sympathy. His order for Ned Stark’s execution becomes a catalyst for many subsequent events in Game of Thrones, but the delayed justice for his heinous acts leaves viewers grappling with their desire for resolution. Although he is not outright forgiven, he engages in a series of horrendous acts for many seasons unchallenged.
The tragic journey of Sansa Stark, who must endure under Joffrey’s reign after witnessing her father’s death, underscores a recurring theme of unchecked villainy. While Joffrey ultimately meets his end, the pacing of his comeuppance stirs up critical discussions on narrative justice.
6
And For Killing Keith
One Tree Hill (2003-2012)
The narrative of One Tree Hill centers on the tumultuous relationship between the Scott brothers, culminating in one of the show’s most shocking moments when Dan Scott murders his brother Keith. This devastating act becomes a focal point for character exploration and moral inquiry in subsequent storylines. Despite turning himself in, Dan eventually receives a measure of forgiveness from certain characters, including viewers, who become emotionally invested in his subsequent redemption arc.
This manipulation of audience empathy sparks debates about the nature of forgiveness in storytelling and whether it undermines the severity of his actions.
5
Sylar For Killing Multiple “Heroes”
Heroes (2006-2010)
Sylar, portrayed by Zachary Quinto, emerges as a compelling antagonist in Heroes. He begins as a remorseless killer, accumulating a body count that raises eyebrows. However, as the series expands over several seasons, Sylar’s character undergoes significant development, transitioning from a formidable villain to a more complex persona in pursuit of redemption.
This narrative shift prompts questions regarding the effectiveness of pursuing forgiveness for characters whose actions initially defined them by villainy. While building character depth can be compelling, it risks diminishing the excitement generated by his malevolence.
4
Walter For Letting Jane Die
Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Walter White’s character arc in Breaking Bad presents a compelling antihero narrative. However, the decision he makes to allow Jane’s death marks a pivotal point that deepens his moral ambiguity. As an obstacle to his goals, Walter’s inaction in her moment of crisis is tantamount to murder, placing him further along the spectrum of villainy.
The ramifications of Jane’s death resonate throughout the series, especially affecting Jesse. The weight of Walter’s choices complicates the audience’s relationship with him, leading to an overall narrative that probes the boundaries of redemption and empathy.
3
Negan For Killing Glenn
Walking Dead (2010-2022)
Upon his introduction to The Walking Dead, Negan quickly establishes himself as a ruthless antagonist, particularly following the shocking murder of Glenn. This brutal act sets into motion a complex series of conflicts and emotional turmoil for the characters. Negan’s charismatic portrayal, however, leads to his unexpected evolution into a central figure who seeks redemption.
This transformation prompts significant discourse surrounding the ethics of character rehabilitation in the aftermath of profound violence, especially as many fans struggle to forgive Negan’s past actions.
2
Regina For Killing Graham
Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)
Regina Mills, also known as the Evil Queen, takes villainy to new levels in Once Upon A Time. By eliminating Graham, who poses a significant threat to her power, Regina solidifies her status as a formidable antagonist. Despite this, she undergoes a redemption arc throughout the series, compelling audiences to wrestle with the implications of her past actions as they inexplicably forgive her.
Although Lana Parrilla’s portrayal adds richness to Regina’s character, the question remains whether her ruthless decisions deserved forgiveness or if the nuances of storytelling gloss over the gravity of her earlier behaviors.
1
Klaus For Killing Jenna
The Vampire Diaries & The Originals (2013-2018)
Klaus Mikaelson, another character from The Vampire Diaries, illustrates the complications of forgiveness as he transitions from an antagonist to a protagonist in the spin-off series, The Originals. His initial heinous act of killing Jenna, Elena’s aunt, seems to fade into obscurity as Klaus develops relationships with characters who have ample reasons to resent him.
Despite the darker elements of his character, Klaus’s charisma leads audiences to embrace him, raising thought-provoking questions about the validity of redeeming a villainous character, especially when their past is so deeply rooted in suffering inflicted upon others. As various interactions normalize Klaus’s behavior, the critical lens on personal accountability becomes blurred.
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