The Demise of These Villains Left These 10 TV Shows in Shambles

Some TV shows are defined by their remarkable villains and have suffered a decline in quality after the demise of that character. An unforgettable antagonist has the power to solidify an exceptional season of television. Season 4 of Breaking Bad is still vivid in the minds of every fan who experienced the thrilling conflict between Walter White and Gus Fring. Likewise, Game of Thrones viewers may recall the satisfaction they felt when Joffrey Baratheon met his agonizing end, poisoned at his own wedding.

However, not every series can sustain its momentum once the main villain is no longer in the picture. No antagonist can remain indefinitely. Sooner or later, they must be defeated; otherwise, the storyline can become tedious and repetitive, as The Boys is currently grappling with. As the primary antagonist, Homelander's prolonged presence is leading to criticism of the show's fourth season. Like Batman without the Joker, some shows find themselves directionless after their mortal enemy has been vanquished.

10 Game of Thrones - Ramsay Bolton

9 The Flash - Reverse Flash

Following season 6, Game of Thrones' decline was widely accepted. The "Battle of the Bastards" showcased an epic clash, marking one of the most remarkable battles in both film and television history. It concluded with the satisfying demise of Ramsay Bolton. However, the subsequent seasons failed to present villains that matched the viewers' expectations. The Night King and "The Long Night" fleetingly appeared and vanished just as quickly. Daenerys' descent into madness lacked credibility in its portrayal, while Cersei, although maintaining her true character until the end, suffered a disappointing death as rocks crushed her. Ramsay proved to be the final well-executed antagonist in the series.

The Flash will come to an end after season 9, and it is widely acknowledged that season 1 was the pinnacle of the series. The original storyline was deeply personal, showcasing Barry Allen's journey to gaining his superpowers and his intense rivalry with his arch-nemesis, Reverse Flash. Tom Cavanagh's portrayal of Eobard Thawne as the villain was exceptional, earning praise as one of the finest performances in DC television. In subsequent seasons, the show attempted to replicate this success by introducing more speedster adversaries like Zoom and Savitar, and by bringing back the Reverse Flash through imaginative means, but unfortunately, none were able to match the impact of season 1.

8 Homeland - Nicholas Brody

7 Lost - John Locke

Although Nicholas Brody's character was not entirely villainous, his journey of redemption in season 3 marked a significant turning point in the narrative of Homeland. The compelling dynamic between Brody and Carrie Mathison, filled with a continuous intertwining of romance and deceit, served as the captivating heart of the show during its initial seasons. Despite the strengths of seasons 4-9, the subsequent seasons never quite reached the same level of excellence as the remarkable quality established in seasons 1 and 2.

While not a pure antagonist, John Locke's role in his dynamic with Jack was a crucial aspect that greatly enhanced the early seasons of Lost. The subtle clash between "Man of Science vs. Man of Faith" added an irresistible charm and laid the groundwork for the profound philosophical inquiries that would follow throughout the show. Although Locke's lifeless body was uncovered at the conclusion of season 4, it wasn't until season 5, episode 7 that viewers were granted the perilous culmination of John Locke's existence. The Man in Black cunningly seized control of Locke's body, yet the conflicts portrayed in seasons 5 and 6 failed to capture the same brilliance exhibited by their predecessors.

6 Luke Cage - Cottonmouth

Portrayed by the extraordinary Mahershala Ali, the character, Cottonmouth, was a captivating street-level villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), making his appearance in Luke Cage. The series started off on a strong note, but unfortunately, Ali's mesmerizing portrayal of Cottonmouth came to an abrupt end in season 1, episode 7. Showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker clarified that this unfortunate outcome was due to Mahershala Ali's limited availability for only 7 episodes. Despite this setback, Cottonmouth, who was depicted in a more grounded and complex manner than his comic book counterpart, had the potential to become one of the most intriguing villains in the MCU if his presence was not cut short. However, fans can anticipate Ali's upcoming redemption in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his portrayal of Blade.

5 Supernatural - Crowley

Crowley, a demon introduced in season 5 of Supernatural, was known for his fluctuating loyalty towards the Winchester brothers. He quickly became a beloved character, making it all the more disappointing when his story was abruptly cut short. Actor Mark Sheppard expressed his disappointment with how Crowley's character was written in later seasons, ultimately resulting in a poorly executed death in season 12. Despite the show's knack for reviving characters, Crowley never made a return, leaving fans puzzled by this unconventional decision.

4 Big Little Lies - Perry Wright

3 Game of Thrones - Tywin Lannister

Season 1 of Big Little Lies was a stroke of genius. HBO executed the show flawlessly, featuring an exceptional script and cast consisting of Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, and Zoë Kravitz. The character of Perry Wright, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, served as the pivotal antagonist, with the murder incident revolving around him. Finally, in the season finale, his demise is revealed, effectively concluding the narrative adapted from Liane Moriarty's novel. HBO's attempt to revive the series for a second season resulted in a weaker storyline that explored the repercussions following Wright's death, ultimately leaving a void for an antagonist that not even Meryl Streep could fill.

Game of Thrones reached its peak of popularity in season 4, but some argue that the quality began to decline at this point. Season 5 marked a departure from the book adaptation, as evidenced by the Dorne plotline feeling disconnected from the rest of the show. Despite introducing strong and formidable villains like the High Sparrow, the death of Tywin Lannister resulted in a significant shift in the dynamics between Game of Thrones characters and their adversaries. Tywin embodied the series at its finest, with the Machiavellian Lannister drama in seasons 3 and 4 showcasing some of the most exceptional writing in the show.

2 Smallville - Lex Luthor

1 Westworld - Robert Ford

Despite being part of Smallville, Lex Luthor is undeniably one of the most outstanding characters in superhero television, with Michael Rosenbaum portraying him exceptionally well. What set Lex apart from his comic book counterpart was his humanity and the gradual decline of his character, which spanned across seven gripping seasons. As fans watched Lex's descent into evil, they were captivated by the palpable anticipation of his downfall, secretly hoping it would never come to fruition. Unfortunately, after Lex's demise in season 7, none of the subsequent villains in the series could match the on-screen presence and charisma of Michael Rosenbaum, creating a compelling case for his return in the finale.

Westworld is a prime example of how a television show can start off strong and then plummet in quality. Season 1 delivers an enthralling and intricate storyline that spans across multiple timelines, centering around the enigmatic Dr. Robert Ford, portrayed brilliantly by Anthony Hopkins. At the climax of season 1, Ford orchestrates his own demise as part of a grand scheme to unleash the hosts. However, this decision ultimately backfired for the show, as the subsequent seasons struggled to capture the same level of intrigue. This decline in quality and viewer engagement ultimately led to Westworld's cancellation after season 4.