The Ultimate Guide to Jaw-Dropping Revenge Plots in TV Shows

Summary

Revenge is a popular theme in TV shows because viewers are fascinated by the line between justice and overkill.

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TV shows that become entangled in deceitful actions and unexpected turns of events can be a source of frustration for viewers aiming for a tightly woven revenge narrative. However, there are brilliantly crafted revenge stories that can be discovered in shows such as"

South Park

,

Bad Sisters

, and

Game of Thrones

, where vengeance is justified and satisfying.

While numerous revenge stories delve into the moral complexities of seeking retribution, certain television shows possess revenge plotlines that are so cleverly crafted that viewers cannot help but become engrossed. Whether it is a dish best savored cold, sweet, or served with wild justice, revenge remains a perennially popular theme in fiction. Dating back to the times even before The Count of Monte Cristo initiated his meticulously planned decades-long ploy to hold his tormentors accountable, revenge has consistently been a fundamental element of dramatic narratives. It inherently captivates audiences, as they are always fascinated by the precise moment when a character decides the boundary between justice and excessive punishment.

Yet, not every revenge story guarantees a satisfactory conclusion for viewers. Even shows explicitly centered around revenge, such as Revenge itself, can deviate from their initial premise and explore the concept that vengeance is, in fact, a morally questionable act. Many television shows, owing to their longer durations and intricate storylines compared to movies, can become entangled in never-ending betrayals and plot twists that reveal revenge to be far more complex than it first appears. This can be exasperating for viewers who simply desire a masterfully constructed revenge narrative. Thankfully, the medium still manages to offer a handful of such tales.

10 Cartman's Revenge On Scott Tenorman (South Park)

South Park season 5, episode “Scott Tenorman Must Die,” commenced like any other episode of the series when an older boy with a malicious nature tricked Cartman into purchasing one of his pubic hairs. Scott, a privileged and affluent child, subsequently humiliated Cartman and callously incinerated his money instead of returning it. Cartman swiftly devised a whimsical plot for revenge, involving a donkey that would bite off Scott’s genitalia, and then the narrative took an unexpected twist reminiscent of Shakespearean tragedy. While Scott was preoccupied with the donkey ploy, Cartman took the opportunity to pulverize his parents into chili, which he subsequently fed to his tormentor. As the later seasons of South Park depicted Cartman's more human side, this was unequivocally his most heartless act to date.

9 The Entire Plot of Bad Sisters

In the same year as The Banshees of Inisherin, the Irish black comedy Bad Sisters made its debut. However, unlike the morally-focused indie hit, this murder mystery had a different agenda. Bad Sisters delved into the wild tale of a group of sisters who conspired to eliminate their abusive and violent brother-in-law, John Paul, and explored the consequences of their actions. The brilliance of this revenge narrative lies in its constant shifts between the present, where the sisters reckon with the aftermath of John Paul's demise, and the past, unveiling the reasons why John Paul ultimately met his justified fate.

8 Amy vs. Danny (Beef)

7 Arya's Revenge for the Red Wedding (Game of Thrones)

In Netflix's Beef, Danny (played by Steven Yeun) and Amy (played by Ali Wong) find themselves in a minor car accident at the start of the film. Initially, this incident appears inconsequential, but it ultimately ignites an intense bout of road rage. Despite the seemingly innocuous nature of these events, Danny and Amy, pushed to their breaking points, unexpectedly unleash havoc. Consequently, what begins as a minor mishap transforms into a series of outrageous revenge schemes, continually challenging viewers to question whose side they support.

The Red Wedding was one storyline in Game of Thrones that lived up to its potential, unlike many others. It became an iconic moment in the show's history, proving that Game of Thrones was unafraid to devastate its viewers. However, this shocking twist required a satisfying resolution, which came in the form of Arya's revenge on Walder Frey. Her morally complex dealings with the Lannisters contrasted with her cold, cruel, and entirely justified vengeance on Frey and later Littlefinger.

6 Walter White’s Redemption (Breaking Bad)

By the time the final season of Breaking Bad unfolded, it was easy for viewers to perceive Walter White as the antagonist of his own narrative. The once unassuming chemistry teacher had morphed into a merciless methamphetamine kingpin, annihilating all competitors without remorse. However, the introduction of abhorrent Neo-Nazis, who pillaged Walt's empire, abducted and tortured his criminal accomplice, and executed his brother-in-law, added an intriguing villainous element to Breaking Bad. Walter's demise in the series finale evoked sorrow, yet his triumphant feat of eradicating Jack's entire gang and rescuing Jesse stood as a final stroke of brilliance from the morally ambivalent protagonist.

5 Lois Defends Reese (Malcolm in the Middle)

In Malcolm in the Middle season 7 episode 16, "Lois Strikes Back," Jane Kaczmarek's character takes sweet revenge on four girls who cruelly humiliated her son Reese. This act of vengeance proves that Lois, despite complaining about her sons' pranks and schemes, is just as skilled in the art of payback.

4 Moon Dong-eun Gets Back At Her Tormentors (The Glory)

3 Omar’s Revenge On The Barksdale Organisation (The Wire)

The central theme of both Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle did not revolve around revenge, although they did showcase some impressive revenge plots. In contrast, The Glory focused exclusively on this theme, delivering a distressing, brutal, and captivating storyline. This South Korean drama intricately explored the intricate effects of revenge on the human soul, while still granting viewers the gratification of a ruthlessly effective revenge plot. As a schoolteacher, Moon Dong-eun meticulously executed a long-standing plan to retaliate against her former bullies, thus justifying her actions entirely. What sets The Glory apart, however, is its ability to blur the lines of morality as the repercussions of the teacher's vengeance begin to shape the lives of the succeeding generation.

In The Wire, a thought-provoking and morally complex series, moments of action that satisfy the crowd are few and far between. However, a notable exception occurs early on when Omar Little seeks vengeance against the individuals responsible for the painful torture, murder, and disfigurement of his partner. This act of retribution, directed towards the Barksdale Organization, would befit a more traditional action-packed thriller, adding to the brilliance of the plotline by highlighting a rare exhilarating moment that showcases The Wire's ability to embrace intense genre excitement.

2 Lumen’s Vengeance On Jordan Chase (Dexter)

1 Tony Avenges Tracee (The Sopranos)

The killer who stood out as the ultimate villain in Dexter's history was able to infiltrate Dexter's mind, demonstrating that there wasn't much of a distinction between Dexter and the serial killers he pursued. However, the most gratifying case in Dexter's journey took an entirely different direction. In season 5, Dexter, the titular antihero of the show, rescued Lumen from a gang of ruthless men who abducted, violated, and tortured her. Throughout the remainder of the season, he assisted her in seeking an intricate and brutal revenge. This unexpected turn of events allowed Dexter to fully embrace the role of a genuine hero, void of any internal conflict, and enabled the viewers to relish in the violence without any moral reservations.

In episode 9 of season 4 of The Sopranos, titled "Whoever Did This," Tony eliminates Ralphie, a boisterous gangster, because he suspects him of setting fire to a barn and killing Tony's racehorse. However, the true reason for Tony's action is Ralphie's murder of Tracee, a 20-year-old stripper who was carrying Ralphie's unborn child, as revealed in previous episodes. This clever plot twist allowed Tony to justify his decision by attributing it to the dead racehorse, as he couldn't publicly justify killing Ralphie over the death of a stripper. The incorporation of this plotline exemplifies the internal struggle that defines Tony's character arc in The Sopranos, as he constantly grapples with reconciling his moral compass with the demands of his criminal lifestyle.