Unforeseen Consequences: How These 10 TV Heroes Created Their Most Terrifying Adversaries

Summary

TV heroes creating their own worst enemies is a common trope that subverts audience expectations and adds depth to characters' backstories.

The origins of many iconic TV villains lie in the actions of their respective protagonists, compelling audiences to see both heroes and enemies from a fresh perspective. With heroes who inadvertently become their own worst enemies, TV shows can captivate viewers with unexpected turns of events and provide deeper understanding of beloved characters' destinies.

TV heroes who bring about their own downfall can be found in almost every genre of television. Many of these characters are well-known antiheroes, whose past failures often come back to haunt them in the form of their worst enemies. Surprisingly, even the most noble heroes have played a role in the creation of their greatest adversaries.

The actions of these protagonists often serve as the catalyst for the emergence of some of the most memorable TV villains. This theme of heroes creating their own worst enemies is a popular trope that transcends various TV genres. These villains, whose origins can be linked directly to the actions of the main characters, challenge audiences to view both heroes and villains from a different perspective. This allows showrunners to defy audience expectations when it comes to the backstories and moral compasses of TV characters. By exploring the concept of TV heroes inadvertently creating their own nemesis, these shows not only deliver surprising plot twists but also offer deeper insights into the fate of beloved characters.

10 Eleven - Stranger Things

9 Rhaenyra Targaryen/Alicent Hightower - House of the Dragon

The season 4 antagonist in Stranger Things, Vecna, was unveiled as Henry Creel, widely recognized as One, whom Eleven unintentionally brought into existence at Hawkins Lab. As the initial subject of Dr. Martin Brenner's experiments on young psychics, Henry served as an orderly at Hawkins Lab and exploited Eleven to exact revenge on the entire facility. Nevertheless, Eleven turned against him when he attempted to employ her assistance for an escape plan. Utilizing her superior psychic abilities, Eleven banished Henry to the Upside Down. While there, Henry's capabilities not only enabled his survival but also mutated him into the fearsome creature now known as Vecna – Eleven's most formidable adversary.

In House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel, Rhaenyra is the daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen. Raised by Viserys as his successor for the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra finds herself in opposition to Alicent Hightower, the second wife of Viserys who is determined to secure the throne for her own sons. This fierce rivalry between Rhaenyra and Alicent ignites the Dance of the Dragons, a brutal civil war within the Targaryen dynasty. As both women navigate the treacherous political landscape of Westeros, their ambitions and arrogance drive their ascent to power. With each representing conflicting claims to the Iron Throne, their animosity tears apart the realm, forever altering its destiny.

8 Simon - Adventure Time

7 Saul Goodman - Better Call Saul

Originally a kind archaeologist, Simon Petrikov's life took a drastic turn when he donned a cursed crown, transforming him into the Ice King. Simon's initial intention was to use the crown's power to protect Marceline, but unfortunately, the crown's magic had a corruptive effect. Not only did it bestow him with ice-based abilities, but it also wiped away his memories. Through his transformation into the Ice King, we witness the tragic consequences of wielding powerful artifacts in the post-apocalyptic world of Adventure Time. In a cruel twist of fate, Simon became his own worst enemy, giving rise to the Ice King - a mere shadow of his former self, possessing immense power but lacking the very essence of his true identity. Despite being secondary characters, Simon and the Ice King shared one of the most profound character arcs in the entire Adventure Time series.

Saul Goodman's final courtroom testimony in the last episode of Better Call Saul revealed the pivotal role he played in creating Walter White. Without Saul's guidance and assistance, Walt would not have risen to become the most dangerous and wealthiest drug lord in New Mexico. Additionally, Walt's transformation into the infamous Heisenberg would not have been possible without Saul's influence. Saul was not only a legal advisor to Walt, but he also facilitated his complete transition into a criminal mastermind. Furthermore, Walt posed a significant threat not only to Saul but also to other drug lords and high-ranking law enforcement officials in the city. Initially portrayed as the protagonist in Breaking Bad, Walt eventually evolved into the ultimate antagonist of the entire franchise. This dramatic shift in character would not have occurred if Walt had not enlisted the services of Saul.

6 Walter Bishop - Fringe

5 Siobhan "Shiv" Roy - Succession

In the formative sci-fi series Fringe, the entire plot revolved around Walter Bishop's quest for redemption. He had not only created his own worst enemies but also put reality itself in danger. Walter, along with his partner William Bell, conducted illegal drug trials on children in a misguided attempt to unlock the potential of the human mind. While Walter later regretted his actions, William became a prominent antagonist throughout the show's five seasons. Additionally, the alternate universe version of Walter, known as Walternate, represented Walter's inner desires and served as the main villain in several seasons. Despite being responsible for the show's antagonists, Walter ultimately succeeded in redeeming himself in Fringe.

Shiv, the offspring of media tycoon Logan Roy, tied the knot with Tom, a subordinate in Logan's company, at an early stage of Succession. The dynamics between Shiv and Tom shifted from mere convenience to an intense power struggle driven by ambition. Their relationship exemplified a blend of manipulation, infidelity, insecurity, and occasional moments of vulnerability. This turbulent connection between Shiv and Tom mirrored the overarching themes of the show, where familial and corporate loyalties constantly clashed, exploring the notion of love within the high-stakes world of business. Ultimately, it was Shiv's continuous mistreatment of Tom that ignited his determination to become Logan's chosen successor in the show's finale.

4 Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo - Narcos: Mexico

Based on the namesake convicted drug lord, Miguel Ángel Felix Gallardo, Narcos: Mexico's character was renowned for his business acumen and role as the mastermind behind La Federacion. The downfall of the operation began when Felix lost control over Rafael “Rafa” Caro Quintero, who cultivated and expanded the lucrative seedless marijuana that fueled the cartel's wealth. Rafa himself was highly unpredictable, but if Felix had treated him better and made him feel more valued, Rafa wouldn't have acted recklessly, jeopardizing the entire enterprise. One could argue that Felix's pride was his greatest adversary, which ultimately contributed to Rafa's careless behaviors.

3 Rick Sanchez - Rick and Morty

Rick Sanchez has a number of formidable adversaries, including Evil Morty, the Council of Ricks, the President of the United States, and Tammy and Phoenixperson. These nemeses are all a result of Rick's own actions in the past. Specifically, Evil Morty was brought into existence due to the mistreatment and experimentation of Mortys across the various dimensions by multiple Ricks. On the other hand, the Council of Ricks symbolizes Rick's unresolved issues that continue to haunt him relentlessly, regardless of his location within the multiverse. Ultimately, the essence of Rick and Morty revolves around Rick's endeavors to ultimately transform his life and make amends for his past mistakes. Whether Rick will be able to achieve this redemption remains uncertain.

2 Barry Berkman - Barry

Hitman-turned-actor Barry Berkman discovered his passion for acting under the unconventional guidance of seasoned performer Gene Cousineau, forging a strong bond between them. However, when Barry tragically took the life of Detective Janice Moss, Gene's girlfriend, in a desperate attempt to evade the law, their relationship deteriorated, and Gene emerged as Barry's most formidable adversary. This act also placed Barry in the crosshairs of Jim Moss, Janice's father and a highly skilled U.S. Army veteran specialized in psychological warfare, making him far more dangerous than Gene. Surprisingly, the final showdown in Barry reveals that Gene, due to Barry's own recklessness and compromised morals, has ultimately become his true worst enemy.

1 Fleabag - Fleabag

Fleabag, the enigmatic woman, saw her greatest adversary in either her father's wife or her sister's husband. However, according to the ending of Fleabag, it was revealed that Fleabag's true nemesis was herself. Throughout Fleabag season 2, she profoundly acknowledged her own toxicity, from her direct involvement in the death of her best friend Boo, to her seduction of the Priest. The eponymous protagonist embarked on a continual quest for self-forgiveness and redemption in this dark comedy. Despite her self-awareness, she consistently struggled to achieve it, which ultimately made her strikingly relatable and genuine. This was the very reason why viewers eagerly awaited Fleabag season 3.