Rooting for the Bad Guy: A Personal Journey with Villains in TV and Movies

Have you ever watched a TV show or movie and found yourself rooting for the bad guy or primary antagonist? As a television producer and movie enthusiast, I've had this experience on several occasions, and these moments often provide fascinating insights into the complexity of characters and storytelling. Let's explore this intriguing phenomenon through specific episodes and characters.

Rooting for Redemption: Angel - 'Five by Five'

One memorable episode that comes to mind is the season one episode of Angel titled "Five by Five." Unlike many other episodes where villains are explicitly pitted against protagonists, this episode focuses on a different kind of conflict – one that requires empathy and understanding rather than violence. In this episode, we root for the villain, Serana, to be redeemed and to receive the help she so desperately needs.

In a series where violence is the primary means of resolving conflicts, "Five by Five" stands out as a rare exception. The episode emphasizes patience and understanding, which is why it is considered one of the best episodes of the first season. The portrayal of Serana as a needy character who seeks help rather than harm makes her a compelling and relatable antagonist, prompting viewers to root for her redemption.

The Enchanting Villainy of Dr. Miguelito Loveless

Growing up, one of my favorite villains was Dr. Miguelito Loveless from The Wild Wild West. The episode featuring him was a treasure, especially when he would sing a beautiful madrigal with Antoinette Phoebe Dorin. Michael Dunn's portrayal of Loveless was a true masterpiece. His unique chemistry with the show's lead, the affable suitor of the West, made me keep my fingers crossed for each Loveless episode, hoping he would return.

Through his captivating storytelling and the enchanting music, Loveless’s character became a delightful mix of diabolical genius and childlike innocence. His role as a villain was so well-crafted that it was enjoyable to watch and rooted for. Unfortunately, the big-screen adaptation starring Kenneth Branagh was far less successful, with Branagh being woefully miscast in the role.

John Q: An Ethical Dilemma

While not necessarily a villain, John Q from the film of the same name captivated me with his unique story. In the film, John Q, a conflicted father, decides to take extreme measures when his son is denied emergency surgery. Despite his questionable actions, the audience can't help but root for him, making the conflict more personal and emotionally engaging.

Evil with Heart: Poker Face

More recently, I found myself rooting for the characters in the new show, Poker Face. This crime procedural follows the detective Charlie Cale who investigates murders in a unique format. Rather than starting with the victim, the story begins with the criminal committing the crime, making the audience focus on the act of deception and the murderers' motives. As these characters are well-developed from the start, I found myself sympathizing with them, feeling that they should get away with their crimes.

While the overall plot still involves solving crimes, the storytelling and character development in Poker Face make the viewers root for the criminals in a way that is more human and nuanced. This emotional connection to the antagonists elevates the viewing experience, making the show more captivating and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, rooting for the bad guy is a remarkable phenomenon that showcases the depth of character development and storytelling in both TV and movies. By examining specific examples, we can see how these villains become relatable and compelling, making the viewing experience all the more engaging.

Villains in TV, Rooting for Villains, Character Development in Villains