Great TV Villains

They make more of an impression than any other character on screen. They scare us; they intrigue us; they draw us into their world. A great villain makes for a great story. Think about Hannibal Lecter, Darth Vader, Freddy, Jason, etc, and consider their important contribution to their respective stories. Great villains on the big screen or the small are an influential part of our entertainment and our culture. Presented here are five of the best TV villains.

#5 Mr. Burns (The Simpsons)

Here is a classic villain. The epitome of the evil boss, and the sadistic old man, Montgomery Burns was always a contender for a top villain title. It was, however, when he got shot while stealing candy from a baby after devising a plan to steal sunlight from Springfield that he achieved a super-villain level.

#4 Charles Logan (24)

Gregory Itzin's performances made this character stand out as more than your ussual evil mastermind on TV. This was a portrait of a small man with big power. In Charles logan, we found not just another kingpin bent on world domination, or a terrorist fighting for their crazed cause, but rather he represented the worst of corruption and evil in a seat of power.

#3 Ben Linus (lost)

I know Lost is confusing and the characters and plot are always changing. Maybe he's bad; maybe he's good; maybe we will learn in the end that he was always a misunderstood hero. Regardless of whether or not he is evil this week, Michael Emerson's flawless portrayal of Ben is one of the most perfectly performed chilling things on the small screen.

#2 Cartman (SouthPark)

Eric Cartman, who could have thought that a kid on a goofy poorly animated comedy central cartoon could be so damn evil? The fact is, he gets away with more than anyone else in television. A list of TV villainy cannot be complete without reference to some of Cartman's accomplishments. These include but are not limited to: starting a movement spreading hate against red haired kids (gingers), attempting to exterminate the Jews, and of course killing Scott Tenorman's parents, processing them into chili, and feeding them to him while chanting: "Ha Ha I made you eat your parents!"

#1 Sylar (Heroes)

Gabriel Gray A.K.A Sylar is hands down the most intensely unnerving character to appear on network television in the past several years. A serial killer with special powers stalking his prey like a hungry wolf, Sylar presents a strong image of evil. Zachary Quinto perfectly portrays a human monster with a strong hunger and a taste for death.