The Worst Characters in Television: From J.R. Ewing to Tony Soprano

The history of television is a rich tapestry of memorable characters, each with their own unique storylines. However, amidst all these memorable figures, a handful stand out for their utter villainy and debauchery. This article delves into some of the most notorious characters from television history, highlighting their questionable morals and unforgettable moments.

An Era of Villainy: J.R. Ewing from Dallas

One of the most iconic and definitely one of the most infamous characters in television history is J.R. Ewing, played by the late great Larry Hagman, from the long-running and beloved series Dallas. Airing from 1978 to 1991 on CBS, and then resuming from 2012 to 2014 on TNT, Dallas has become synonymous with weekly drama and scandal.

J.R. Ewing is the quintessential anti-hero, a lazy, brooding multi-millionaire who is as manipulative and deceptive as they come. He is known for his ruthless behavior, often resorting to coercion, blackmail, and even murder to achieve his goals. From his constant manipulation of his sister-in-law Suzanne, his feud with his business partner and brother-in-law Bobby Ewing, to his lies and subsequent business shenanigans, J.R. is a character that manages to be both captivating and utterly detestable.

Tony Soprano: A Deeper Dive into the Most Notorious

Speaking of notorious characters, it wouldn't be right to not mention Tony Soprano from The Sopranos (1999-2007). Tony is a New Jersey-based mafia boss with a personal and professional life that is a perfect blend of pain, anxiety, and crime. Although he is the Don of a mobster family, his crusade against his nephew Christopher displays a twisted sense of justice, showing his low moral compass.

Tony Soprano’s character is a master class in anti-hero complexity. While he is extraordinarily skilled in his criminal dealings, he’s equally adept at displaying his vulnerabilities. His struggles with anxiety and the pressures of being a mob boss are juxtaposed with his ruthless ability to execute the most brutal actions. Each episode of The Sopranos is a nuanced exploration of his inner and outer demons.

The Mad Men of Don Draper

Don Draper, the titular character from Mad Men (2007-2015), is yet another character that fits the bill of the worst yet most intriguing. This portrayal of a manipulation master and family man gone awry is a testament to the deep character development within the series.

Don Draper’s life is a series of lies and carefully constructed facades. His transformation from a struggling ad executive to an extremely successful one is entirely due to his ability to sell a narrative, be it a product, a lie, or himself. His actions are driven by a deep sense of loss and a constant need to escape his past. Even in his apparent success, he remains a man haunted by his own demons, making him just as compelling as he is frustrating to watch.

Other Notable Antagonists in Television

While J.R. Ewing, Tony Soprano, and Don Draper are standouts, there are many other notorious characters in television history. From Balá’s Viktor and Marie Gilles from Ghost Whisperer, to Alec Baldwin’s Billy Berg in The Young and the Restless, each adds their own layer of complexity and controversy to the medium.

These characters aren't just villains—they're masterful performances and compelling stories. From the comedic to the tragic, their actions and decisions shape the fate of their characters and, ultimately, the series themselves. While one can marvel at the talent of the actors who bring these characters to life, one can't help but feel a bit of a cognitive dissonance as they watch these compelling yet reprehensible figures unfold week after week.

So, if you ever find yourself watching Dallas, The Sopranos, or Mad Men, and are wondering how these characters could be so absolutely awful, remember, it's precisely their layers of complexity and the depth of their villainy that make them so captivating.