They are definitely no saints, but more like badasses whose moral compass must have broken somewhere in the road. But we still find them awesome. These characters show their strengths and weaknesses on-screen and that is what makes them human and true to life. That is why we can’t escape of their charms.
Now, check out our list of the most controversial TV characters that stun with antiheroic deeds. Did you recognize your favorite one?
Tony Soprano (The Sopranos)
Tony Soprano is probably the character who set the trend that anti heroes can be so likeable and charismatic. Started in 1999 the series brought up one of the most compelling and legendary images in history of television. Tony Soprano is a New Jersey mob boss whose hands are always dirty. Tough and brutal he is until we see him at therapy and hear his confessions.
Francis Underwood (House of Cards)
The political drama "House of Cards" brings the game of politics up to a completely new level. Frank Underwood sets a perfect example of a modern anti-hero type. He is power-hungry, selfish and revengeful; like a shark, always seeking for blood. What good can we expect from a man who killed a dog without batting an eye? The only thing he cares about is getting more power. He ruins people's lives; moreover, he kills two people. Although, there are no moral boundaries for this man, it is as if he has no conscience either, but the audience still pays him deep respect.
Vic Mackey (The Shield)
Vic Mackey gives an interesting update to the conception of nowadays-American cops. He leads a special action team of policemen who serve their own justice and get their hands dirty almost all the time.
Jack Bauer (24)
He is one hell of a killing machine, especially when it comes to protect the people who are close to him. He is capable of doing all the wrong acts for the right reasons. He may be called a hero but he is no better than the terrorists he is dealing with. Jack Bauer is not afraid to break the rules or oppose to the president's decisions. He tortures people and even makes an attempt to kidnap the American president. In season eight, he is one-step closer to revenge-kill the Russian president. However, everyone who is familiar with his story can't help but give his support and forgive his sins.
Walter White (Breaking Bad)
“Breaking Bad” would not have gained that big success if it was not for its awe-inspiring principal character. Walter White, a mild-mannered chemistry teacher finds out he has tumor and is going to die. What bothers him the most is not the severe illness but the fact that after his death his family will have no financial support so to ensure their survival he begins to produce drugs. Over five season Walter gradually "breaks bad" by selling drugs and getting involved with drug cartels, murders and lies. Bryan Cranston' s performance in this series is beyond measure.
Tom Price (Survivors)
Set in post-apocalyptic Britain after 90% of the population has been wiped out by a deadly flu, the series follow the story of a group of six people who gather to struggle for their survival. Tom Price is an ex-convict who is given a second chance to live free in the new world after the plague. He is selfish, sociopathic; he kills people in cold blood. However, to his own surprise, he becomes emotionally attached to the people in his group and he saves their lives multiple times. The plot implicates the idea how bad people are highly likely to survive pretty well in a world with no government and no laws. Under these circumstances, it may not be that bad to have someone like Tom Price on your side.
James “Sawyer” Ford (Lost)
It is amazing how Josh Holloway's character evolved so much over the six seasons of “Lost”. From a loner who always opposes to everyone, he became one of the most trusted protagonists and a leader in the group of survivals after a plane crash. Despite his mean jokes and selfishness, he appeared courageous and cold-blooded in a few very dangerous situations. Gradually, his hardened shell began to crack and let a sensible and attractive personality to come out. He succeeded to prove himself as utterly reliable and strong by saving lives of others risking his own. For this reason, and his prettiness, he was always a common favorite.
Ragnar Lothbrok (Vikings)
Ragnar stands very far from the classic hero type. He is greedy, selfish and brutal. Violence plays a major part in his life. He personifies the image of a true viking. He and his Norsemen cohorts kill, raid, pillage and claim lands to be theirs out of nothing. However, there is another interesting fact, the rest of the characters are no better than Ragnar. Must be that charismatic looks that enchants us, who knows…
Jax Teller (Sons of Anarchy)
He is strong, always ready to face danger, very handsome and utterly brutal when the situation requires it. Jax Teller has all the right features that make him suitable enough to be member of a gang of outlaws. He breaks the law so many time and that, for sure, makes him the bad guy but also he does right things. Protecting his family is one of them and for that; he deserves a lot of credit.
Nicolas Brody (Homeland)
Damian Lewis makes quite a performance playing the prisoner-of-war Nicolas Brody in TV series "Homeland". His character lies to his wife and kids. Later in the series turns out that, he came back into his homeland with the intention to commit a terrorist act on American soil. Still, viewers forgive him the lies and unfaithfulness because they have already fallen for his charismatic looks and felt sympathy after watching him suffering.
