1) Oswald Cobblepot – Gotham
He’s picked on. He’s mocked. He’s underestimated. Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin on FOX’s Gotham is one of the best new villains currently on network TV. Much credit should be given to the amazingly talented Robin Lord Taylor for his work here – he’s so evil it’s delicious.
Because he’s seen as weak, useless and repeatedly teased (especially for his “penguin” walk), it’s easy for viewers to relate to Cobblepot. Yes, he might be evil and a killer willing to go the extra mile to work his way up the criminal chain, but a part of him has been pushed to seek vengeance for past treatments and the continuation of being bullied.
We’ve all been talked down to or called names at least once in our lives, so is it really that difficult to understand why we’d root for someone like Cobblepot? Plus, if Gotham didn’t have the luxury of this ruthless villain, why tune in every week?