Every interesting television character undergoes some type of evolution throughout a show. While sometimes it's a hero going dark, it's more often a villain seeking redemption. Watching the antagonist fight alongside the lead, rather than against them, is satisfying when it's done right.
It can take seasons for a bad guy to undergo such a drastic shift, but it's often what makes it believable. No one changes overnight, especially those who have a lot to make up for. There are several incredible TV characters whose stories are more impactful because they started out on the wrong side but wound up on the right one.
The Boys - Queen Maeve
Throughout Season 1 of The Boys, some hints suggested Maeve wasn't quite as bad as the other Supes. However, actions speak louder than words, and while she was trying to protect someone she cared about, it didn't excuse all the people she hurt.
Queen Maeve shines brighter throughout the second season, and it's clear that she's done letting Homelander control her. Whether or not she's going to switch sides completely is up in the air, but she did put herself at risk to save Starlight.
Fringe - Fauxlivia
When Fauxlivia switched places with the real Olivia and tricked Peter into starting a relationship with her, it seemed unlikely that she'd be able to be redeemed. But Fauxlivia is proof that second chances are possible, and when the timeline changes in Fringe, so does she.
It could be argued that Fauxlivia overshadowed the show's lead, as Olivia wasn't as morally gray as her AU self. Fauxlivia was interesting and unpredictable, and viewers got to experience her as a villain and a hero.
The Good Place - Michael
It doesn't get much more evil than a demon, and Michael was as bad as they come. He was downright sinister, and he spent the entire first season of The Good Place manipulating those who trusted him.
Yet, Michael managed to have the best character development in the entire series, and he would give up his immortal life if it meant saving those he came to call family. Michael was the show's beating heart, and he deserved his happy ending as much as Eleanor and her friends did.
Prison Break - Alexander Mahone
There was a time when Mahone was one of the most unlikeable characters in Prison Break. Killing a teenager in cold blood is a lot to forgive, and he didn't appear to show much regret. But Mahone has a lot more to him than meets the eye, and he went from being hated to a fan favorite.
His moral com is much stronger than viewers originally thought, and he had a reason behind all his actions. When it came down to it, Mahone stood by Michael's side, even though it could cost him his life.
Nancy Drew - Odette Lamar
All viewers saw when they looked at Odette was a threat. The Aglaeca was a major plot point in Nancy Drew, and the Drew Crew spent a string of episodes trying to break the curse it had placed on them. But Odette proves that there is a woman beneath the monster by showing that she's capable of love and sacrifice.
Her romance with Bess was unexpected and they even became one of Nancy Drew. Odette's character development and bond with George showed an entirely different side of the spirit that had been lurking in Horseshoe Bay.
Once Upon A Time - Captain Hook
Because the show is all about redemption, there are plenty of characters in Once Upon a Time that belong on this list. However, Captain Hook stood out above them all. Emma did inspire Hook to be a better person, but he grew and evolved all on his own.
He made the decision to be good and expected nothing in return, which can't be said for the other villains on the show. Hook had lived in the darkness for a long time and fighting it was an uphill battle. Yet, he became one of, if not the, most selfless people in Storybrooke.
The Vampire Diaries - Damon Salvatore
Damon Salvatore is the most popular character in Damon didn't deserve redemption, but the show gave it to him anyway. He was the big bad during The Vampire Diaries Season 1 and he made it clear that chaos and destruction was a favorite hobby of his.
Falling in love with Elena changed Damon for the better, and while it initially appeared he only switched sides to earn Elena's love, he tries to stay on the path of good even after she leaves the show.
From Dusk Till Dawn - Seth Gecko
Both of the Gecko brothers started out as villains, despite being the protagonists of From Dusk Till Dawn. They kidnapped the Fullers and hold them at gunpoint, but it becomes clear that Seth in particular has developed a soft spot for the family.
Seth continues to sacrifice himself for the greater good throughout the show's three seasons, and his relationship development with Kate is particularly notable. He doesn't leave his life of crime, but Seth is completely unrecognizable from who he was in the pilot.
The Shannara Chronicles - Eretria
Eretria underwent a phenomenal transformation, despite The Shannara Chronicles only getting two seasons. She was always rough around the edges, but she ends up having the biggest heart out of anyone in the series.
Eretria goes from a rover who only looks out for herself to someone who would die for those she once considered enemies. Her character and relationship development are singlehandedly what made the show worth watching, which made its cancellation especially disappointing.