The Best Villain From Every Season Of The Flash

8. Season 1 - The Reverse Flash

The series' first season is regarded by many as its best and this is due to its blend of light-hearted thrills and more intense/sombre fare. The latter was best embodied by Eobard Thawne/The Reverse Flash.

The series' most well-rounded villain is responsible for giving Barry his speed (as well as other metahumans their powers) in addition to causing the hero a great deal of pain by murdering our hero's mother when he was a child in a twisted attempt (one of many) to improve Barry's heroics.

What gave Thawne his many layers in the premiere season was his decision to pose as scientist Harrison Wells and become Barry's mentor. Initially born out of self-serving pragmatism, Thawne's time with the budding speedster led to the former beginning to care for Barry despite his intense hatred for the latter.

The show was lucky to have Tom Cavanagh inhabit the role due to the actor's effortless ability to switch between the level-headed Wells and the unhinged Thawne and still give depth to both personas.

It is a shame that later seasons chipped at Eobard's menace by having him make pointless appearances, but they have done little to ruin the formidable presence he brought to the first season.