10 Greatest Villain Introductions In TV History
3. Frank Underwood - House Of Cards
When audiences were introduced to Democratic congressman Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) in House of Cards' very first scene, they surely had no idea quite how far he would go in his pursuit of absolute power, but that opening scene nevertheless hinted at everything he was capable of.
The show begins with one of Frank's neighbours' dogs being mortally wounded in a hit-and-run accident, and as Frank's bodyguard goes off to alert the neighbours, Frank approaches the dying animal.
Frank then begins to speak about pain and declare that he "has no patience for useless things," all while breaking the fourth wall and staring directly at the viewer.
Frank then throttles the dog while deeming himself capable of doing the "painful but necessary thing," which while confirming Frank's cold pragmatism, is ultimately also a nod towards the murderous acts he'll commit against people later in the show.
Combined with the next scene, where Frank freely admits to the audience that he doesn't like President-elect Walker (Michel Gill) but is playing nice in the hope of being nominated Secretary of State, it's a note-perfect set-up for everything that Frank reveals himself to be over the course of the series.