10 TV Villains Who Stole The Show

There’s no more deplorable villain than the traitor. An outspoken baddie who makes no bones about their evil schemes? That’s one thing. But to lurk in plain sight until the moment finally comes that you launch your ploy? That’s hard to forgive.

The reveal of Nina Myers as a mole inside CTU was perhaps the biggest shock in the first season of 24, which, for a show based predominantly around heavy doses of shocks, is really going some. An information broker willing to sell government secrets to the highest bidder, Myers is ultimately a nihilist, allied to no one and believing in little other than her own increasing wealth. She clearly enjoys her work, though, taunting Jack after killing his wife, and later gaining a presidential pardon for the murder of Bauer which she is yet to commit.

Sarah Clarke was left in the dark as to her character’s double agent status until late in the filming of the first season, adding great believability to Nina’s turn. There would be flashier enemies to come, but Nina’s betrayal of her agency and friends makes for a deeply personal antagonist.