10 TV Villains You Didn't Realise Actually Won

The introduction of Agent Alexander Mahone into Prison Break was a breath of fresh air and provided an antagonist who could mentally lock horns with super-genius Michael Scofield. The show wasted no time in placing him hot on the convicts' heels, proving that it's probably not the best idea to leave clues to your entire plan tatooed over your torso; Miller's brooding architect seriously couldn't remember the names of the three streets in front of the prison? Bit of a giveaway.

From the outset it's clear that Mahone is the definition of bad news, despite efforts every step of the way to make us empathise with him because of his drug addiction and the fact that he is being blackmailed by cut-and-paste villains The Company.

Like pretty much everyone else in the show, he ends up teaming up with the heroes/escaped violent criminals (depending on your outlook) and turns his awesome FBI killing skills around on their pursuers. The problem with this is that his entire redemption consists of overcoming a drug habit. He is still a remorseless killer, something Prison Break takes every opportunity to illustrate. He even seemingly forgets to grieve for his son after torture-drowning the man responsible and hooking up with an ex-colleague. Classy.

Looks like abusing authority, substance abuse and murder are all essential elements of a happy ending.