So...Joe Carroll is a serial killer with a body count in the double digits, who then went on to become a dangerously manipulative cult leader. That means that technically he's worse than Charlie Manson who, when you think about it, never actually killed anyone himself. But what makes him a cut above a lot of other naughty characters on television is his level of intelligence. He's a college professor who went rogue and used his considerable intellect to further his sociopathy and need for control. Carroll is basically a criminal mastermind who is just as dangerous behind bars as he is out on the street, and somehow manages to stay about four and a half steps ahead of the police. That's pretty scary...but at the same time oh so charming. Do you see why he's such a conflicting character for audiences? While everyone can pretty much agree that he's a thoroughly despicable character, you can sort of see why he has, well, a following.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
