8 TV Villains Who Redeemed Themselves

Allison Taylor was the super-idealistic president on seasons seven and eight of 24, but her unwavering commitment to righteousness cost her big time. Her son was murdered in a conspiracy, and she then handed over her daughter to be prosecuted after she had his killer assassinated. This act also caused her husband to divorce her.

During season eight her goal was to sign a major peace deal with the Middle East, which is eventually threatened when Jack reveals certain politicians committed murder to sabotage it. She refuses to let the deal collapse, and becomes an unwitting villain by trying to bury the evidence to make it work. This puts her up against Jack, and she’s willing to have him killed to stop the truth coming out.

It’s distressing to see this former beacon of virtue become more ruthless, though she does eventually see the light. She dismantles the deal, hands herself over for her crimes and has Jack rescued from certain execution.