Ranking The Big Bads From Buffy The Vampire Slayer

The original Big Bad and archetype for future models was the devilish Master. He presented himself like a dark and twisted Disney villain in all the best ways, monologuing to his minions in his cave lit by a hundred candelabras. With a keen sense for the dramatic, The Master is the most theatrical character on this list.

Trapped in his lair for most of the season, The Master's interactions with Buffy are unfortunately minimal, but in some ways that makes him all the more intimidating. Whereas it became common for the Scooby Gang to face their Big Bads throughout a season, The Master was saved until the end of the season - which made his and Buffy's inevitable encounter all the more tense.

The Master would occasionally pop up in later seasons during flashbacks (and the occasional alternate dimension), as he is part of the vampire line that created such characters as Angel and Spike. Unfortunately, his appearance hasn't aged well. The understated black attire is fitting but the pink shading of his nose and lips look like an allergic reaction.