Ranking The Big Bads From Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Admittedly, Faith is the hardest to justify as a Big Bad on this list. Her antagonism doesn't come from a quick turn to evil like Angel or Willow, nor is she outright evil from the start like the others. Faith's slow descent into darkness is completely human, wholly compelling and the most realistic of anyone else on this list.

Faith is another vampire slayer like Buffy, and when she turns up in Sunnydale in Season Three she is reckless and undisciplined and just wants to have a good time. She proves to be a rebellious influence on Buffy, who in turn tries to be a calming influence on her.

An incredibly damaged individual, Faith had a difficult upbringing which left her with several emotional issues. After tensions and jealousies with Buffy reach a boiling point, Faith falls in with Mayor Wilkins, who becomes a father figure to her.

She's a tragic character who we grow to root for throughout the season, which is why it's saddening to see her switch sides. That being said, her relationship with Wilkins seems legitimately tender and well-meaning, so it's easy to understand her decisions.

Faith is a fantastic contrast to Buffy, and their interactions throughout Season Three are brilliant. Their final fight in the season that leaves Faith in a coma is one of the most impactful and weighted fights of all seven seasons.