If you watch Batwoman, no doubt you’re coming back week after week thanks to the antics of Beth Kane/Alice, played by Rachel Skarsten. Whether its sadistic glee over staying one step ahead of Batwoman or her fierce love for her sister, Skarsten takes what could be a one-note character and elevates it to higher levels, making one of the most complex (and perhaps endearing) antagonists on modern television. It continues in a trend of villains you love to hate. And while the MCU seems to have the corner on this market thanks to Loki, Baron Zemo, and Agatha Harkness, the DC TV universe has no shortage of their own scofflaws that are more entertaining than the heroes.
A few caveats: with DC’s TV presence going back to the 1950s, we decided to limit this to villains from shows debuting in the Arrowverse era to present day, though not limited to just the Arrowverse shows. We also decided to limit to live-action TV shows as well, although there are no shortage of DC animated villains that we all love.
So, vote in our Reader Poll, and check back on Monday for the results! And if we missed your favorite villain, be sure to tell us in the comments. (Special shoutout to my partner, whose love of Alice and insistence she’s the only reason he’s sticking with Batwoman birthed this idea!)
