Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-27023843-20170805015805/@comment-25926288-20180426201608

I think I have to add nuances as I think some villains got stretched a bit thin (like Rollercoaster Rumple, etc). If I add that, then I sort of have to lower some down due to splitting them up.

1. Evil Queen (Season 1,2 and generally most flashbacks)

She’s the most iconic villain in the show and you feel her presence just by showing her, even without sound. When the show shifted tone, her threat level dropped like a rock, but at times, small things would shine through.

2. Rumple (At all times, minus 6 and some of 4 and 5)

He’s wonderfully acted and even with the park ride, he still felt threatening when need be and the show shift never really affected him.

3. Cora

She recurs and the shift never appeared to have touched her. Wonderful actresses and you felt the threat but it was under a layer of “Oh, she really does care” which was a total trap. Also, recognizable theme and wasn’t all “I’m doing this because...family”.

Those are like a three way tie. Next is like another three way tie.

4. Zelena

You can see the tonal shift the show has had from 3 to 4. Prime example, Zelena. 3B Zelena was a pretty hefty threat and ended our insane, unhinged villains until....

5. Cruella

Guilty pleasure that isn’t so guilty. I might be all “I like the edge, the dark, the more muted aspects”, but Cruella was a ton of fun at all times. Never a dull moment.

6. Peter Pan/Malcolm

Legit bad guy, creepy and weird, but was partially plagued by “we can’t have him win on this very small island”.

Honorable mentioned aka 3rd

Jafar (Wonderland)

He’s essentially what made the show 33% better. He was nigh always a threat, subtly funny (not overt), actually realistic and tragic backstory and a villain to his core.

Honorable performances

Nimue, Fiona, Hades, and Ingrid.