10 Unpopular TV Characters Who Won Us Over In A Single Episode

Some TV characters start out unlikeable, even downright irritating. But those frustrating characters are often the ones who go on to have the most satisfying transformations. These redemptions usually aren’t quick – they happen gradually, with characters changing and growing over many episodes, or even years.

As a film and TV buff, I’m always fascinated by character arcs, especially when villains get a chance to show a different side. It’s amazing how a single, well-written scene can completely flip your opinion of someone you thought you had figured out. Seriously, some of the most compelling characters – even the ones who started out as pretty awful – have been totally redeemed in just a few minutes, and those moments are what people remember them for. It’s a testament to good writing when a villain can leave such a lasting impression after a change of heart.

Brad Bellick, Prison Break

Season 4, Episode 10, “The Legend”

Prison Break is widely considered one of the greatest thriller series ever made, celebrated for its surprising plot twists and the incredible performances of its cast. While T-Bag was a particularly memorable character, Wade Williams also delivered a fantastic performance as the prison guard Brad Bellick. At the start of the show, Bellick was portrayed as a cruel and corrupt officer – a bully who accepted bribes, acted inappropriately, and seemed to have no moral limits.

Bellick turned out to be a deeply insecure man who lived with his mother and desperately wanted her approval. While that didn’t fully excuse his actions, his ultimate sacrifice did earn our sympathy. In a heartbreaking moment on Prison Break, Bellick gave his life to save the very men he had previously tormented, finally achieving redemption and likely making his mother proud.

Cressida Cowper, Bridgerton

Season 3, Episode 4, “Old Friends”

The show Bridgerton challenged the rules of high society, and Cressida Cowper was a character who seemed to enjoy causing trouble for others. She was upset when Daphne Bridgerton was chosen as the season’s most eligible woman—the “diamond”—and this fueled her mean behavior. She became a bully who even resorted to blackmail. Interestingly, in many other stories, a character like Cressida might have been portrayed as the hero.

Cressida’s friendship with Eloise Bridgerton helped her grow as a person, but the episode “Old Friends” truly revealed the difficult situation she faced. Her family was exceptionally harsh, and everything she did was driven by a desire to avoid a forced marriage to a dangerous man and create an independent life for herself. Once she overcame her fear of her family, she became a much more compassionate person.

Principal Ava Coleman, Abbott Elementary

Season 2, Episode 14, “Valentine’s Day”

At the start of the show Abbott Elementary, Principal Ava Coleman seemed like a villain. She got her job through questionable means and wasn’t a very good leader. Though she often acted like a bully and focused on things that made her look good, Ava gradually started to change throughout the series. While a recent act of selflessness in season four confirmed her growth, many fans actually began to root for her much earlier on.

When a parent questioned why Jacob, a white teacher, was leading a lesson on Black history, Ava observed the class. Impressed that Jacob integrated Black history throughout the entire year, not just during Black History Month, she spoke with the parent and shared her perspective on the situation.

Howard Wolowitz, The Big Bang Theory

Season 5, Episode 22, “The Stag Convergence”

While early episodes of The Big Bang Theory haven’t held up well for some viewers – particularly due to Howard Wolowitz’s problematic behavior – he ultimately experiences significant character growth. Despite still being a bit immature at times, Howard has one of the show’s most satisfying transformations, culminating in a surprising and impactful scene.

During Howard’s bachelor party, Raj unintentionally revealed embarrassing details about Howard’s past relationships, which upset Bernadette. In the past, Howard might have reacted by getting angry, blaming Bernadette, or minimizing his actions. However, he’s clearly changed. He went to Bernadette’s apartment expecting she might end their relationship, but instead, he sincerely apologized and thanked her for helping him grow as a person.

Karen Wheeler, Stranger Things

Season 5, Episode 6, “Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz”

Karen Wheeler hasn’t played a significant role in Stranger Things, unlike her husband. Throughout the series, she’s been portrayed as somewhat detached – almost having an affair, struggling with drinking, and not being very involved as a mother. It’s a shame her important moment didn’t happen earlier, because she could have been a valuable ally for Joyce Byers.

As a huge fan, I was so relieved to see Karen Wheeler get her moment to shine in the final season of Stranger Things. After feeling a bit underused in season four, she absolutely blew me away! The scene where she’s protecting Holly, hiding underwater from that Demogorgon, and then, despite being seriously hurt and losing her voice, just goes for it? It honestly reminded me of Sarah Connor in Terminator 2, taking charge and saving the day. Watching her take out those Demodogs was incredible, and she totally won me over – a fantastic last-minute hero moment!

Akecheta, Westworld

Season 2, Episode 8, “Kiksuya”

Akecheta, a Native American character originally appearing in the background as part of the enigmatic Ghost Nation in the show Westworld, was initially designed to be a dangerous villain. However, the episode “Kiksuya” offered a new perspective, revealing his story and showing events from his point of view, changing his trajectory in season 2.

This episode fundamentally altered the show, moving away from a complex mystery and toward a more emotional, character-focused narrative. It redefined the Ghost Nation, shifting them from a harmful and stereotypical depiction to a group acting to protect their own. Akecheta’s story, told to Maeve’s daughter, not only reshapes the direction of Westworld but also establishes him as one of the show’s most compelling characters.

Gabriel Stokes, The Walking Dead

Season 10, Episode 19, “One More”

Gabriel started out as a deeply flawed character on The Walking Dead. His past is marked by a shameful act of cowardice: when the zombie outbreak began, he locked his church doors, leaving his congregation to be devoured by the undead. He also made several untrustworthy choices before eventually starting to change for the better.

When the traumatized survivor Mays, who’s lost all hope in people, appears, Gabriel surprisingly stands by Aaron’s side instead of trying to placate Mays. He used to be someone who would have tried to avoid conflict, but this time, he negotiates for their safety and then kills Mays to protect the group. This is a key moment, showing Gabriel becoming one of the most developed and improved characters in The Walking Dead comics.

Howard Hamlin, Better Call Saul

Season 6, Episode 7, “Plan And Execution”

It’s common for TV shows to have a character you don’t think you’ll sympathize with, and Howard Hamlin from Better Call Saul fits that description. Though he’s not a true villain, he frequently causes problems for Jimmy and Kim, and because we see the story through their eyes, he comes across as unlikeable. But Howard’s death dramatically shifts the entire show’s dynamic.

When Howard finally confronts Jimmy and Kim, he doesn’t threaten them, but honestly shares how their actions devastated him. Despite being difficult to like, Howard didn’t deserve to lose everything he’d built. His heartfelt speech makes us sympathize with him, and his sudden, shocking death at the hands of Lalo solidifies that feeling.

Carol Sturka, Pluribus

Season 1, Episode 4, “Please, Carol”

The biggest complaint about the show Pluribus is the main character, Carol Sturka, who many viewers find difficult to like. However, Carol’s tough personality is central to the show’s message. She’s lost everyone she cares about – either through death or by them joining a collective consciousness that makes them seem perfectly happy – and she fiercely resists the idea of joining them as well.

It’s easy to dislike Carol’s bad attitude and how she treats the hive mind when they try to help her, but the episode “Please, Carol” explains why she acts this way. It’s revealed she endured a traumatic experience with conversion therapy, where she was emotionally harmed under the guise of kindness. While we might not approve of her behavior, this episode finally allows us to understand her pain and the reasons behind it.

Jaime Lannister, Game Of Thrones

Season 3, Episode 5, “Kissed By Fire”

Jaime Lannister, the famously treacherous and complex character from Game of Thrones known as “The Kingslayer,” seemed unlikely to find redemption. However, a pivotal scene involving a bathtub allowed for a powerful turning point in his story. The episode features a particularly well-acted and shocking moment that finally revealed the reasons behind his betrayal of the king.

As a longtime fan, I was completely floored when Jaime finally opened up about the day he became known as the Kingslayer. For the first time, he shared the whole story with someone – Brienne, no less! It wasn’t about ambition or glory; he did it to save the city, and even his own father, who was ordered to be killed. Seeing that vulnerability and hearing his reasoning completely changed how I viewed Jaime, and I know I wasn’t the only viewer who felt that shift. It was a truly powerful scene.

2026-03-26 22:21