Despite their ethical and moral transgressions, audiences continue to support and cheer for these characters!
Unlike the morally ambiguous figures often found in movies, those in television series enjoy the luxury of diving into more extensive storylines driven by narratives that captivate audiences' curiosity. With longer episodes, multi-season arcs, and the potential to remain on air for years, morally ambiguous TV characters emerge as complex and multifaceted individuals. These characters may undergo journeys of redemption or descent into darkness, leaving audiences invested as they evaluate their circumstances, intentions, and responsibility for their choices to determine where they fall on the moral spectrum. With this in mind, let’s look at the most morally complex TV characters of all time.
In one of Netflix's top original TV dramas, Jason Bateman wears multiple hats as director, executive producer, and leading man, portraying the character Marty Byrde in "Ozark." Marty, a former financial advisor, relocates his family from Chicago to the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel, a scheme initiated by his ex-business partner's entanglement with the cartel. Throughout the four seasons of the series, Marty and his wife Wendy (played by Laura Linney) become increasingly enmeshed in the local community's political dynamics as they navigate the criminal underworld to fulfil their end of the bargain. Marty's primary objective has always been to safeguard his family, utilising money laundering as a means of self-preservation, regardless of the ethical toll, all while aiming to eventually extricate himself from the criminal enterprise. Throughout the series, Marty maintains his morally ambiguous stance, while Wendy thrives on the dangerous game of cat and mouse with the cartel, gradually succumbing to a thirst for power and the desire to establish their own criminal empire!
Portrayed by none other than Bill Hader, Barry is a multifaceted character who blurs the lines between comedy and complexity. Initially a hitman, Barry's journey takes him from the Midwest to Los Angeles, where he unexpectedly discovers a passion for acting after stumbling into an acting class. Despite his likeable demeanour, Barry continues to engage in the morally questionable profession of contract killing. Like many morally ambiguous characters on television, Barry's moral compass is far from straightforward. As Barry's body count rises, it becomes evident that his morality is not simply that of a manipulated veteran coerced into a life of crime. Despite occasional efforts to leave the world of contract killing behind, Barry consistently prioritises self-preservation above all else. This makes it increasingly challenging for viewers to empathise with his ongoing struggle with morality as the series unfolds. Ultimately, Barry remains a compelling character whose moral ambiguity leaves him neither wholly heroic nor irredeemably villainous.
Academy Award winner Rami Malek plays Elliot Alderson, a cybersecurity engineer who blurs ethical boundaries in his quest for justice against the corrupt corporation he works for. Despite his noble intentions, Elliot's vigilantism involves morally ambiguous tactics, including hacking and manipulation. Battling substance abuse and personal issues, Elliot grapples with his role as both a hero and an antihero. While his actions may stray from societal norms, audiences of "Mr. Robot" are drawn to Elliot's complex character, rooting for him despite his morally grey behaviour.
Characters such as Walter White from Breaking Bad and Tony Soprano from The Sopranos set the stage for morally ambiguous protagonists who hover between heroism and villainy. These characters disrupt the traditional hero-versus-villain dichotomy, positioning viewers in a more interactive role alongside the creative minds behind the show.
