10 crime TV show characters who went brutal with their words

Prison Break | Image Via: Rat Entertainment
Prison Break | Image Via: Rat Entertainment

The world of crime TV shows is a shadowy one. Though it draws the viewers, one cannot deny the unsettling characters that come out of these crime TV shows. The depiction of the grim realities through disturbing and brutal characters is both terrifying and intriguing at the same time.

Beyond the physical acts of violence, these characters have sharp wit and cutting dialogue that help them to stand out from the rest. Some use brutality in a direct manner, while others use brutality under the facade of being nice.

They tear down others in order to achieve their goals and have no repent for it. In the landscape of crime TV shows, these TV characters remind us that the world can be a truly devastating place. So, let’s dive right in.


10 crime TV show characters who went brutal with their words

1) Dexter in Dexter

Dexter | Image Via: Showtime
Dexter | Image Via: Showtime

Dexter is an intriguing character in this crime TV show. If we consider Dexter’s mindset and the manner in which he acts, it is truly remarkable. Especially the way he is always evading the law.

Though his actions are propelled by the code that he follows, it cannot be denied that his actions of brutality were frightening. The brutality is truly chilling, considering the chilling and calculated manner in which he carries them out. On the surface, Dexter is a blood spatter expert.

He looks like a seemingly ordinary guy. Along with it, he has a quirky sense of humor. This facade is meticulously calculated and crafted to suit him. His insatiable urge to kill is not driven by any impulsive rage.

He operates under the strict moral code inherited from his adoptive father. He meticulously plans each kill by luring the victims to isolated locations. His brutality is unsettling because of the methodical and emotionless manner in which he executes his plans.


2) Hannibal Lecter in Hannibal

Hannibal | Image Via: NBC
Hannibal | Image Via: NBC

Hannibal Lecter is considered one of the most brutal characters in crime TV shows. He is not just a killer but an artist of death. His brutality goes far beyond simple violence.

Hannibal doesn't just kill, he prepares and consumes his victims. It is out of a profound and disturbing sense of superiority and twisted appreciation. His methods of killing and displaying bodies are incredibly gruesome.

It is truly artistic. Another intriguing factor about Hannibal Lecter is his intellect. He is a brilliant psychiatrist with a talent for conversation. His emotional detachment makes his brutality all the more terrifying.

He feels no remorse or guilt. He does not kill out of rage or fear. A calculated philosophy with a chilling lack of empathy.


3) Marlo Stanfield in The Wire

The Wire | Image Via: HBO
The Wire | Image Via: HBO

Marlo Stanfield in the crime TV show, The Wire, has captured the attention of the viewers right from the start. He is the embodiment of pure chilling brutality. His actions, along with his words, are impactful.

Though the other characters in The Wire are also intriguing, Marlo Stanfield’s character stands out from the rest. Marlo’s verbal style has a very distinct nature. It is stripped down and devoid of any emotions.

It makes his words further intriguing. He delivers commands that leave a heavy impact. He is a weapon in himself. His character is proof of brutality that leaves a lasting impact on the viewers. He is truly an unforgettable and terrifying figure.


4) Errol Childress in True Detective

True Detective | Image Via: HBO
True Detective | Image Via: HBO

The main antagonist of the first season of the crime TV show True Detective truly left a lasting impact on the minds of the viewers. The murders which he did were brutal and terrifying.

It was a reflection of the twisted darkness that was present in his mind. He does not speak like a regular person. Errol’s words are often strange and unique, which is a distinctive feature of his character.

His twisted worldview and disturbing justifications truly make him a brutal character. The long-standing cult to which he belongs adds a layer of intrigue to his character as well.


5) Arthur Shelby in Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders | Image Via: Caryn Mandabach Productions
Peaky Blinders | Image Via: Caryn Mandabach Productions

As the oldest of the Shelby brothers, Arthur Shelby’s nature was indeed a brutal one. Among the many crime TV show characters, Arthur Shelby does have a distinct edge.

He is a man pushed to his limits, resonating with an unpredictable range. From the very first moment he appears on this crime TV show, he captures the attention of the viewers. His methods are direct and often merciless. He commits many crimes as the TV show progresses.

He does not show off his powers. For him, violence is a tool that works in his favour. Though his brutality is not always calculated. Oftentimes, it feels raw.

Arthur is haunted by his past experiences, which adds to the overall intrigue of his character. His brutality forms the core of his character.


6) T-Bag in Prison Break

Prison Break | Image Via: Rat Entertainment
Prison Break | Image Via: Rat Entertainment

T-Bag does leave a lasting impact on the viewers for all the wrong reasons in this crime TV show. He is a brutal character and is extremely terrifying right from the start. He uses his cunning to create chaos and trouble for others.

With his observation skills, nothing gets past him. He twists conversations and uses them to his own advantage. This makes him further unpredictable and dangerous.

The moments he finds out that Michael would be escaping the prison and is planning for it. He uses his wit to get his way and includes himself within the team. He does not have any redeeming qualities. His brutal deeds only added to the overall negativity of his character.


7) Walter White in Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad | Image Via: AMC
Breaking Bad | Image Via: AMC

Walter White’s transformation in Breaking Bad is truly an intriguing one. Through the episodes in this crime TV show, he becomes more and more brutal and dangerous.

His gradual transformation has left a lasting impact on the viewers of this crime TV show. It is reflected in both his actions and his words. Initially, he is hesitant and meek, which changes completely over time.

His words become more and more like a weapon as the story progresses. He is capable of manipulating people in a masterful manner. The most brutal aspect of his character is his lack of genuine empathy.

The way his noble actions take a completely different turn is remarkable. The cold and calculating manner in which he works sends chills down the spine of the viewers.


8) Ralf Cifaretto in The Sopranos

The Sopranos | Image Via: HBO
The Sopranos | Image Via: HBO

Ralf Cifaretto’s character in this crime TV show is definitely an unsettling and brutal one. His disturbing lack of empathy makes him stand out. He could be charming and witty, but could suddenly change into an antagonist very quickly.

He embodies the darkness that very characters are able to depict. He is truly a brutal character with no redeeming qualities. The volatile mix of intelligence and disturbing cruelty in him makes him nothing short of terrifying.


9) Arthur Mitchell in Dexter

Dexter | Image Via: Showtime
Dexter | Image Via: Showtime

Rita has been an integral part of Dexter’s life in this crime TV show. Even though she was the complete opposite of Dexter, especially in personality, she grounded him.

Through Rita, Dexter’s life improved, and he became a truly intriguing character. Hence, Rita quickly became a significant character for the viewers. Her death was not only unexpected but also left a lasting impact on the viewers.

Especially when we consider the manner in which she was murdered. Dexter and Rita’s son sat on Rita’s blood in the same manner in which kid Dexter sat on his mother’s blood after her death.

Arthur Mitchell’s chilling and brutal murder of Rita, breaking Dexter’s family apart and ruining his life, truly made him a brutal character. He managed to live a double life with ease. His brutality revealed his monstrous side, making him a terrifying character in this crime TV show.


10) Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders | Image Via: Caryn Mandabach Productions
Peaky Blinders | Image Via: Caryn Mandabach Productions

Though Thomas Shelby’s character is an enigmatic one, it cannot be denied that he is indeed a brutal character. This crime TV show depicts his chilling brutality.

From the cunning words to his charismatic overall demeanor, Thomas Shelby can be defined by the word brutality. From the very beginning of this crime TV show, he has established himself as a man capable of anything and willing to go to any extent for his own benefit and goals.

His commitment to expand his family’s criminal empire through numerous dangerous methods adds to the brutal nature of his character. He does not shy away from using his brutality with words and actions.

This brutality is ingrained in his psyche. Though a terrifying attribute of his nature, Thomas Shelby’s compelling nature cannot be denied.


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Edited by Zainab Shaikh