"The Mentalist" was a surprise hit for CBS this year, and it probably has a great deal to do with the dimpled grin and dancing eyes of its leading man Simon Baker. He plays Patrick Jane, an incredibly intelligent and insightful former con man who pretended to be a psychic for years. Instead he used observation, manipulation, and his "mentalist" abilities to suss out information for his clients. This kind of went sour for him when he messed with the wrong bad guy. Jane was helping the police look for serial killer Red John and arrogantly mocked the killer on a TV show. Red John didn't like that so much and murdered Jane's wife and young daughter, drawing his characteristic blood smiley face in Jane's room so he knew who it was and why. Jane helps the CBI investigate murders now, but his personal focus is on vengeance and finding Red John one day.

The unseen serial killer seems to like to play with his victims, so hopefully fans are in for a few seasons of Red John playing with Jane.

Who are your favorite TV villains? Let us know in the comments!

Story by Chelsea 'Dee' Doyle

Starpulse contributing writer