The Best TV Serial Killers

Killer Instincts:  Zachary Quinto of Heroes

In truth, we kind of liked it better when we didn't see Sylar, and the character's presence was felt mostly off-screen and in shadow as a super-powered serial killer ripping people's heads open, a fresh take on the modern supervillain. 

Then Zachary Quinto happened.  And then the rest of Heroes happened.  And then the cancellation happened.

Killer Instincts:  Robert Downey Jr. of Family Guy

Many an internet nerd and UGO reader have nervously looked over their shoulders after Robert Downey Jr.'s pre-Iron Man turn on Family Guy as Patrick Pewterschmidt, Lois' long-lost brother and serial fat-guy killer, traumatized in childhood by the visual of Jackie Gleason in tighty-whities, much as you're picturing it right now.

Killer Instincts:  Nathan Fillion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Hey kids, it's Malcolm Reynolds!  With Firefly fallen to the wayside, Joss Whedon offered up Nathan Fillion as a southern preacher and big-bad henchman of The First, with a penchant for seducing and murdering young girls in his congregations.

And as sad as were to see both Firefly and Caleb go after only a few episodes, Nathan leaves a presence that won't soon be forgotten.

Killer Instincts:  Rob McElhenney of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Okay, so "Mac is a Serial Killer" was something of a misnomer, and it was actually that guy from the hardware store who kept the severed heads of his victims in the refrigerator.  But considering how much of a sociopath Mac and the rest of the group are, you might as well lock them up anyway.

Killer Instincts:  Michael Richards of Seinfeld

Kramer wasn't actually the Smog Strangler of Hollywood, but circumstantially made to look so.  Still, this wouldn't exactly be the first time that Kramer was mistaken for a card-carrying psychopath, or even Michael Richards for that matter...

Killer Instincts:  Thomas F. Wilson of Spongebob Squarepants

The only thing more amazing than learning there was an actual serial killer walking (floating?) around Bikini Bottom was that Thomas F. Wilson, Biff Tannen himself, provided the voice for the murderous mackrel!

Killer Instincts:  Will...Arnett?  Of The Office?

The Scranton Strangler has been mentioned around The Office since season six, but has yet to make any official appearance beyond Dwight's costume and his TV capture.  But, if Mindy Kaling's twitter is to believe, is G.O.B. Bluth going to be mugging for the camera in an upcoming episode?

Killer Instincts:  ? of The Mentalist

Despite never being seen directly in three seasons, the spectre of Red John hangs over the entire series, having killed protagonist Patrick Jane's family in retaliation for comments in the media.  What?  We watch CBS sometimes.  Why shouldn't we?

Killer Instincts:  Michael Raymond James of True Blood

Love or hate the vampire stylings of Bon Temps, we give True Blood credit for well-misdirecting the reveal of Rene Lenier as the murderer behind all the vampire-related strangulations of season one, and appreciate the brief cameos the actor makes in subsequent seasons with Arlene's baby on the way.  Man, I wish I didn't know this.