12 Of The Best 'Bachelorette' Villains

Though no one will be more bone chillingly terrifying than JoJo Fletcher's brothers on Ben Higgins's season of The Bachelor, ABC's other beloved dating show, The Bachelorette, sure knows how to pick 'em. And by "'em," I mean terribly cruel, deceitful male contestants who lie and manipulate their way to the top, and overall, make for great television. I'm talking about none other than "The Villain," because a season of The Bachelorette without a villain does not a season of The Bachelorette make. At least not anymore, now that it's become clear they are a pivotal cog in this machine.

In Clint Arlis's words, "villains gotta vill", and boy what a thrill it is to watch them do it. Arlis's statemen,t in fact, just goes to show how truly recognizable The Bachelorette villain is — someone who's not there for the "right reason,s, someone who's using the feelings of the leading lady to achieve his 15 minutes of fame, promote his business, or better yet — show off his abs to America.

The Bachelorette villain has become some sort of archetype that the series needs to fill every season. If we're lucky, sometimes there's more than one. So after countless hours of being subjected to the antagonistic ways of the quintessential Bachelorette villain, it's time to finally discuss 12 of the biggest, baddest villains in Bachelorette history.

1. David Good, Season 5

David Good's general demeanor was very "frat boy who accidentally ended up on the show and was obviously waaaay too good for it," which made him, in a phrase, the worst. Good was somewhat of a villain-lite because he didn't do anything remarkably terrible, but we can't forget how much he was disliked by his cast members.

2. Jake Pavelka, Season 5

Pavelka was somewhat of an angel during Jillian Harris's season. After all, he wouldn't have been picked to be the next Bachelor if people believed he was deplorable. But then, during his own season of The Bachelor, a flip switched for the smiley pilot. Suddenly, his good boy act turned phony, his confidence read as arrogance, and his sweet nature turned slimy.

3. Wes Hayden, Season 5

The original "oops I have a girlfriend back home" contestant. Apparently, Hayden came on the show to promote his music, which turned out great for him, since we all know he's a chart topper now. (Sarcasm intended.)

4. Justin "Rated R" Rego, Season 6

Rego took what Hayden did and upped the ante. Having not one — but two — girlfriends waiting for his tattoo emblazoned chest back home, Rego was a pure villain. They don't make them like him anymore.

5. Bentley Williams, Season 7

"Bad News Bentley" didn't get his nickname because he had a peculiar affinity for delivering upsetting current events to people. Bentley was a real gem, that one. He often referred to the Bachelorette (Ashley Hebert) as less than attractive (I believe "ugly duckling" was a fave of his), and ultimately discussed his disdain for Hebert in his ITMS — while then turning around and laying his moves on her. Fascinating.

6. Kalon McMahon, Season 8

From the moment I read McMahon's job title ("Luxury Brand Consultant"), I knew the possibility of him being truly terrible was high. His worst offense includes telling Emily Maynard that her young, innocent child, Ricki, was "baggage." Thankfully, Emily Maynard — sweet peach that she is — stood her ground ("West Virginia hoodrat backwoods" style) and told him to GTFO. We all slow clapped. True story.

7. Juan Pablo Galavis, Season 9

He didn't exactly become a villain on his season of The Bachelorette, but to create a list of Bachelorette villains without gold ole, ubiquitously hated J.P. would be a great disservice, and, in Andi Dorfman's words, "NOT OK."

8. Nick Viall, Season 10

I hold the somewhat unpopular opinion that Nick Viall always had the right intentions. Though to me he seems like a decent man with a penchant for topless photos of himself, I both like his beard and believe him to be genuine. However, during both Andi Dorfman and Kaitlyn Bristowe's seasons, everyone was convinced that Viall was not there for the right reasons. It probably has a lot to do with the topless photos and the "why you made love to me?" line on Dorfman's After The Final Rose, but whatevs.

9. J.J. Lane, Season 11

Lane started off on the right foot with Kaitlyn, but things eventually went sour when he began using too many "wrapped in" phrases and actually said out loud "I'm not here to win friends" (a classic villain move). Alas, everyone loves a good redemption story, and, thankfully, Lane got his on Season 2 of Bachelor in Paradise.

10. Clint Arlis, Season 11

The aforementioned creator of "villains gotta vill." Interestingly enough, Arlis was there to make friends (with J.J. Lane, specifically). Unfortunately, that didn't get him very far with Kaitlyn. Or the other guys. Or in life in general.

11. Ian Thomson, Season 11

Thomson was the worst kind of villain because he seemed nice, intelligent, and all around great, until... he wasn't. Instead of just deciding he wasn't into it and leaving with his dignity, Thomson said "nope!" and berated the leading lady on his way out, spilling such sentiments as "You're here to make out with a bunch of dudes on TV!" and "I really see you as a surface level person." Also, please never ever forget that Ian Thomson has a lot of sex. He really wanted you to know.

12. Joe Bailey, Season 11

Bailey made a villainous name for himself on Bachelor in Paradise, but the foundations for his dreadfulness were set during Kaitlyn's season. (Poor Kaitlyn, she certainly had a rough set of guys.) We all saw it happen when she let Bailey go and he turned from sweet, lovable, Southern gentleman, to a stone cold sociopath without feelings/with a puffy vest.

Admit it. You love to hate these guys almost as much as they love getting fame and notoriety on national television — regardless of what it's for. Almost.

Images: ABC (2)