Evil Overlord Scorecard

[cynthiaanncoe at home.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 24700

Although I am sure that this subject has been discussed a lot, I 
would give JKR an A- on handling the evil overlord problem inherent 
in the plots of her books.  

In Book 1, Voldemort spills his guts before attacking Harry, but it 
works because he is more pre-occupied with getting the stone, so 
killing Harry without some chit-chat wouldn't accomplish it.  B+

In Book 2, Voldemort/Riddle shows himself to be really dumb, and is 
explaining the whole plot to Harry in the Chamber for no apparent 
reason.  C

In Book 3, no Voldemort, but we have the fabulous chapters in the 
Shrieking Shack in which Lupin and Black talk endlessly about the 
plot to make it all add up.  Works very well, because they are trying 
to convince Harry to believe them.  Note that Pettigrew doesn't burst 
forth with explanations, but snivels them out on cross-examination.  
Very effective.  A+

In Book 4, we have three evil overlord sequences.  First, in the 
graveyard, Voldemort needs to prove his power to his supporters, and 
it would be too weird for all of the DEs to apparate to the graveyard 
and not ask the obvious question "Where have you been and what took 
you so long?"  Second, we have the more unfortunate Mad-Eye Moody 
confession/explanation -- a classic villian who is really screwing 
up.  Failing to kill Harry right away.  No really good reason to be 
saying all of this as Harry has no need to know any of it.  Failing 
to watch the door.  Going back to his office where Dumbledore could 
find him.  Third, we have the Truth Serum sequence, which is fine.  
The Graveyard gets an A, the Mad-Eye Moody sequence would get a D, 
but I'll raise it to a B to reflect the degree of difficulty of 
finding another way to do the scene, and the Truth Serum gets an A.