On "Prison Break," he was a villain fans absolutely loved to loathe (or maybe even loathed to love), and in "Heroes" he played a diabolical gypsy with a dark agenda. Now, actor Robert Knepper will be playing yet another baddie, this time on Syfy's "Stargate: Universe."

The actor has been confirmed in joining the second season to play Simeon, a member of the Lucian Alliance, sticking around for a seven-episode story arc.

In the premiere episode of "Universe," the Lucian Alliance was the likeliest suspect for the destruction of the Icarus Base after a fleet of Goa'uld motherships dropped out of hyperspace and assaulted the planet. The rogue group was first introduced in Season 9 of "Stargate SG-1" after the fall of the Goa'uld System Lords and the successful Jaffa Rebellion. The Alliance grabbed control of whatever Goa'uld assets it could find, forming a dangerous coalition of the galaxy's most deadly criminals (not to mention a thorn in SG-1's side).

According to the official casting call, Simeon "was a seasoned criminal before being recruited by the Alliance. Hes strong and intimidating but more crafty and wiry than big and muscular. Scary in that youre never sure what he will do. He also holds secrets that are desperately sought after by Earth and those on board Destiny — secrets he would die or, worse, kill to protect. Hes an antagonist for several episodes before he finally comes into serious conflict with Robert Carlyles character Rush and they are forced to face off."

The announcement that the Lucian Alliance will be back has already received a mixed response from fans of the series -- and the larger franchise - - with some camps proclaiming the return to be the result of an inability to create new and interesting villains.

Others, however, are looking forward to their introduction and possible explanation as to why the attack against Icarus Base actually took place. The biggest question is, though, how will Simeon and the rest of the Alliance interface with Destiny since the ship is several galaxies from home?

Knepper also appeared in 19 episodes of "Heroes" last season as the carnival leader Samuel Sullivan, who some said was the lonely highlight in that struggling series' most recent season.

"Stargate: Universe" is set to return to Syfy on April 2, with filming already underway on the second season in Vancouver, British Columbia.