Discover the 10 Most Underutilized TV Characters

Summary

Characters can make or break a show, with some promising personas falling short of their potential, leaving behind disappointment.

Insufficient character development, as seen in examples like Riley Finn, T-Dog, and Ros, highlights the difficulties faced by showrunners in fully realizing a character's capabilities.

Lackluster writing and inconsistent character growth can undermine the potential of individuals such as Mandy Milkovich, Charlotte Byrde, and Skyler White.

In the realm of television, characters can either elevate a show to new heights or bring it down to mediocrity, wasting its serious potential. Some characters undergo captivating development throughout a series, with intricate backstories and engaging storylines that draw viewers into their narratives. However, there are instances where these promising characters are not fully utilized, leaving a sense of disappointment.

From once-enigmatic anti-heroes who have lost their edge to intriguing side characters with unresolved storylines, these personas exemplify the complexities of character development. They also highlight the challenges that showrunners face in delivering on a character's potential. In the world of episodic storytelling, where story arcs ebb and flow, these unfulfilled character arcs offer valuable lessons in the art of narrative weaving.

10 Riley Finn (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

9 T-Dog (The Walking Dead)

Riley Finn made his debut on Buffy the Vampire Slayer during the season 4 premiere, titled "The Freshman." On the surface, Riley appeared to be the perfect romantic interest for Buffy Summers: a polished, quintessential American soldier with an unwavering moral compass. While Riley had the potential to be a captivating and multi-dimensional character, his storyline gradually lost its central focus. His lack of character development and complexity prevented him from becoming a truly memorable addition to the Buffyverse. Eventually, due to a combination of fan reactions and low ratings, Riley's presence on the show was phased out. Despite the initial promise he showed, Riley Finn's character ultimately failed to live up to the lofty expectations set by the show's other iconic figures.

T-Dog, known for his unwavering loyalty and strong moral compass, made his debut as a survivor in season 1 of The Walking Dead. He played a critical role in the group by mediating conflicts and fostering unity during the apocalypse. However, T-Dog's character development was somewhat limited, and much of his backstory remained unexplored. Despite having ample opportunities to delve into his persona, T-Dog ultimately became a supporting figure. His potential felt untapped when he met his demise in The Walking Dead.

8 Ros (Game of Thrones)

7 Mandy Milkovich (Shameless)

Originally created for the HBO adaptation of Game of Thrones, Ros was a cunning and resourceful prostitute renowned for her intelligence and adaptability, which enabled her to forge connections with influential figures such as Littlefinger and Varys. Debuting in the first season of Game of Thrones, she quickly became a recurring character in the realm of Westeros. Unfortunately, Ros's potential was squandered, as her narrative became increasingly entangled in the explicit sexual content and violence characteristic of the show. Although initially portrayed as a multi-dimensional and captivating personality, her story eventually reduced her to a mere object of exploitation and brutality. Regrettably, her character arc abruptly ended when Joffrey mercilessly took her life in the third season of Game of Thrones.

Shameless' Mandy Milkovich was initially introduced as a complex and multifaceted individual, known for her street-smart demeanor and unwavering loyalty towards her family and friends. Despite her tough exterior, Mandy possessed a delicate vulnerability and a genuine yearning for love and stability, making her an intriguing and relatable character. Regrettably, as the seasons progressed, her character development became inconsistent, ultimately diminishing her presence in the show. In a surprising turn of events during Shameless season 5, Mandy's storyline abruptly came to an end as she relocated to Indiana with her abusive boyfriend, leaving her narrative unresolved.

6 Charlotte Byrde (Ozark)

Ozark’s Charlotte Byrde became increasingly disillusioned with her family's criminal activities during her teenage years. Her struggle to grapple with the moral and ethical dilemmas that arose from their involvement in money laundering brought depth to her character. Initially, Charlotte exhibited typical rebellious behavior, but her journey throughout the show portrayed the psychological and emotional toll of being caught up in a criminal world. This aspect made her a captivating character with great potential. Regrettably, her development became inconsistent as the series progressed, often taking a backseat to other subplots.

5 Lafayette Reynolds (True Blood)

Lafayette Reynolds from True Blood became an unforgettable figure, captivating viewers with his charm and uniqueness. As an openly gay short-order cook in Bon Temps, Louisiana, he exuded charisma, independence, and inspiring self-assurance. Lafayette's vibrant persona, coupled with his eclectic fashion sense and unforgettable one-liners, quickly endeared him to fans. However, as the later seasons unfolded, his storylines failed to match his initial greatness. Despite remaining a beloved character until his untimely demise in True Blood, Lafayette's depth and complexity gradually decreased due to a shift in focus.

4 Claire Littleton (Lost)

Claire Littleton from the ABC show Lost suffered from a lack of proper writing and insufficient character development, which resulted in the squandering of her potential. Despite being one of the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815, Claire's characterization in Lost was hindered in the later seasons, derailing her progress. Initially enveloped in mystery, Claire's development took a backseat as she became isolated from the main group of survivors, leaving her in a state of uncertainty and an unrealized storyline. Although Claire eventually returned to the main group by the finale of Lost, her earlier potential for growth and personal evolution had already been wasted.

3 Christopher Moltisanti (The Sopranos)

In The Sopranos, Christopher Moltisanti, Tony Soprano's nephew and protege, had aspirations of gaining respect within the mafia family. Despite engaging in some highly questionable actions, Christopher's character exhibited moments of vulnerability and self-reflection that set him apart from others in the series. However, his intelligence and ambition often gave way to recklessness, causing frustration as he continuously hindered his own ambitions. While Christopher's inner conflicts were not fully explored, a more nuanced character arc could have been developed for him.

2 Skyler White (Breaking Bad)

Skyler White from Breaking Bad emerged as a divisive figure in television history, with opinions on her character varying greatly. Some sympathized with her as she navigated the dangerous world thrust upon her by her husband. Others, however, grew frustrated with her actions and choices, considering her an obstacle to Walter's efforts. Yet, this polarization was unintentional. Skyler's character became polarizing due to inconsistent and poorly executed writing. Throughout the five seasons of Breaking Bad, her role often devolved into that of a nagging wife, limiting her potential for character development and exploration. Consequently, she appeared one-dimensional and less integral to the show's primary narrative.

1 Barb Holland (Stranger Things)

Barb, the loyal and responsible best friend of Nancy Wheeler, quickly became a beloved character among fans following the first season of Stranger Things. Her abrupt disappearance in the early episodes triggered the unfolding mystery of the Upside Down. Barb's relatable nature as an outsider with unwavering morals resonated deeply with the audience. Despite leaving a significant impact, Barb's potential remained unexplored, and her fate in the series was overshadowed, leaving justice unredeemed for her character. As a result, Stranger Things enthusiasts initiated the #JusticeForBarb hashtag on social media, shedding light on the power of online platforms in drawing attention to underdeveloped characters.