The Shocking Demise That Forever Altered These 10 TV Shows
Character deaths can sometimes shatter the essence of a TV show Explore the devastating impact of iconic deaths in popular series like Grey's Anatomy, Sleepy Hollow, The 100, and more Discover how these losses forever changed the course of these beloved shows
Summary
Character deaths can significantly alter the course of a television series, either improving it or leading to its downfall.
When a character's death deeply impacts the audience, it indicates successful storytelling by the writers in engaging viewers with the narrative and its characters. However, this outcome is not always preferable as killing off beloved characters can provoke audience resentment, hinder potential comebacks, and adversely affect subsequent seasons of a show.
One of the most terrifying aspects of watching TV shows is the constant fear that beloved characters may meet their demise at any given moment. Unfortunately, for these ten series, the deaths of certain characters completely spoiled the rest of the show. Writers have various motives for killing off fan-favorites – such as the actor's departure, to create shock value, to advance the plot, or even to provide motivation for another character. Sometimes these tactics work, improving the show, but other times they result in its downfall.
Arguably, one could argue that if a character's death profoundly impacts the audience, then the writers have succeeded in their mission. The ultimate goal of television is to engage viewers in the fictional world and its inhabitants to such an extent that they genuinely care about them. A great TV series immerses fans in its narrative, making them feel like an integral part of it. However, when producers eliminate a character essential to the show's quality, this action can significantly alter the course of the series.
10 Derek Shepherd In Grey's Anatomy
9 Abbie Mills In Sleepy Hollow
Derek Shepherd's death in season 11 of Grey's Anatomy had a profound impact, surpassing all other character deaths in the series. Patrick Dempsey flawlessly portrayed the beloved brain surgeon, affectionately known as "McDreamy," who had been a mainstay since the show's inception. His relationship with Meredith, a vital aspect of the ABC medical drama, added even more significance to his demise. Unfortunately, Grey's Anatomy opted to end Derek's journey through a devastating car accident, effectively eliminating its most cherished romance.
Abbie Mills, portrayed by Nicole Beharie, was a central character in the TV series Sleepy Hollow. While one might assume that she was invincible as one of the main characters, unfortunate behind-the-scenes conflicts emerged. As a result, during the finale of season 3, Abbie sacrificed herself and Beharie departed from the show after her character's demise. Fox decided to cancel Sleepy Hollow after one more season. Several years after the conclusion of the series, Beharie revealed that she had chosen to leave due to unequal treatment.
8 Bellamy Blake In The 100
The decision to continue the series beyond season 7 left fans disappointed, as it marked a missed opportunity for The 100 to end on a high note. Bellamy Blake, portrayed by Bob Morley, had undergone significant character development throughout the show and had become a beloved figure amongst viewers. However, his absence for the majority of the final season puzzled fans. Upon his return, Bellamy had undergone a drastic transformation and ultimately betrayed his friends and family. This unexpected turn of events led to Clarke Griffin, inevitably and arguably unnecessarily, taking the life of Bellamy, leaving viewers confused and altering their perception of The 100.
7 Logan Echolls In Veronica Mars
Veronica Mars was unfortunately a victim of the common pitfall of revivals: they tend to strip away what made the original series special. The beloved television show concluded with a (supposedly) final episode, only to be revived by Hulu for a fourth season in 2019. This revival introduced the shocking death of Logan Echolls, portrayed by Jason Dohring. His untimely demise, caused by Veronica's car exploding, was unnecessary and seemed like a mere attempt to create a sensational ending for Veronica Mars. It lacked coherence and ultimately left the audience frustrated.
6 Allison Argent In Teen Wolf
5 Daenerys Targaryen In Game Of Thrones
Allison Argent's death in Teen Wolf was more than just unwarranted; it was an absolute tragedy, especially when considering the events of Teen Wolf: The Movie. Although Crystal Reed, the actress who portrayed Allison in the show's initial three seasons, made the decision to depart on her own terms, this shouldn't have necessitated or justified her character's demise. The impact of her death on other central characters, such as Scott and Lydia, was profound, yet it failed to validate the manner in which she left. Regrettably, Teen Wolf's subsequent seasons plummeted in quality following Allison's departure, forever altering the show's dynamic in the process.
Many fans of Game of Thrones agree that the final season of the HBO television show was its worst. One major factor in this opinion is Daenerys Targaryen's unexpected and illogical transformation leading to her eventual demise. Although her character's demise occurred in the series finale, it left a negative impression on the audience and undoubtedly changed their perception of the entire Game of Thrones series.
4 Love Quinn In You
Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg/Will Bettelheim/Jonathan Moore is undeniably the standout in Netflix's You, but when Victoria Pedretti joined in the second season as Love Quinn, she stole the spotlight. Love proved to be a formidable partner to Joe, and their connection seemed perfect until it all fell apart. Tragically, the show's narrative required that only one of them could survive, and in the end of You season 3, Joe came out on top, having murdered his own wife. As a result, You season 4 couldn't capture the same magic, and the absence of Love was clearly felt.
3 Lance Sweets In Bones
Regrettably, in Bones, the viewers were constantly filled with concern for their beloved characters, which is typical for procedural shows. However, the most heart-wrenching demise occurred in season 10 when Lance Sweets, portrayed by John Francis Daley, met his end. Sweets, an FBI psychologist and a cherished character among fans, marked a pivotal moment in the series with his passing. It was a futile event that left a bitter aftertaste for the audience, ultimately leading to Bones' conclusion merely two seasons later following Sweets' departure.
2 Poussey Washington In Orange Is The New Black
1 Glenn Rhee In The Walking Dead
Orange Is the New Black, formerly one of Netflix's most beloved series, received critical acclaim until the untimely demise of Samira Wiley's character, Poussey Washington, in season 4. Regrettably, her tragic and unnecessary death left a lasting impact on both the show and its audience. The departure of Poussey from Orange Is the New Black deeply saddened and outraged many individuals, with some still regarding it as one of the show's most significant missteps.
Glenn Rhee's untimely demise in The Walking Dead devastated fans, as it came as a double blow following Abraham Ford's earlier death in the season 7 premiere. This shocking turn of events completely changed the direction of the AMC series, leaving a lasting impact on its storyline. In retrospect, the decision to kill off Glenn may have been a source of regret for the show's writers. Nevertheless, The Walking Dead continues to reign as one of the most beloved television shows, giving rise to a successful franchise.
