Unforeseen Demises: Jaw-Dropping TV Character Deaths That Shocked the World

Summary

Character fatalities can be particularly startling when they occur under unforeseen circumstances, adding another layer of astonishment to the audience's reaction.

Regardless of genre or tone, any TV show has the ability to shock its viewers with an unexpected twist involving the death of a character. No TV show can escape the occurrence of at least one character's demise, but there have been instances where the audience has been taken aback by the suddenness of a character's death, regardless of their likability. Many TV shows employ certain storytelling techniques that make it predictable for the audience to anticipate a character's death, such as making the character too lovable, thus creating an attachment. However, some TV shows choose to prioritize shock value and surprise, by killing off characters that nobody could have anticipated.

In some instances, the demise of a character may not have been particularly surprising, but the circumstances surrounding their death and the manner in which it occurred made it an unexpected event. Startling and unforeseen character fatalities are not limited to just dramas and crime shows. Across various genres, styles, and tones, there have been instances that demonstrate how any TV series can catch its audience off guard with a dramatic twist. Presented here are 10 character deaths that caught everyone by surprise.

10 Howard Hamlin - Better Call Saul

Better Call Saul, the spinoff prequel series of Breaking Bad, revolves around the story of the lawyer and ex-scam artist Jimmy McGill, also known as Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk). Introduced in Better Call Saul, Howard Hamlin (Patrick Fabian) is the managing partner at Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill, and initially serves as Jimmy's adversary. Although Howard does not make an appearance in Breaking Bad, it was expected that his death would occur in Better Call Saul. However, the shocking and brutal nature of his demise earned it a significant place on this list. In the sixth season of Better Call Saul, when Howard confronts Jimmy and Kim at their apartment regarding their Casimiro plan, Lalo Salamanca (Tony Dalton) unexpectedly shows up just minutes later.

9 Derek Shepherd - Grey’s Anatomy

Howard is urged by Jimmy and Kim to leave, and in a brief encounter with Lalo, whom Howard is unfamiliar with, tragedy strikes. In a shocking turn of events, Lalo readies his silenced firearm and swiftly eliminates Howard, leaving both Jimmy, Kim, and the audience dumbfounded. It was an unfortunate case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time for Howard, as Lalo needed to eliminate any loose ends and leave no witnesses. Furthermore, this ruthless act served as Lalo's way of asserting his dominance over Jimmy and Kim in this intense situation.

Grey's Anatomy is a medical drama that revolves around the life and career of Ellen Pompeo's character, Meredith Grey. Set at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, the show delves into the numerous ups and downs she experiences, both professionally and personally. One distinctive aspect of Grey's Anatomy is how it handles character departures, often opting for tragic deaths instead of more satisfying conclusions. Sadly, falling victim to this trend is Derek Shepherd (played by Patrick Dempsey), Meredith's beloved husband and one of the show's most beloved characters. In the show's eleventh season, after enduring a tumultuous period in their marriage, Derek makes the decision to relocate back to Seattle from Washington, D.C. to reunite with his family. However, before departing, he must visit D.C. to resign from his position.

8 Rita Bennett - Dexter

En route to his destination, Derek is involved in a devastating car crash which leads to a series of unfortunate circumstances. Despite efforts to save him, Derek's condition deteriorates to a point where he cannot be sustained on life support. Despite the two-year contract signed by Dempsey, guaranteeing his appearance in upcoming seasons, Derek Shepherd is tragically and shockingly taken from us.

Dexter is a thrilling crime drama TV series that centers around Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a forensic technician specializing in analyzing bloodstain patterns. However, Dexter has a hidden dark side as a vigilante serial killer. He seeks out murderers who have escaped justice, including the notorious Arthur Mitchell, also known as The Trinity Killer. In the fourth season of Dexter, Mitchell discovers Dexter's true identity and poses a deadly threat to him and his family. To protect his loved ones, Dexter sends his wife, Rita (Julie Benz), on a belated honeymoon while he confronts Mitchell. Dexter successfully eliminates Mitchell, but unbeknownst to him, Mitchell cryptically utters, "it's already over," hinting at his final act of murder.

Dexter returns home and discovers a voicemail from Rita informing him that she will be returning to pick up her forgotten ID and will catch a later flight. As Dexter dials Rita's number, he realizes her phone is ringing from within her purse on the table. Suddenly, the piercing sound of their baby son's cries reaches his ears. In a state of frantic urgency, Dexter rushes to the source of the crying and is met with a harrowing sight: his son sitting in a pool of blood inside the bathroom. Shock and devastation wash over him as he witnesses a lifeless Rita submerged in a bathtub filled with blood. This unexpected tragedy becomes all the more heart-wrenching and emotionally overwhelming for Dexter as the scene promptly transports him back to the traumatic memories of his childhood. In those haunting recollections, he relives the horrifying moment when his mother was killed before him and his brother, leaving them to endure two days surrounded by her blood.

7 Bob Newby - Stranger Things

In the town of Hawkins, Indiana, during the 1980s, Stranger Things unfolds as a sci-fi horror TV series. The story revolves around the residents who find themselves entangled in a web of secret experiments conducted at Hawkins Lab. Additionally, a portal to a hostile alternate dimension has been opened.

Bob Newby, portrayed by Sean Astin, is introduced in Stranger Things season 2. Bob becomes Joyce Byers' new boyfriend and demonstrates traits of kindness, amiability, and care. When Will starts experiencing seizures and more, Bob remains steadfastly by Joyce's side. Utilizing his computer skills, Bob aids in the escape of Joyce, Hopper, Will, and Mike as Demodogs swarm around the Lab. However, just as it seems that Bob is on the path to safety, he is attacked by Demodogs and tragically loses his life before Joyce's eyes. In tribute to Bob, who referred to himself as the "Bob Newby Superhero," Will sketches a drawing and affixes it to the refrigerator.

6 Maude Flanders - The Simpsons

The Simpsons is an animated TV series that follows the daily adventures of a family in the fictional town of Springfield. Living next door to the Simpsons are the Flanders, a highly religious family consisting of Ned, Maude, and their children Todd and Rod. Although Maude wasn't a prominent character, her occasional appearances allowed the audience to become familiar with her. Despite not being a fan-favorite, her sudden and shocking death in the episode "Alone Again, Natura-Diddily" of season 11 had a significant impact. In this particular episode, the Simpsons visit the racetrack and coincidentally encounter the Flanders family.

During a T-shirt giveaway by cheerleaders using hand cannons to shoot them into the crowd, Homer removes his shirt and draws a target on his chest in an attempt to get their attention. The cheerleaders aim in Homer's direction, but just as they do, Maude returns with hot dogs and unfortunately gets hit with the T-shirts, causing her to fall over the guardrail. Ned, profoundly affected by Maude's untimely demise, struggles to come to terms with her death and adjust to life as a single parent throughout subsequent episodes.

5 Matthew Crawley - Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey is a captivating historical TV series that takes place at the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey from 1912 to 1926. It revolves around the influential Crawley family and showcases how significant events of that era shape their lives. One of the prominent members of the family is Matthew (played by Dan Stevens), who embarks on a turbulent and enduring relationship with Mary Talbot. Eventually, they get married and welcome their son, George, in September 1921. However, tragedy strikes the family soon after.

Filled with immense joy, Matthew drives back to Downton to share the news of his son with his family. Unfortunately, his elated state causes him to be unaware of an oncoming delivery truck. Despite his attempts to avoid a collision, his car flips over and crushes him, instantly ending his life. It is a heart-wrenching turn of events considering Matthew's remarkable resilience, having survived the hardships of World War I, including paralysis, and even overcoming the Spanish influenza. Yet, fate takes him away during what should have been the happiest moment of his life.

4 Zoe Barnes - House of Cards

House of Cards is a gripping political thriller series that takes place in Washington, D.C., focusing on the life of Frank Underwood, a morally corrupt Democrat politician. The show introduces Zoe Barnes, a journalist from the fictional newspaper The Washington Herald, who develops a professional relationship with Underwood. However, their alliance soon turns into a romantic affair. As time goes on, Zoe begins to question Underwood's trustworthiness and starts investigating his possible involvement in a murder.

Underwood arranges a meeting with Zoe at a train station, where he convinces her to start anew by deleting all their previous messages and cutting off contact. Despite his efforts, Zoe persists in probing into the murder. Aware that she possesses dangerous knowledge, Underwood entices her to chase after him and leads her to a secluded corner. Taking advantage of the situation, he pushes her in front of an oncoming train, making it appear as though her death was a tragic accident.

3 Opie Winston - Sons of Anarchy

In the crime drama TV series Sons of Anarchy, the storyline revolves around a motorcycle club known as the Sons of Anarchy in the fictional town of Charming, California. The club, led by VP and later President Jax Teller, often finds themselves in troublesome situations. Despite Jax's efforts to protect the club and his fellow members, tragic events occur. One notable tragedy involves Opie Winston, Jax's closest friend and the son of one of the founding members of the club.

In season 5 of Sons of Anarchy, Jax, Tig, and Chibs are arrested for murder. However, Opie intervenes by assaulting the sheriff, ensuring that he is also taken into custody alongside his brothers. The arrest is part of a revenge scheme orchestrated by Damon Pope, who seeks retribution for the death of his daughter. Pope demands that Jax choose which of his brothers will be killed. As Jax is prepared to sacrifice himself, Opie steps in and physically confronts a prison guard, resulting in him being chosen to partake in a deadly brawl. Sadly, Opie is outnumbered and overpowered, ultimately being brutally murdered by a prison gang in front of Jax, Chibs, and Tig.

2 Joyce Summers - Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a supernatural drama TV series that follows Buffy Summers, the latest in a line of young women known as "Vampire Slayers". As Buffy tries to find a balance between her duties as a Slayer and her normal life, her unusual activities and lifestyle start to impact her personal relationships, including her relationship with her mother, Joyce. Eventually, Buffy opens up to her mother about her powers and responsibilities, which Joyce learns to accept and even takes pride in.

In the fifth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Joyce begins experiencing headaches and collapses. It is later revealed that she has a brain tumor. Although Joyce undergoes surgery and her condition improves, one day Buffy returns home to find her lifeless body on the couch. Joyce has passed away from an aneurysm. This tragic event forces Buffy to mature quickly and while it was necessary for the progression of Buffy's story, it doesn't make the loss any less shocking or sorrowful.

1 Logan Roy - Succession

Succession is a comedy-drama TV series centered around the Roy family, who own the global media and entertainment conglomerate Waystar RoyCo. The show follows their intense battle for control of the company as their patriarch, Logan Roy, faces declining health. Despite narrowly avoiding death in the pilot episode, Logan's demise in Succession's final season comes as a sudden and shocking surprise to both the characters and viewers. In season 4, while Logan is in Sweden negotiating a deal, he unexpectedly passes away during the flight due to a pulmonary embolism. Despite immediate medical attention, Logan Roy cannot be saved, leading his son-in-law Tom to inform their children so that they can bid their final farewells to their father.