Unforgettable Demises: 10 Shocking TV Character Deaths That Left Audiences Devastated

Fans may be accustomed to seeing their beloved characters leave a series, as actors often seek new opportunities. However, this does not diminish their disappointment when writers choose to kill off these characters. It is a somber day for fans when an actor announces their departure from a show, especially if viewers have seen them evolve into empowering role models or become the heart and soul of the story. The presence of these characters also brings comfort to viewers, as their personalities are relatable and often bring moments of levity.

While viewers might hope for a storyline that leaves the door open for a potential return, they understand that characters sometimes need to be killed off for the sake of the narrative. However, what truly disappoints them is how these deaths are executed by the writers. Considering the significant amount of time actors dedicate to playing these main characters, often spanning six years or more, there surely could have been more satisfying ways to bid them farewell, instead of providing them with underwhelming exits.

10 Glenn Rhee In The Walking Dead

Despite the awareness among The Walking Dead comic fans that Glenn's death was likely imminent, given his fate at the hand of Negan in the comic series, they still held onto hope that the writers would alter his destiny. After all, there were other characters who had managed to survive beyond their comic counterparts. However, their hopes were shattered as the writers deemed Glenn's death necessary for Negan's impactful introduction in the sixth season of the show.

While fans comprehended the importance of this plot development, they couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment. After all, Glenn had spent the previous season tirelessly struggling to be reunited with Maggie and had assumed a prominent leadership role. Moreover, his friendship with both Daryl Dixon and Rick Grimes had resulted in captivating scenes, adding to the regret that there would be no further opportunities to witness these interactions.

9 Matthew Crawley In Downton Abbey

One of the most heart-wrenching moments on Downton Abbey was the death of Matthew Crawley, which deeply impacted fans. After news spread that Dan Stevens would no longer be a main character in season 4, there was much speculation about the future of his character and his relationship with Mary - which was seemingly flourishing.

Tragically, Matthew met his end in the 2013 Christmas episode following a car accident. This scene was particularly devastating as he had just met his and Mary's son a few hours prior and was eager to share the news with his family. The fact that he was taken away before he could do so only intensified the pain of bidding farewell.

8 Tara Thornton In True Blood

Tara Thornton, played by Rutina Wesley, was a character on True Blood who truly deserved better treatment. Initially introduced as Sookie's best friend, Tara quickly became a favorite among fans due to her protective nature and intelligence. She was known for being a fierce fighter who would go to great lengths to defend her loved ones. Regrettably, this ultimately led to her downfall.

In the sixth season's finale and the beginning of the seventh season, Tara found herself in a horrifying situation. While attending a mixer at Bellefleur's, she witnessed a group of H vamps launching a brutal attack. Despite her valiant efforts in the battle, viewers were stunned when it was revealed that Tara had been killed off-screen, a revelation made by her own mother. This unexpected turn of events deeply saddened many fans.

What added to the confusion was the subsequent decision by the writers to bring Tara back as a ghost a few episodes later. This seemingly contradictory move left fans puzzled, as it didn't seem to align with the storyline or make logical sense.

7 Sun & Jin Kwon On Lost

Sun and Jin were adored by fans of the popular sci-fi series Lost, thanks to their strong bond and remarkable character development. Regrettably, like many others on the show, their journey came to a tragic end. In the closing stages of season 6, they found themselves trapped in a submarine, desperately attempting to escape the clutches of the Man in Black.

The unexpected demise of the couple was not only shocking but also deeply saddening. Moments earlier, Sayid, another prominent character, had sacrificed himself to safeguard his companions. The fact that Sun and Jin had just reunited, with Jin never having the chance to meet his daughter, added to the heartbreak. Given the struggles they endured and the lengths they went to in order to reunite, this ending left fans dissatisfied.

6 Jaime & Cersei Lannister In Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones season 8 is widely regarded as the worst of the series. Fans were disappointed by the writers' disregard for several character arcs and their choice to kill off many characters in an unsatisfying manner, including Jaime and Cersei Lannister. Despite Jaime's significant character development throughout the series, culminating in increased selflessness and emotional intelligence, his decision to return to Cersei in the final season undid all of that progress.

The disappointment surrounding this storyline was further amplified when the writers promptly killed off both Jaime and Cersei in an underwhelming way, with the castle collapsing on top of them. While it was expected that Cersei, one of the show's major villains, would meet her demise in season 8, it felt as though her farewell should have been more impactful. Considering Jaime's growth and his desire to regain his honor, it would have been more fitting for him to die in the Battle of Winterfell.

5 Logan Echolls In Veronica Mars

Veronica Mars is renowned for its unexpected plot twists and gripping storylines. However, fans were genuinely shocked when the show's creators chose to eliminate Logan Echolls, Veronica's husband, in the fourth season. Initially introduced as a high school student who dated Veronica's best friend, Logan quickly became an integral part of the series. He frequently assisted Veronica in her investigations and offered valuable advice, eventually developing a romantic relationship with her.

Despite the couple's tumultuous journey, fans passionately supported their bond as they seemed to bring out the best in each other. Their joy peaked when they exchanged vows in the season 4 finale. Unfortunately, this happiness was fleeting as the writers made the bold decision to have Logan killed in a terrorist incident soon after. This unexpected plot development both shocked and disappointed fans, leading to considerable backlash when Rob Thomas defended the decision in Veronica Mars' season 4. Many viewers strongly believed that there were more intriguing avenues to explore with Logan's character.

4 Tyler Lockwood In The Vampire Diaries

Despite Michael Trevino's departure from The Vampire Diaries to explore new opportunities, fans were left feeling incredibly disappointed with the way his character was sent off. In season 6, it seemed like Tyler had left Mystic Falls after Elena encouraged him to find himself elsewhere. So, it came as a surprise when he made a comeback in season 7, suggesting that he had unfinished business. However, it appeared that the decision to bring him back was solely intended to create a shocking twist.

Tragically, while Tyler was protecting Elena's magically sleeping body from Damon, he lost his life in an unfair and abrupt confrontation. Compared to other characters, the fight was hasty and careless, leaving a lasting impression on fans. Given that Trevino's storyline had naturally concluded at the end of season 6, it would have been more fitting for the writers to give him a happy off-screen ending.

3 Cordelia Chase In Buffy The Vampire Slayer/Angel

Transforming from a spoiled rich teenager to a selfless and kind individual, Cordelia Chase played an important role in both Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel. Despite her aversion to battles, she wholeheartedly supported the Scooby Gang and Angel Investigations, offering valuable insights and grounding them when necessary (which was often needed, considering how broody and pushy her friends could be).

Tragically, Cordelia's untimely death in season 5 left fans bewildered. It was later revealed in 2019 that Charisma Carpenter, who portrayed Cordelia, was also disappointed with this plot twist. She had expressed her desire to continue in season 5 and had even requested the writers not to kill off her character (via TV Guide). Given Carpenter's dedication and contributions to the show, she deserved a much better outcome.

2 Lexie Grey & Mark Sloan On Grey’s Anatomy

Mark Sloan and Lexie Grey's deaths on Grey's Anatomy continue to deeply impact fans, even to this day. The brutal manner in which they died adds to the emotional weight. Despite surviving numerous near-death experiences, they ultimately succumbed to the injuries sustained in the season 8 finale plane crash.

Recalling the details of the plane crash is always difficult, especially as viewers learned that Cristina had to fend off animals attacking Lexie's body while hearing Mark's grieving and painful cries. Considering that both actors chose to depart the show around the same time, it would have made more sense to give them a deserved happy ending by writing them off together.

1 Jadzia Dax On Star Trek: DS9

Jadzia Dax from Star Trek: DS9 is often remembered by fans as a character who deserved a better fate. Unfortunately, she was killed off in the season 6 finale due to behind-the-scenes tensions. In the documentary "What We Left Behind," Terry Farrell expressed her desire to have a reduced role in season 7, becoming a recurring character instead of a main one. However, the studio rejected her request and gave her an ultimatum: either participate in the full season or leave. Ultimately, this led to her character's demise.

Many Star Trek fans strongly believed that killing off Jadzia was a mistake, as it had a significant impact on season 7. Despite the writers' attempts to introduce Ezri Dax as a replacement, Farrell's absence and the changes in dynamics were extremely noticeable. It didn't make sense for the studio to insist on Farrell's presence, considering that she was a beloved character among fans. There were certainly better ways to write her character out of the show.

Sources: Vanity Fair, TV Guide