Iconic TV Characters' Opening Scenes vs Final Moments | Side-by-Side

#10: President Jed Bartlet

The West Wing (1999-2006)

Throughout the first episode of Aaron Sorkins political drama, the president is mostly unseen. But as soon as Martin Sheen enters the scene, quoting Bible verses and standing up to a hypocritical Christian political lobby, we know exactly what kind of leader he is. He is good-natured until crossed. After serving his two tumultuous terms, the series finale ends with him being flown out of the capital city and into his future as a former president. Its a bittersweet departure for both the character and the audience. But as a man who has always had his eye on the future, Jed is able to leave us with the perfect words for the occasion one last time.

#9: Glenn Rhee

The Walking Dead (2010-22)

Fittingly, the first time we meet the pizza delivery boy turned hero by a zombie apocalypse, hes taunting Rick Grimes over the radio like a boastful gamer. Glenn Rhee appears in the flesh in the second episode, helping Rick escape a horde of hungry flesh-eaters. But its his last scene, where he meets his brutal end, that really made an impact on the shows audience. Negan does away with the fan favorite character in the most cruel and violent way, bashing away at him with a bat in front of the people who care about him.

#8: Omar Little

The Wire (2002-08)

One of the most complex characters ever written, the notorious Baltimore drug dealer was a mass of contradictions and a code of conduct to his illegal business practices that set him apart. When we first meet him, he is staking out a potential robbery target. Already, he demonstrates his methodical approach to criminal activities. He meets his end in a corner store when a young boy looking to build up his own notoriety in Baltimore. It speaks to the cyclical nature of crime. In the end, Omar is replaceable in the criminal underworld, where people are always looking to claim power.

#7: Cristina Yang

Greys Anatomy (2005-)

When Sandra Oh left the long-running series at the end of its 10th season, fans were rightfully devastated. Cristina Yang had been a stalwart presence in the show and in Meredith Greys life since the beginning. From her first judgmental comments about Izzie Stevens, we know exactly how she operates. Shes hard-hearted and no-nonsense. Her friendship with Meredith is one of the things that gave the show its heart. In their final moments together, they dance it out for one last time, and Cristina gives her some hard-hitting advice. It was the perfect send-off, and the perfect example of why the show was never the same without her.

#6: Olivia Pope

Scandal (2013-20)

Washington, D.C.s most ingenious fixer begins the series as a character whose career depends on secrecy and keeping a low profile. She is a creature of the Capitols shadows. The first time we see her, shes in her trademark white trench, in a dingy service elevator. Volleying between grilling her associate about his engagement and a high-profile client, this is a woman who can multitask like no other. Over the series, shes unwillingly thrust into the spotlight and must rise to the occasion. Olivia gets her happy ending. More than that, her place in history is cemented by her portrait hanging in the National Portrait Gallery.

#5: Rachel Green

Friends (1994-2004)

The writing was on the wall for the shows most fateful couple since the very beginning. Ross Gellers laments about his personal life are immediately followed by the first appearance of the karmically attired Rachel Green. Although its an ensemble piece, Rachels entrance sets the entire series into motion. Her manic energy and desperation say a lot about her. She goes from runaway bride to self-assured and independent woman, but in the series finale, she cant leave Ross. The two are last seen with the others as Monica and Chandler finally move out of their Manhattan apartment.

#4: Daenerys Targaryen

Game of Thrones (2011-19)

When we first meet the Mother of Dragons, she is in a dire position. Her sniveling, abusive brother is using her as a pawn in his own quest for power. Over eight seasons, one of the shows most rootable characters is reduced to a cruel tyrant, driven mad by her own unlimited power. When she finally meets Jon Snow, the man whom fans have been convinced she will fall in love with and marry, its not the whirlwind romance they might have imagined. Seeing that she is beyond reason, Jon murders her for the good of the kingdom. Its a sad and bitter end to a character the fans had invested so much in.

#3: Fleabag

Fleabag (2016-19)

Throughout the two innovative seasons of Phoebe Waller-Bridges star-making comedy, Fleabag openly addresses the camera, and in effect, us. We first meet her as she engages in a hookup with a random guy. Even her most intimate moments, she shares with us. Over the series, we come to realize we are almost a coping mechanism for her to disengage from her life. This comes to a head in the final scene, when, having moved on from the self-destructive behaviors that hold her back, she also leaves us behind. Literally, the last shot of Fleabag is the title character, finally content, walking away from the camera.

#2: Leslie Knope

Parks and Recreation (2009-15)

Amy Poehlers municipal worker is so optimistic that much of this sitcoms humor comes from the worlds complete indifference to her. In her very first scene, Leslie Knope tries to conduct a survey with an uncooperative child and coaxes an inebriated man out of a park slide. The last time we see her, we get a glimpse of her future as Governor of Indiana. Our final moments with Pawnees Parks and Recreation Department see them posing for a picture, unsure of when they will see each other again. Nevertheless, Leslie is ready to step into her greatness.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Lorelai & Rory Gilmore, Gilmore Girls (2000-07); Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (2016)

The Mother-Daughter Duo Went from Jonesing for Coffee to Very Real Grown-Up Problems

Damon Salvatore, The Vampire Diaries (2009-17)

He Had Us At Hello Twice

Tony Soprano, The Sopranos (1999-2007)

Fade In On a Mob Boss in a Therapists Office, Then Cut to Black

Villanelle, Killing Eve (2018-22)

Few Characters Had the Character Arc That This Assassin Had

Selina Meyer, Veep (2012-19)

The VP Starts Surrounded by an Eccentric But Devoted Staff & Ends Having Sold Them Out

#1: Walter White

Breaking Bad (2008-13)

This beloved AMC series begins right in the middle of the story. We have no context for how Walter White has found himself speeding through the desert in a camper wearing just his underwear. We know it cant be good. What follows over the next five seasons sees the mild-mannered chemistry teacher becoming a crime kingpin who sells out his morals and his own familys safety for power. Wounded in a shootout in the series finale, Walt dies just as law enforcement arrives. Theres a hauntingly serene look on his face as the camera cranes upward. Hes no longer the panicked amateur. For better or worse, he dies a professional.

Which of these characters is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.