Top 10 Mob Hits in TV Shows

“Justified” (2010-15)

When Theo Tonin makes his son Sammy the head of the crime family, underling Nick Augustine plots to take out the new boss and assume control. The overly ambitious criminal underestimates two people, however. First, there’s Raylan Givens, who is willing to turn a blind eye as long as justice is served. Since Givens is a lawman, though, he gives Augustine one last chance to exit without spilling any blood. Augustine not only turns Givens’ offer down flat, but he threatens his family. He also makes the mistake of underestimating Sammy, who learns of Augustine’s planned coup via Givens. We don’t even see Augustine as his limo is riddled with bullets, emphasizing that although he talked big, he was never truly boss material.

“Tulsa King” (2022-)

When we’re introduced to Pete Invernizzi, his best years are behind him, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be stepping down as head of the family anytime soon. Death isn’t coming quickly enough either, despite his declining health. Next in line is his son Charles, or Chickie, who has grown increasingly frustrated with the Don’s decisions as of late, namely keeping Dwight Manfredi alive. Confronting his dad in the bath, Chickie concludes that if he’s going to get Dwight out of the way, his father must meet an unfortunate accident first. Although Chickie has always been scum, drowning his own father goes to show that there’s no line he won’t cross in pursuit of power and vengeance. All bets are off… and so is Chickie’s toupee!

“Fargo” (2014-)

With her husband unable to fulfill his duties following a stroke, matriarch Floyd takes over the Gerhardt family. Floyd is no stranger to loss, but the tail-end of her life brings the most misfortune. Her family and everything they built ultimately collapse at the hands of a few unexpected sources. In one final twist, Floyd finds that she’s been betrayed by her eldest son’s enforcer, Hanzee Dent. In what seems like a rescue mission, the silent but deadly hitman sends what remains of the Gerhardt syndicate to their doom. As Floyd realizes that they’ve been led into an ambush, Hanzee cuts the head off of the snake. Even if Floyd had survived this inside job, there’d be little left of her family’s dynasty to preserve.

“Ozark” (2017-22)

Despite their differences, Marty Byrde comes to view Ruth as more than a business partner. By the series finale, she’s like a surrogate daughter to him. This makes it all the more tragic when Ruth is thrown under the bus. Navarro cartel head Camila Elizonndro learns that the reckless Ruth was responsible for the death of her son, although she remains clueless about the Byrde’s involvement. Not seeing a future where they all survive, Marty and Wendy stay silent as Ruth drives to her inevitable downfall. Strong-willed til the end, Ruth accepts her fate without begging for mercy or implicating the Byrdes. It was a controversial exit for a fan-favorite character, but one that left us speechless all the same.

“Peaky Blinders” (2013-22)

In addition to World War I, John Shelby made it through three brutal series of this British crime drama. The fourth series commences with a Black Hand spelling the beginning of the end for John. We didn’t expect his end to come so quickly, though. On Christmas Day, brother Michael encourages John and his family to seek refuge at the Peaky Blinders’s base. Matriarch Esme is reluctant to leave, convinced that they can take care of themselves. She’s immediately proven wrong as the Changretta family pays a visit. Outnumbered in a drive-by shooting, John and Michael are riddled with bullets. While Michael lives to fight another day, John makes his last stand on the countryside estate that promised him and his family a fresh start.

“Daredevil” (2015-18)

Wilson Fisk isn’t lacking in enforcers, but he’s not afraid to get his own hands dirty. If anything, he revels in the opportunity to put people in their place, especially when it’s personal. Upon being fired from the New York Bulletin, Ben Urich’s day goes from bad to fatal. Still determined to expose Fisk, Urich suddenly comes face to face with the rising kingpin. While Fisk isn’t thrilled about the story, he might have let it slide if only Urich hadn’t enlisted his mother as a source. As Fisk wraps his hulking hands around Urich’s throat, it becomes clear that he didn’t drop by to make threats. Urich’s death finds Fisk at his most unpredictable and unhinged, reminding us that nobody’s safe from him.

“Breaking Bad” (2008-13)

Working as a cartel informant can be deadly, especially if you’re played by Danny Trejo. Despite his brief screen time, Tortuga is among Trejo’s most memorable characters thanks in part to his bonkers demise. It’s a slow day for the DEA until a tortoise, of all animals, escalates matters. The tortoise isn’t alone, carrying Tortuga’s head atop its shell. Fitting, seeing how Tortuga is Spanish for tortoise. Although the other agents laugh at Hank for running away, he had the right idea with the tortoise bringing one more surprise. We later see how the cartel did Tortuga in via flashback. What’s the only thing more poetic than putting Tortuga’s head on a tortoise? Taking out a Danny Trejo character with a machete!

“Barry” (2018-23)

When we were first introduced to NoHo Hank, we didn’t expect him to ever make us cry. As “Barry” progresses, Hank’s star-crossed romance with Bolivian mob leader Cristobal becomes one of this dark comedy’s few bright spots. After overcoming so much together, a happy ending appears to be in grasp for the couple. After Hank is pulled back into the Chechen mob, though, Cristobal decides that he can’t follow him down this path. As Cristobal walks out on Hank, we all know in the pit of our stomachs what’s coming. We’re given a fleeting glimmer of hope when the door opens. Alas, it isn’t Cristobal returning to his love. Instead, a hitman escorts Hank outside where his worst fear is realized.

“Boardwalk Empire” (2010-14)

From the first episode, the dynamic between bootlegging politician Nucky Thompson and protégé Jimmy Darmody is among the driving forces behind this Prohibition period drama. Imagine our surprise when the second season ended with a final confrontation between the two main characters. After trying to have Nucky assassinated, Jimmy shows up to a meeting knowing full well that it’s a trap. Jimmy appears ready to die with dignity, but the conflicted look in Nucky’s eyes suggests that his paternal feelings may prevail. No such luck, as Nucky pulls the trigger twice. Jimmy’s death drastically changed the course of the series, for better or worse. Whatever you thought of the following seasons, few TV deaths have been so shocking yet so inevitable.

“The Sopranos” (1999-2007)

Honestly, this countdown could’ve been solely comprised of “Sopranos” characters. Since we like to mix things up, though, we’re singling out the hit that hurt the most. Although we root for Tony, it’s impossible not to empathize with Adriana. Falling in love with Christopher only to get roped in as an FBI mole, Adriana finds herself trapped in an impossible situation. With the walls closing in, Adriana finally confesses to Christopher, who turns to Tony. When Silvio picks up Adriana, we know that he isn’t taking her to the hospital as promised. Blinded by her love for Christopher, Adriana can’t bring herself to accept the truth until Silvio drives them into the woods where she makes an unsuccessful plea for her life.