Top 10 TV Shows That Killed Off the Wrong Character

The sarcastic talking dog of the Griffin family is one of the funniest characters on “Family Guy”…or at least he used to be. During the episode “Life of Brian,” the pooch is hit by a car in the street. Surrounded by the family, Brian dies after delivering a tearful farewell. After briefly being replaced, Brian is then resurrected a few episodes later. Killing Brian off in this manner, only to bring him back, was derided by many as emotionally manipulative. This, paired with the character’s perceived decline since his resurrection - as well as that of the show as a whole - has turned many fans off the series.

This darker “Doctor Who” spin-off was no stranger to killing off characters, but this one arguably hurt the most. Ianto Jones may not have been the most specialized member of the titular team, not having an assigned role, but he always managed to come through in a clutch. Furthermore, his relationship with hyper/omnisexual team leader Captain Jack Harkness proved extremely popular with fans. So, when a fatal virus causes Ianto to die in the immortal Jack’s arms, many viewers were understandably upset. And not only for robbing them of their favorite romantic pairing, but also because of the unfortunate trend in media that sees non-hetero characters die more frequently…but more on that later.

A former P.O.W. held by Al-Qaeda, Nicholas Brody finds himself torn between a sense of loyalty to his family and the captors who converted him. And it makes for fascinating TV. However, Brody’s story came to an end in “Homeland”’s 3rd season when he’s executed by Iranian authorities, despite Carrie offering to save him. Although the creator of the show believed that Brody’s story reached a natural conclusion, fans were less than convinced, and many would’ve liked to see his tale continue, as Brody had been part of the initial draw of the show, and his absence was definitely felt after he left.

A charismatic and ambitious viking, Ragnar Lothbrok begins the story as a farmer, but rises to become a king. But in the show’s fourth season, as his mistakes catch up to him, he decides to hand himself over to King Aelle - hoping that his death will inspire his people to seek vengeance. Ragnar’s execution is hard watch, not only for its brutality, but also because the show is killing off its main character. Following his death, Ragnar’s sons take center stage, but the lack of a central focus, and Ragnar’s sons not measuring up to his legacy, has left many fans unsatisfied.

Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes is the criminal kingpin of Harlem in this Marvel show. While an unapologetic murderer and gangster, Cottonmouth has an undeniable magnetism and his enjoyment of what he does - even if it’s terrible - makes him incredibly compelling. Then... halfway through the show’s first season, Cottonmouth is murdered by his cousin Mariah Dillard over an insensitive remark. From there on, he’s replaced by Dillard and another villain, Diamondback, for the rest of the season, resulting in an arguably uneven tone. Cottonmouth was arguably a better villain than both of them combined, and the show lost some of its spark without him.

Assistant district attorney, vigilante, and the one-time girlfriend of Oliver Queen, Laurel Lance was a character whose potential was never fully realized. She was replaced as Oliver’s love interest, and never quite became as tough a vigilante as her peers. In her final season she does make some notable strides forward. Unfortunately, this progress is cut short when the season’s villain, Damien Darhk, kills her to send a message to her father. Laurel’s death felt unearned. Worse, it reduced her to a plot point that was used to bolster other characters when she was just coming into her own.

The wife of the show’s eponymous serial killer, Rita Morgan was Dexter’s biggest connection to humanity and one of the few people he ever really loves. Rita’s kindness, which endured despite her past trauma, made her someone for Dexter to look to for guidance. Unfortunately, Dexter’s indecision in dealing with another killer ultimately leads to her demise, as Rita is murdered by the Trinity Killer before Dexter can kill him. When he returns home and finds her body in the tub, it’s absolutely devastating. Rita was Dexter’s rock and without her, Dexter, both the character and the show, felt adrift thereafter.

As tempting as it was to choose the death of Leonard Snart (aka. Captain Cold), Professor Martin Stein’s loss simply hit home more. A scientist and one half of the hero Firestorm, Stein often felt like the only adult on a time-ship full of children. But that only made it that much more fun when he DID engage in antics with the other Legends. Sadly, while trying to escape a version of Earth overrun by Nazis, Stein gives his life to open the way home for the other heroes. His death meant the end of not only his story, but that of his partner, Jefferson Jackson, who then took a leave of absence. Stein brought a unique dynamic to the show, one that was sorely missed.

Despite the outcry at Carl Grimes’ death, we’re electing to discuss an arguably more damaging death. Glenn Rhee was the relatable everyman in this zombie apocalypse show. He wasn’t particularly cool, or smart, or a good leader, but he always did his part and even found love amidst all the misery the group endured. As such, Negan graphically beating Glenn to death in front of his friends - true to source material or not - was a breaking point for many fans of the show. The fact that Glenn’s death occurred right after Abraham’s, plus an earlier fake out death, had many feeling “The Walking Dead” was too far gone.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Lexa
“The 100” (2014-)

Zotoh Zhaan
“Farscape” (1998-2003)

Pierce Hawthorn
“Community” (2009-15)

X
“The X-Files” (1993-2002, 2016-18)

Henry Allen
“The Flash” (2014-)

A shy witch who becomes involved with fellow witch Willow, Tara was a later addition to the cast, but a welcome one. Her uncertain, quiet demeanor made a welcome change from the more brash or sarcastic members of the “Scooby Gang.” So it was especially shocking that Tara of all people ended up dying from a stray bullet fired by a guy after Buffy. While the previously-cited “bury your gays” trope was certainly a factor for fans’ displeasure, viewers were also displeased that none of Willows’ subsequent love interests were ever able to measure up.