Top 10 Characters Who Were Killed Off Too Soon
#10: George OMalley
Grey's Anatomy (2005-)
This long-running medical drama doesnt lack for beloved characters or too-hasty exits. But perhaps the most devastating is Georges exit. A fellow intern with Meredith and the others, George lasted until the sixth season, where he died by jumping in front of a bus to save a womans life. His heroic death is touching, but in hindsight came much too soon, considering the show is now anticipating its twenty-second season. The show perhaps knew this, because in Season 17, actor T. R. Knight reprised his role, appearing in Merediths visions. RIP, King.
#9: Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
The twin brother of Wanda Maximoff, a.k.a. The Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver endeared himself to fans with his quick wit and his dedication to his sister. And of course, his superspeed. His death, giving his life to protect Hawkeye, is made all the more devastating for these reasons. He was also the first of the Avengers to be killed off. Why Pietro suffered this unceremonious fate is unclear. Many believe it had to do with the rights of the character, debated between 20th Century Fox and Marvel. Perhaps Quicksilvers death raised the stakes more, or Marvel wanted a good surprise twist. Either way, Wandas grief for her lost brother leads him to return, seemingly alive, in WandaVision. We feel you, Wanda.
#8: Prue Halliwell
Charmed (1998-2006)
Killing off the main character of a series is something few shows have done, for good reason. Of the three Halliwell witches, Prue was the oldest and the most responsible. She was also the most powerful with her telekinetic abilities. But at the end of Season 3, Prue was fatally attacked by the demon Shax. This extremely early departure of a major character was for good reason: Prues actress, Shannen Doherty, had been fired from the show. While the producers considered replacing Prues actress, none of the options panned out. Instead, the show replaced Prue with a secret half-sister, Paige, in Season 4. It was definitely too soon.
#7: Glenn Rhee
The Walking Dead (2010-22)
One of the shows most controversial moments, the death of this pizza-delivery-boy-turned-zombie survivor still hurts the most. While Glenns death was in the comics, the execution in the series was particularly devastating. Saviors leader Negan had already picked his victim, Abraham, when Daryls outbursts led him to take his grisly revenge on Glenn. Its a scene all the more heartbreaking when Glenns death leaves his love, Maggie, bereft. Glenns departure from the show divided audiences, to the point where some even stopped watching the show afterward. Whether necessary or not, its a death that came too soon for manys tastes.
#6: Stringer Bell
The Wire (2002-08)
This series doesnt lack for characters whose end came too soon. Omar Little, for instance, was a beloved character who also met an untimely end. But Stringer Bells case is an interesting one. Played by Idris Elba, Bell was drug lord Avon Barksdales second-in-command, involved in money laundering, bribery, and other criminal activity. By Season 3, Avon betrayed Stringer, leading to his death at the hands of Omar and Brother Mouzone. His shocking death is made all the harder by the fact that Elba was also unhappy with the development. It still hurts years later.
#5: Bob Newby
Stranger Things (2016-)
This show has tons of awful deaths. For starters, theres Eddie Munsons poignant sacrifice in Season 4. Then theres Nancys friend and beloved fan favorite, Barb, whose death prompted a #JusticeforBarb campaign. But this wholesome characters death packs a whole new level of heartbreak. Bob was only a minor character, but his kindness and sweet personality endeared him to many fans. His relationship with Joyce was also heartening to see unfold. Alas, his end came when he was attacked by Demodogs in Hawkins National Lab. Even showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer were affected, admitting that they were sobbing while writing the scene. At least he died a heros death.
#4: Matthew Crawley
Downton Abbey (2010-15)
Now, this was uncalled for. Matthew and Mary had finally broken off their engagements to other people and admitted their love to each other. At the beginning of Season 3, they were even getting married, and Mary was pregnant with his child. She delivers the baby safely, and Matthew gets to meet his newborn. And then, while driving home from the hospital, Matthew dies in a car accident. After surviving both World War 1 and the Spanish flu, a car crash ends this characters life. Naturally, fans were devastated by this shocking turn of events and still mourn for what could never be.
#3: Tracy McConnell
How I Met Your Mother (2005-14)
Fans had long speculated that something must have happened to the titular mother of this series. But the reveal of the Mothers fate in the finale of the show was still shocking. Before the finale, we learned many things about Tracy, even that she headed her own band, Superfreakonomics. Other characters of the show even interact with her in positive ways, and her winning personality endeared her quickly to fans. But in the finale, we learn that Tracy died of an undisclosed illness. To make matters worse, Ted gets together with Robin at the end. To say this finale was controversial is an understatement.
#2: Remus Lupin & Nymphadora Tonks
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Arguably the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Harry ever had, its safe to say Remus Lupin is everyones favorite werewolf. A long-time friend of Harrys father while they were in school, Remus bonds with Harry and helps him out immensely. Audiences were further endeared to him thanks to the trauma resulting from his lycanthropy. It was heartening to see him find love with Tonks, who accepted him for what he was. When Deathly Hallows came out, revealing his and Tonks tragic deaths during the Battle of Hogwarts, fans everywhere were devastated. Even worse, their deaths leave their son, Teddy, an orphan. Were not crying, weve just got something in our eye.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Dr Kutner, House (2004-12)
Because There is Nothing Deadlier than Depression
Rita Morgan, Dexter (2006-13)
That Bathtub Scene Will Haunt Us Until Our Dying Days
Captain Phasma, Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi (2017)
Her Promise as a Villain Was Squandered with This Early Exit
Ashley & Ashlyn, Final Destination 3 (2006)
We Know Tanning Is Bad for the Skin, but Really?
Scott Summers/Cyclops, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Imagine Being Killed by Your Own WifeOuch
Fakeout#1: Everyone in the Car The Mist (2007)
Just kidding!
#1: Tara Maclay
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
This isnt the first time the Buffy verse had a controversial death, admittedly. But Taras departure from this iconic show is still one fans debate about to this day. Tara was Willows girlfriend, but also a formidable witch in her own right, with a beautiful character arc about overcoming her shyness and embracing her inner strength. In Season 6, however, she is fatally shot. Her death was significant, prompting Willow to succumb to her dark powers. Even so, many fans quit watching the show after her death. Showrunner Joss Whedon and Taras actress Amber Benson even had to clarify there was no ill intent behind the decision. Perhaps there is such a thing as succeeding too well in shocking your audience.
Which other characters death did you feel came too fast, too soon? Let us know in the comments down below!
Downton Abbey (2010-15)
ITV
S03E09 A Journey to the Highlands
Matthews death: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp_Xd8m1nzE