Although fans are used to seeing their favorite characters depart the series (particularly since actors like to explore other opportunities), that doesn't mean they aren't disappointed when the writers decide to kill them off. It's always going to be a sad day for fans when an actor announces that they have decided to leave a show after so many years - especially if viewers have either watched them grow into empowering role models or they have become the heart and soul of the story. Their presence can also comfort viewers as their personalities are often relatable and bring about a couple of laughs.
While viewers often hope that the door is left open (as this means there is a chance they can see them again), they do understand that the writers have to kill off characters for the sake of the story. However, what usually disappoints them is how the writers execute these deaths. Considering that some actors dedicate 6 years of their lives (or more) playing main characters, there were certainly better ways of sending them off instead of giving them disappointing deaths.
10 Glenn Rhee In The Walking Dead
Although many fans of The Walking Dead comics were aware that Glenn was likely going to be killed off considering that he died at the hand of Negan there, that didn't stop them from hoping that the writers would change his fate (especially since there were some characters who managed to outlive their comic counterparts). However, it wasn't meant to be as the writers Glenn's death had to happen in order for Negan to have his iconic introduction in season 6 of The Walking Dead.
While fans understood that it was necessary for plot, they couldn't help but be a little disappointed since Glenn had just spent the last season fighting to reunite with Maggie and had really stepped up into a leadership role. His friendship with Daryl Dixon and Rick Grimes also made for some interesting scenes, so it was a huge shame that there wasn't going to be any more of these scenes going forward.
9 Matthew Crawley In Downton Abbey
There have been many tear jearking moments on Downton Abbey, one that hit fans the hardest was Matthew Crawley's death. After rumors began circulating that Dan Stevens would no longer be a main character in season 4 (via Vanity Fair), there was much speculation as what the writers had in mind for his arc and his relationship with Mary - which appeared to be going from strength to strength.
Sadly, Matthew was killed off in the 2013 Christmas episode after he was involved in car crash. It was a particularly upsetting scene since he had just met his and Mary's son a couple of hours and couldn't wait to tell his family. The fact that he was killed before he could do that made it even more painful to say goodbye.
8 Tara Thornton In True Blood
If there was one character who deserved a better on True Blood, it was Rutina Wesley's Tara Thornton. Initially introduced as Sookie's best friend, Tara eventually became one of the best characters on the show as many fans admired her protective nature and intelligence. She was also one of the toughest fighters and wouldn't have no qualms getting involved in fights if it meant protecting her loved ones from harm. Unfortunately, this was her undoing.
At the end of season 6 (and continuing into the premiere of season 7), Tara witnessed several H vamps attacked the mixer she was attending at Bellefleur's. Although there were several scenes where she was seen fighting valiantly in the battle, the viewers were dumbstruck when her mother revealed that Tara had been killed off-screen. While many fans were deeply upset by this turn, what later confused them was why the writers brought her back as a ghost a couple of episodes later. It just didn't make any sense.
7 Sun & Jin Kwon On Lost
Whether it was because they had one of the best relationships on Lost or their tremendous character growth, Sun and Jin were fan favorites on the hit sci-fi series. Sadly, like many of the other castaways on the show, they were eventually killed off. This occurred near the end of season 6 as they were trapped in a submarine while trying to escape the Man in Black.
Not only was this shocking, especially since Sayid (another major character on the show) had just died a couple of seconds before after sacrificing himself to protect his friends, but it was deeply heartbreaking too since the couple had just reunited. Jin hadn't even gotten the chance to meet his daughter yet. Considering all they went through, and how hard they fought to find each other again, this wasn't the ending everyone wanted for them.
6 Jaime & Cersei Lannister In Game of Thrones
It's no secret that Game of Thrones season 8 is considered to be the worst one of them all. Not only were fans disappointed with the fact that the writers undermined several character arcs but they also killed off many characters in anti-climatic fashion. This included Jaime and Cersei Lannister. Although Jaime Lannister was easily one of the most unlikable characters at the beginning of the series, the viewers did witness him undergo a huge character transformation as he became more selfless and emotionally intelligent. Unfortunately, this was all undone by his decision to return to his sister, Cersei, at the end of season 8.
What made this storyline even more disappointing was the fact that, shortly after their reunion, the writers then proceeded to kill off both these characters in an anti-climax (with the castle collapsing on top of them). Although everyone knew that Cersei wouldn't make it out alive in season 8 considering she was one of the show's biggest villains, it did feel like she should have got a bigger sendoff. With all the growth Jaime underwent, it would have made more sense if he died in the Battle of Winterfell (particularly since he wanted to regain his honor).
5 Logan Echolls In Veronica Mars
Although Veronica Mars is known for it's surprising twists and shocking storylines, fans were still taken aback when the writers decided to kill of Veronica's husband, Logan Echolls, in season 4. Logan had initially been introduced as a high schooler who dated Veronica's best friend; however, he soon became a pivotal part of the series as he often helped Veronica with her investigations and offered her some helpful advice. Eventually, Logan and Veronica's relationship became romantic.
While the two didn't always have the easiest of relationships, fans still rooted for the couple as they seemed to bring out the best in one another. They were even overjoyed when the two got married in the season 4 finale. However, this was short-lived since the writers decided to kill him off not long after in a terrorist incident. Although the writers succeeded in surprising the audiences, they soon faced a backlash when disappointed fans expressed outrage at Rob Thomas' statement about why Logan had to die in Veronica Mars' season 4. There was definitely more they could have done with his character.
4 Tyler Lockwood In The Vampire Diaries
Although Michael Trevino decided to leave The Vampire Diaries to explore other opportunities, fans were hugely disappointed with the sendoff he got. While it initially looked like Tyler had left in season 6 after Elena told him to leave Mystic Falls and go find himself, fans were taken aback to see the werewolf return in season 7 as it appeared that he had unfinished business. However, it seemed that the writers decided to bring him back in order to deliver a shocking twist.
As Tyler was protecting Elena's body from Damon (which was still under a sleeping enchantment), the werewolf sadly ended up losing his life as the elder Salvatore brother ambushed and then killed him. What made the scene worse wasn't even a fair fight - it was quick, reckless, and, compare to other characters, unforgettable. Considering that Trevino's arc had come to a natural conclusion at the end of season 6, writers should have just given him a happy ending off-screen.
3 Cordelia Chase In Buffy The Vampire Slayer/Angel
Transforming from a spoiled rich teenager to a selfless and kind character, Cordelia Chase was a prominent character in both Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel. Although she might not have been a big fan of battles, she did do her best to help the Scooby Gang and Angel Investigations come up with several successful plans and often provided them with some much-needed reality checks (which was needed since a lot of her friends tended to brood or push people).
Sadly, Cordelia was another fan favorite character who was controversially killed off in season 5. Not only were fans dumbfounded by this decision, but it was later revealed in 2019 that even Charisma Carpenter was disappointed with the turn of events as she had wanted to stay on for season 5 and even asked the writers not to kill her off (via TV Guide). Given how much hard work she put into the show and the character, Carpenter deserved a lot better.
2 Lexie Grey & Mark Sloan On Grey’s Anatomy
Out of all the heartbreaking deaths to occur on Grey's Anatomy, Mark Sloan and Lexie Grey's are the ones that still deeply affect fans to this day (especially since they happened in a brutal manner). While both Mark and Lexie had survived several near-death experiences, unfortunately, the two were eventually killed off after succumbing to the injuries they sustained in the plane crash (which occurred in the season 8 finale).
The details of the plane crash are always difficult to listen to, especially since Cristina had also told viewers that she had to fight several animals off of Lexie's body while also listening to Mark grieve and cry in pain. Considering that both actors had decided to leave the show close around the same point, it would have made a lot more sense to possibly try and write them off together so they got the happy ending they deserved.
1 Jadzia Dax On Star Trek: DS9
Star Trek: DS9's Jadzia Dax is certainly one that comes to mind when fans think of character who deserved better as she was killed off in season 6 finale due to tensions occurring behind-the-scenes. In the documentary, What We Left Behind, Terry Farrell had requested that she didn't appear in many episodes in season 7 (thus making her a recurring character rather than main). However, this didn't go down well with the studio who refused her request and told her to either do the full season or leave (which ultimately led to her being killed off).
Many Star Trek fans believed killing Jadzia was a mistake as her departure had a huge impact on the season 7. Although the writers tried their best to replace Jadzia with Ezri Dax, Farrell's absence and the changing dynamics were really noticeable. Considering that the studio were vehemently insisting that Farrell had to stick around because she was a fan favorite character, it really didn't make sense to kill her off. There were definitely better ways they could have sent her off.
Sources: Vanity Fair, TV Guide