11 TV Characters Who Deserved a Better Ending

Some TV characters captivate us with their compelling arcs and unforgettable journeys, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Yet, when their stories come to an end, many fans are left feeling unsatisfied by their conclusions. Whether it’s a sudden death, an unresolved storyline, or a final twist that doesn’t feel earned, these characters deserved more than what they got.

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Jon Snow (Game of Thrones)

Jon Snow’s journey in Game of Thrones was one of the most captivating of the entire series. He began as the illegitimate son of Ned Stark, facing prejudice and a lack of recognition, yet his strength and honor made him a key figure in the fight for the North. Jon’s leadership, along with his struggles with his true identity and loyalty to both his family and his duty, made him an intriguing character. As the series progressed, Jon evolved from a humble warrior to the potential savior of the realm. His role in uniting the people against the Night King and leading them in the Battle of Winterfell should have solidified him as one of the series’ true heroes.

However, Jon’s ending was anticlimactic and unsatisfying for many. After all he had fought for and sacrificed, his return to the Night’s Watch felt like a hollow conclusion. His heroic actions, including the painful choice to kill Daenerys, deserved more recognition and a greater payoff. Instead of a final moment of leadership or even a peaceful life after all the turmoil, Jon was essentially sent back to where he started, which felt like a wasted opportunity to give his character the resolution he deserved.

Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones)

Daenerys Targaryen’s arc in Game of Thrones was a journey of survival, power, and transformation. She started as an exiled princess with little to her name and eventually became a fierce leader with a vision of freeing the oppressed. Her dragons, her drive to reclaim the Iron Throne, and her determination to bring justice to the world made her one of the most compelling characters in the show. Daenerys’ vision of a better world was something viewers could rally behind for seasons, and her rise was marked with countless triumphs.

But her descent into madness in the final episodes was a shock to fans and felt rushed and poorly handled. Daenerys, who had spent years liberating people and fighting against tyranny, suddenly became the very thing she fought against. Her brutal attack on King’s Landing, destroying innocent lives despite having already won the war, left a sour taste. Fans and critics alike felt betrayed by this rapid shift in her character, as it didn’t do justice to the careful build-up of her arc. Many believed she deserved a more fitting and redemptive end, given the depth of her character and the world she had shaped.

Walter White (Breaking Bad)

Walter White’s transformation from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to the notorious drug kingpin Heisenberg was one of the most captivating character arcs in television history. As a man who initially entered the criminal world out of desperation to secure his family’s financial future, Walter’s descent into ruthless power was gradual yet profound. His intelligence, ambition, and moral compromises made him a fascinating character to follow, especially as he began to embrace his darker side, convincing himself that he was still acting in his family’s best interest.

However, Walter’s ending in Breaking Bad was both inevitable and unsatisfying for many. His final moments, where he takes responsibility for his actions by saving Jesse and dying in a lab, felt like a mixed bag of redemption and defeat. Although Walter’s journey came full circle with his demise, fans expected more closure for a character so deeply flawed and complex. His interactions with Jesse, in particular, remained a point of tension, and his death didn’t feel like the resolution that his character or viewers deserved after so much emotional investment in his transformation.

Rory Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)

Rory Gilmore’s journey in Gilmore Girls was marked by ambition, intelligence, and a desire to carve out her own place in the world. As the daughter of Lorelai Gilmore, Rory grew up with high expectations placed on her, and she navigated both the challenges of living up to her potential and the complexities of her personal life. Rory’s pursuit of a career in journalism was central to her character arc, and fans watched her grow from a talented student to a determined young woman trying to find her footing in the world of media.

Yet, Rory’s conclusion in the series, especially in the revival, felt incomplete and disappointing. After all the buildup of her career and relationships, Rory’s final fate seemed to lack the resolution viewers expected. Her struggles with her career and the choices she made regarding her love life left her in a place of uncertainty, and many felt that she deserved more than an ambiguous ending. Despite the charm and potential Rory had, her conclusion did not offer the closure that so many fans were hoping for, given her complex journey.

Dexter Morgan (Dexter)

Dexter Morgan, the infamous antihero of Dexter, lived a life marked by violence, guilt, and a constant search for redemption. As a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police, Dexter also led a double life as a serial killer who only targeted other killers. His inner conflict, trying to balance his need for vengeance with his desire for a normal life, made him a deeply complex character. Fans were drawn to his dark nature and his attempts to maintain some semblance of humanity despite his monstrous tendencies.

However, Dexter’s final moments in the original series finale were a major letdown. After being set up for a conclusion that could offer redemption or at least some form of justice, Dexter chose to abandon his family, leaving his fate in the hands of an uncertain future. His self-imposed exile to the Pacific Northwest felt like an unsatisfying resolution to his long-running character arc. Many viewers were disappointed, feeling that Dexter, who had spent so long avoiding capture, deserved a more substantial ending to his story.

George O’Malley (Grey’s Anatomy)

George O’Malley was one of Grey’s Anatomy’s most beloved characters, known for his kind-hearted nature, awkward charm, and commitment to becoming a great doctor. His journey from a nervous intern to a capable surgeon was a story of growth and self-discovery. George’s friendships, particularly with Meredith Grey and Izzie Stevens, were central to his character, and viewers loved watching him navigate the ups and downs of life at Seattle Grace Hospital.

George’s unexpected and tragic death left fans devastated. The way he died, being hit by a bus and later passing away in the hospital, was jarring and sudden. Many felt that George, who had grown so much throughout the series, deserved a more heroic or meaningful conclusion. His untimely death robbed viewers of a proper goodbye to a character who had endured so many personal and professional trials.

Fred Andrews (Riverdale)

Fred Andrews, played by Luke Perry, was a steady, grounding presence in Riverdale. As Archie’s father, Fred was a caring and selfless figure, trying to provide for his family and help the kids of Riverdale. His relationship with Archie was central to the emotional heart of the show, and Fred’s guidance and love for his son were always palpable. Fred was one of the few characters who stood as a moral compass in a town full of secrets and chaos.

Fred’s sudden death in Season 4, especially after the tragic passing of Luke Perry in real life, shocked fans and left his character’s storyline unresolved. His death, coming without any build-up or resolution to his personal struggles, felt like an untimely and unfair conclusion to a character who had provided so much emotional depth. Many fans wished for Fred to have a more fitting goodbye, one that celebrated his contributions to the show and allowed him to have a more substantial legacy.

Ted Mosby (How I Met Your Mother)

Ted Mosby’s journey in How I Met Your Mother was defined by his search for love, punctuated by his romantic misadventures and his unwavering hope of meeting “the one.” Throughout the series, Ted’s quest for a soulmate was marked by numerous ups and downs, all while dealing with his complicated friendships and career. His character was built on the idea of looking for true love and learning life’s lessons along the way, with fans growing attached to his charmingly idealistic nature.

Unfortunately, the finale of How I Met Your Mother turned Ted’s arc into a bittersweet and, in some ways, unsatisfying conclusion. After spending nine seasons leading viewers through his long, drawn-out journey to find “the one,” Ted ended up with Robin, only for them to break up years later. In a shocking twist, Ted returned to his original love, Tracy, who was then tragically killed off, leaving Ted to settle for his eventual return to Robin. Fans who had spent years following Ted’s emotional growth were left feeling let down by this unexpected and often criticized conclusion. Many believed Ted deserved a more satisfying resolution to his lifelong search for love.

Jim Gordon (Gotham)

Jim Gordon, the determined and morally righteous detective from Gotham, was the foundation of the show’s exploration of Gotham City before Batman’s arrival. Over five seasons, Jim dealt with corruption, violence, and the moral dilemmas that come with living in a city teetering on the edge of chaos. His relationships with characters like Harvey Bullock, Bruce Wayne, and Barbara Kean showcased his commitment to doing what was right, even when the odds were against him.

Despite his heroic qualities, Jim’s conclusion in Gotham was more focused on setting up Bruce Wayne’s Batman than offering Jim a satisfying end. While his arc was full of challenges, his final moments didn’t give his character the resolution many hoped for. Fans felt that Jim, who had sacrificed so much, deserved more recognition for his efforts in keeping Gotham safe and moving the city towards a semblance of hope, especially after his long journey of moral struggle and perseverance.

Chandler Bing (Friends)

Chandler Bing was one of Friends’ most endearing characters, known for his sarcastic humor, quirky personality, and complicated romantic life. Throughout the series, Chandler underwent significant growth, particularly in his relationship with Monica. His journey was full of self-discovery, from overcoming his commitment issues to becoming a loving husband and father. Chandler’s humor, though often masking deeper insecurities, made him one of the show’s most relatable characters.

While Chandler’s relationship with Monica culminated in a happy ending, some fans felt his personal growth was not fully explored. His transition to fatherhood and the potential for his character’s professional life felt underdeveloped, leaving fans wanting more depth in his final arc. Given how much Chandler had changed over the series, a more fleshed-out resolution to his personal and professional journey would have been a fitting tribute to a character that made such an impact on the show’s success.

Tara Knowles (Sons of Anarchy)

Tara Knowles was a central character in Sons of Anarchy, known for her intelligence, moral compass, and complex relationship with Jax Teller. As a doctor, Tara strived to build a better life outside the violent world of SAMCRO, but her love for Jax and the pull of the club kept her deeply entrenched in the chaos. Her transformation from a hopeful partner to a woman caught between her ambitions and loyalty made her one of the show’s most compelling characters.

Tara’s tragic death in the series’ penultimate season left fans reeling. After all her struggles to escape the world of crime, her brutal death at the hands of the very people she sought to leave behind felt like a cruel end to her story. Tara’s fate was particularly heartbreaking because, despite her genuine love for Jax, she had always hoped for a future away from the violence. Her untimely demise robbed viewers of the opportunity to see her finally break free from her toxic environment. (Note that Maggie Siff, who played Dr. Tara Grace Knowles-Teller, is pictured above.)

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.