17 Controversial Character Exits

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TV is a big revolving door of characters coming and going. 

If we watch a show for any length of time, we expect a fitting conclusion for a character. 

What we don't expect is for the character to leave in a way that's so far out of character, that you still hold a grudge about it years later. 

Not all of these characters left the show in a coffin. Some of them left their show and took what was left of the show with them. 

We've compiled a gallery of 17 of the most controversial exits for you below!

 

1. Abbie - Sleepy Hollow

This one pretty much came out of nowhere. Abbie was brutally killed off in the first half of the third season, but she came back. Then the season finale rolled around and she was gone for good with the actress departing the show. It was anti-climactic primarily because she was killed off earlier in the season.

2. Laurel - Arrow

Laurel was taken very recently and it was the most horrible thing to watch. The character had been sidelined all season, so it was obvious the writers couldn't think of anything for her to do, so they killed her off in order to kick start the pace of the show. Instead, all they've done is piss off fans worldwide and catered to the minority that ships Olicity.

3. Stephen - Scandal

Remember when Henry Ian Cusick ditched Scandal after the freshman run with terrible resolution? Yeah, we're still not over this one. It would be great if he somehow returned, but that's unlikely considering he's over on The CW's The 100.

4. Rebekah - The Originals

Rebekah keeps popping back up sporadically, but it's only a fan service. The last time she appeared she was staked and put away to keep her safe, but it's kind of annoying knowing that if she comes back, she'll only be around for an episode or two. It's time to wrap her storyline up for good unless she comes back permanently.

5. Lexa - The 100

This one was outrageous. She was such a badass character and all the writers could come up with was that she was killed by a stray bullet. That's not how to say goodbye to one of the best characters in your show!

6. Ethan - 90210

How do you revamp a show that's lacking? Cut one of the best characters! Yeah, that was a very odd decision by the powers that be in favor of trying to make us love Liam. Plot twist: It didn't work.

7. Mandy - Shameless

Mandy was the best character on the show. All she wanted was for Lip to love her, but she was sidelined for much of Shameless Season 4, so it came as no surprise that she got an off screen exit in Season 5. That was a harsh blow to fans, but the powers that be tried to rectify their mistake by having her back as a guest on the most recent season.

8. Nadia - Chicago PD

Nadia was the one who kept Lindsay grounded and she had her whole career head of her. It came as a shock when she was brutally murdered in a crossover with Law & Order: SVU. It was an exit that got people talking, but for all the wrong reasons.

9. Derek - Teen Wolf

The actor decided to bid adieu to the series before Season 5 begun, so he had the dreaded off screen exit and the show has never been the same since. The same thing happened with Arden Cho recently. Why are they all leaving between seasons?

10. Camilla - Empire

Camilla returned after almost a year's break from the show, but she was forced to drink cyanide by Lucious and it made us wonder why she didn't pretend to take it. She could have at least tried and could still be in the land of the living. Unless of course she's going to pop up again. This also added fuel to the fire that lesbians on TV are becoming extinct.

11. Sarah - Prison Break

Remember when Sarah was killed off in Season 3 and returned for Season 4? Yeah, that was a bit out there because the head in the box looked exactly like her. At the time, it was a terrible decision. It made the whole love story between her and Michael a waste of time.

12. Declan - Revenge

Declan's exit was pretty random, but not all that shocking given that it happened during a season finale. They could have done so much more with it and it made Charlotte become the most annoying character on TV.

13. Derek - Grey's Anatomy

Grey's Anatomy shocked fans by killing off Derek Sheppard. There were rumblings that he had a falling out with Shonda and we know how she treats people who get on her bad side. Fans went crazy and threatened to boycott the show, but the ratings remain unchanged from last year.

14. Shay - Chicago Fire

This one just came out of nowhere. Everyone expected a secondary character to be the one to perish, but the show shocked the masses and took Shay out. It was cruel and downright heartbreaking to watch.

15. Ned - Game of Thrones

How do you let fans know that you mean business? Kill off the character you've focused most on! It was a crazy twist, but it got the internet talking.

16. Katherine - The Vampire Diaries

How do you alienate a huge chunk of your fanbase? Get rid of one of the best characters on the show. Katherine was a bitch, but she was a great contrast to Elena Gilbert. Her death didn't make much sense. Where did she really go? Will that ever be addressed?

17. Marissa - The OC

The OC changed everything when they killed off Marissa Cooper at the close of Season 3. Some fans hated it and others loved it. It paved the way for a much lighter final season.

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Sleepy Hollow, Arrow, Scandal, The Originals, The 100, 90210, Shameless, Chicago PD, Teen Wolf, Empire, Revenge, Grey's Anatomy, Chicago Fire, Game of Thrones, The Vampire Diaries
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