Television shows have the power to captivate audiences with their compelling characters and intricate storylines. When a show gets character development right, it can leave a lasting impact on viewers, forging a strong emotional connection. However, there are times when TV shows take a wrong turn, leading to the deterioration of beloved characters. In this piece, let’s explore seven TV shows that had the worst character development, leaving fans disappointed and questioning the creative decisions made by the show’s creators.
Beth Dutton in Yellowstone
Yellowstone, created by Taylor Sheridan, is a gripping Western drama known for its stunning landscapes and complex characters. One such character is Beth Dutton, portrayed by Kelly Reilly. In the earlier seasons, Beth was a powerhouse character, responsible for managing the financial affairs of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Her fearless demeanor and compelling romantic relationship made her one of the standout characters. However, as the series progressed, Beth’s character development took a disappointing turn. Her rivalry with her brother Jamie became stale and burdensome, leaving fans longing for the dynamic character they once knew. The hope now lies in Yellowstone Season 5, part 2, to breathe life back into Beth’s character.
Joey Tribbiani in Friends
Friends, the iconic ’90s sitcom, introduced viewers to Joey Tribbiani, portrayed by Matt LeBlanc. Joey was the perpetually single ladies’ man with an infectious charm, below-average intelligence, and a heart of gold. However, as the series neared its end, Joey’s character development took a questionable direction. Despite his endearing qualities, Joey’s eternal bachelorhood became an obstacle to his happiness. The conclusion of his character arc felt bittersweet and, for some, contradicted the growth he had undergone. Fans who had rooted for Joey’s happiness were left with an incomplete storyline.
John Constantine in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow
Matt Ryan’s portrayal of John Constantine in the first season of Constantine garnered acclaim for its comic book accuracy. However, when the show was canceled, Constantine’s character was transferred to DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. This transition relegated the once-prominent character to a secondary role. While Constantine’s death served as a suitable farewell, it was only one episode of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow that truly captured the essence of a Constantine narrative throughout his four-season tenure on the show. This abrupt shift left fans wanting more and wondering about the missed potential.
Miranda Hobbes in And Just Like That…
Cynthia Nixon’s Miranda Hobbes from Sex and the City was known for her astute balancing act between being a lawyer and a single mother. She was arguably the sharpest character in the series. However, her debut in the sequel series, And Just Like That…, took an unexpected turn. Miranda’s character was marred by racist microaggressions, a lack of accountability, and infidelity in her relationship. The sequel series seemed to forget Miranda’s role as the voice of reason among her friends, leaving fans perplexed and disheartened by the character’s transformation.
Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother
Cobie Smulders portrayed Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother, initially as a charismatic and flawed character with a passion for hockey. Her aspiration to become a serious journalist added depth to her personality. However, Robin’s character development hit a roadblock. She treated Ted’s previous partners unfairly, causing heartbreak for both Ted and Barney. Throughout the series, Robin’s tendency to lead Ted on persisted, leading to a sloppy justification of their reunion. Her character growth stagnated, disappointing viewers who had hoped for a more satisfying arc.
Bran Stark in Game of Thrones
Isaac Hempstead Wright’s Bran Stark in Game of Thrones had a unique character arc, primarily due to his disability. Bran’s storyline, which revolved around becoming the Three-Eyed Raven, held great potential. However, as the series progressed, Bran’s character development became one of its most tedious aspects. The show’s failure to sustain the intrigue surrounding Bran’s mysticism and political importance hinted at the trajectory of the series. Fans were left underwhelmed by the missed opportunities in Bran’s character arc.
Villanelle in Killing Eve
Jodie Comer’s Villanelle in Killing Eve started as an invincible assassin fixated on Sandra Oh’s Eve Polastri. The show initially broke ground in LGBTQ+ representation within the spy and crime genres. However, as the series continued, Villanelle’s character development took a turn for the worse. The promise of a union between Villanelle and Eve, along with Villanelle’s potential redemption by eliminating The Twelve, gave way to a disappointing conclusion. Killing Eve’s ending aligned with the unfortunate trope of giving tragic endings to LGBTQ+ characters purely for dramatic effect, leaving fans disheartened.
Wrapping it up!
TV shows have the power to create memorable characters that resonate with viewers. However, the mishandling of character development can lead to disappointment and frustration among fans. The seven TV shows discussed in this article serve as examples of how great characters can take a disappointing turn in later seasons, impacting the overall quality of the series. While these shows may have stumbled in their character development, they serve as cautionary tales for future storytellers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity and growth of beloved characters throughout a series.
