10 TV Shows That Killed Characters Unexpectedly Early

10. Dino Ortolani - Oz

1997’s Oz was a cult-classic based around a unique unit within the fictional Oswald State Penitentiary. Known as Emerald City, this housing unit was home to murderers, gang bangers, mobsters, sex offenders and more. It’s your standard hive of scum and villainy.

The first episode introduced a number of characters; one of whom was Dino Ortolani - a young, mouthy thug with a dangerous connection to the Mafia. Throughout the pilot, Dino was seen to be a loud-mouthed bigot with a chip on his shoulder for non-white and gay inmates.

However, as the episode continued, Dino's views began to change. From showing admiration to a Muslim inmate to empathising with patients in the AIDS ward, he began to redeem himself. We learned he had a wife and children who he missed dearly and as an audience, believed this central character would continue to develop over the season.

This is why it was such a shock at the end the episode when two corrupt guards drugged Dino, set him on fire and watched him burn to death. This left-field attack on the character reminded audiences of one thing: this is prison and no one is safe.

Plot Armour won’t stop a shiv in your sleep, or indeed, a fire.