10 Horrifically Violent TV Character Deaths That Traumatised The Fans

4. Spartacus: Blood And Sand - Varro's Sacrifice

An entire discussion could be had about which death was the most gruesome throughout Spartacus. This show took pride in creating great fights with stunning choreography and visuals which usually capped off with an epic death. Many of these deaths, though, were unnamed gladiators, rebels, Romans or villains (who were usually the Romans). Because of this, the most brutal death wasn't Gannicus ripping a man's jaw off or Spartacus' deserved revenge upon Glaber, but Varro's painful sacrifice for Spartacus. Due to Illithyia's scheming, she orchestrated Spartacus' best friend and ally Varro to die by Spartacus' own hand in what was meant to be an exhibition match. Spartacus could not bring himself to do the deed and wordlessly begged his Dominus, Batiatus, to reverse the order, but Batiatus was just as powerless. Fearing Spartacus would be also killed for not obeying his master's order, Varro grabbed Spartacus' sword and plunged it partway down his collarbone. It left Spartacus no other choice but to finish the deed. Not only is this a brutal execution method, the real kicker was in who carried it out €“ his distraught, unwilling best friend. Many of the people on this list have died at the hands of their enemies, not their friends. Varro also showed a great amount of will and strength as he was able to take Spartacus' hand and do some of the deed for him, and the scene remains one of the most emotional beats in the series €“ Jai Courtney gives a stellar performance, but much credit goes to the late Andy Whitfield. His expression of silent pleading and remorse spoke volumes as to what Spartacus was going through and earns its place on the list because of the brutality, emotional impact and acting power of the scene.