10 Most Satisfying TV Character Deaths Of The Past Decade
7. Steve Newlin - True Blood
Identity of Deceased: Steven Newlin, televangelist turned vampire. Portrayed by Michael McMillan.
Time of Death: 'Life Matters' - Season 6, Episode 9 (first broadcast 11th August 2013).
Cause of Death: Explodes in a shaft on sunlight, having been held there by Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgård).
Why It Was So Satisfying: The TV adaptation of Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels was most widely noted for being one of the raunchiest and goriest things ever made for small screen up to that point. However, the real sting in its tail was its hard-hitting satirical overtones, taking aim at lofty real-world targets which - sadly - remain very relevant today.
Steve was certainly among the most contemptible of these; an exploitative huckster cashing in on religion and promoting bigotry and ignorance, despite being a closeted homosexual; and then, on turning vampire, selling out his previous convictions every bit as quickly.
His slimy, duplicitous ways saw many come into harm's way, leaving the viewer just as contented as Eric to see him burn.