10 TV Characters With The Most Wasted Potential

In one of the most heated subplots of Dexter's first two seasons, embattled Detective James Doakes finds himself drawn closer and closer to his colleague's murderous secret, which inevitably culminates in Doakes' death when he learns the truth. But did we really have to lose him so soon?

As thrilling as this drama is - especially when you have actors Michael C. Hall and Erik King bringing so much dark humour to the situation - the main issue with the Doakes/Dexter showdown is that it starts as a slow-burn but ends with a rushed explosion of action to tidy everything up ready for season three.

Given the depth of animosity and tension between the two men, it would have been brilliant to see Doakes stick around, his quest for answers perhaps slowed down so it could be stretched further over more seasons of the show. The character's ill-timed death is even more egregious when you note he survives in the books (albeit with a much nastier eventual fate). There was still some story to play with here, but the whole thing was tossed aside a bit too quickly.