10 TV Shows That Killed Characters Unexpectedly Early
3. Peter Russo - House Of Cards
In Season 1 of House of Cards, audiences were quickly made aware that Frank Underwood was a sketchy character. It was clear he’d step on a few toes in order to advance his political career. However, staging the suicide of one of his closest allies in order to protect his reputation wasn’t something he seemed capable of this early in the series.
This was, of course, what happened when Frank drove his troubled friend Peter Russo back to his apartment in Chapter Eleven. Russo was a Congressman with a history of alcohol and drug abuse resulting from harsh upbringing and high-pressure job.
Season 1 saw Peter struggle with his demons, doing his best to get help, but falling off the wagon repeatedly. His addictions were tested by Underwood consistently as he toed the line for him, making immoral choices in order to benefit Frank’s agenda.
When it all got too much for him, Peter found himself heavily intoxicated with Frank driving him home from a police station. When Peter confronted Frank and refused to any further bidding for him, Frank remained calm. When they reached the apartment, Frank turned the car engine on, locked the garage door and left, leaving Russo to suffocate.