11 TV Characters Killed Off Far Too Soon

Season Four of Dexter is the show's most poignant and compelling. Dexter has a family by this point, and his killer antics are well hidden and under control despite the introduction of the series' most unforgettable antagonist, the Trinity Killer (played by an exceptional John Lithgow). Both during Season Four and before, though, one of Dexter's most unwavering strong points was Rita Bennett (Julie Benz, yet again gone too soon).

Despite the fourth season's daring and intense plot, it ends with a shocking and troubling death. Rita, loving wife and mother, is killed by the Trinity Killer and left in her house for Dexter to find.

Watching it for the first time, you can't help but gasp, curse, and even weep at the realisation that Rita has died. That being said, despite the reveal being beautifully executed and the shock not wearing off for a long time to come, by Season Five it is apparent that Rita's death is a bigger issue than first thought.

Without his wife, Dexter is able to fully indulge in his killer ways, with no need to keep up appearances for her. This leads to some decent moments in the show, but it also lessens the tension of subsequent seasons. Dexter no longer has that much at stake when it comes to his secret life.

Rita brought a great, light energy to the serial killer drama, and with her gone the show never fully lived up to the complexities she provided.