20 Most Important TV Deaths This Decade

16. Michael Scofield - Prison Break (Season 4, Episode 24)

Another of the decade's most discussed TV shows was Prison Break, a deliciously over-the-top and ridiculous thriller show that one just couldn't turn away from (at least in its earlier seasons). The grand irony of the show was that, though genius Michael Scofield spent much of his time risking himself to save his brother, Lincoln, from execution, he ended up being the one to die, as is revealed in the series finale, though not properly explained until The Final Break TV special. Michael ends up sacrificing himself to save Sara and their unborn child, electrocuting himself in order to cause a power surge that allows Sara to flee the prison. As it later transpires, Michael left a DVD for Sara, explaining that his brain tumour had returned and was terminal this time, so his dying would have been inevitable. He leaves Lincoln and Sara with a final message to cherish life and look out for one another, as well as Sara's son, Michael Jr.