20 Most Shocking TV Character Deaths EVER

Within a sea of complex figures, each more difficult to pin down than the last, Stringer Bell was perhaps The Wire's most complicated and compelling character. 

During the show's third season, Stringer found himself placed in charge of the Barksdale Organisation after its leader, Avon, landed himself in jail. In a bid to solidify the group's power, Stringer used his political cunning to expand its drug dealing whilst reducing the violence, an aspect of its existence of constant interest to the police. 

When he was released from prison, Avon rejected Stringer's attempts at legitimacy, prompting his old friend to betray him. Avon ends up behind bars once more, but Stringer's double cross dooms him, and in the season three episode "Middle Ground," he's hunted down and shot dead by hitmen Omar Little and Brother Mouzone. 

Stringer dies as he lived - facing his foes with a chillingly calm composure - and his death left a massive hole in the lives of those around him, especially Detective McNulty, who becomes empty not having him to chase anymore.