8 TV Shows That Killed The Main Character Early

7. Boardwalk Empire - Jimmy Darmody (Lifespan: Two Seasons)

Ned Stark Execution
HBO

Jimmy Darmody had a rough life, with his traumatic war experiences and some creepy mommy issues. He also had a complicated relationship with father figure Nucky, a corrupt politician and gangster. Most of the show's drama centered around this, as they went back and forth between being allies and enemies.

This came to a boil In season two when Jimmy struck out on his own, vying for power and even plotting to have Nucky killed. However, the two men seemed to make peace towards the end of the season after they both suffered losses. Jimmy agreed to meet Nucky under the impression they could reconcile, only for Nucky to coldly execute him with two shots to the head. 

His death haunted Nucky for the next three seasons until, in a moment of beautiful karma, Jimmy's teen son shot him dead in revenge. 

Boardwalk creator Terrence Winter states Jimmy was always going to die, although rumour's persist that actor Michael Pitt was difficult to work with, leading to Jimmy dying earlier than intended.  

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Contributor

Handsome. Charismatic. Intelligent. Noble. Witty. I'm none of these things, but I'm a half decent writer, I guess.