Fans are still coming to terms with the shocking departure of McDreamy from Grey’s Anatomy. It’s a stark reminder that major characters often meet untimely ends in television. However, not every character is left to the whims of their writers; some have been granted surprising second chances. Here’s a look at a few notable characters who were initially destined for death but ultimately managed to survive.
1. Ricky Cole, Breaking Bad
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, was almost written off by creator Vince Gilligan at the end of the show’s inaugural season. Gilligan envisioned a dark aftermath that would trigger Walter White’s brutal quest for revenge, even leading to the demise of Walter’s son. Thankfully, studio executives, alarmed by the grim plot, stepped in, and Aaron’s character was spared, allowing him to make it through to the series finale.
2. Sarah Dawson, Lost
Remember Sarah? She was introduced as “Flight Attendant #1” in the pilot episode, serving Jack before the infamous crash of Flight 815. Originally, her story was meant to conclude there, but one of the producers noticed actress Hannah Lee and decided to revive her character. By season two, we discovered that she had survived, joining the enigmatic Others, and she made several appearances thereafter.
3. Katherine Lane, Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Olivia D’Abo’s portrayal of the villainous Katherine Lane was supposed to end with her death in 2005. However, the show’s producers filmed two alternate endings—one where she met a fatal fate and another where she escaped. Ultimately, the audience was able to vote, leading to a majority decision that kept her character alive.
4. Dr. Emily Cartwright, V
In the classic V series from the ’80s, Dr. Emily Cartwright (played by Jennifer Cooke) was initially set to die heroically in the second season premiere. However, the intended scene was never aired. Instead, the show’s creator, Kenneth Johnson, later explored her survival in a novel, giving her a second chance at life.
5. David Brooks, Hill Street Blues
David Brooks (portrayed by Ed Marinaro) was killed off in the first season, but producers quickly changed course, revealing that he had been taken to the hospital in time. Unfortunately, he faced a permanent exit in season six. Notably, Andy Renko (played by Charles Haid) was also meant to die in the first episode but survived, becoming a beloved character.
6. Peri Brown, Doctor Who
Nicola Bryant’s character, Peri, faced a dramatic demise when an alien monster transferred its brain into her. Although she was killed off on-screen, fans later learned that she survived and went on to marry a warrior king—what a twist!
7. Ayla Carter, Farscape
Chances looked grim for Ayla (Gigi Edgley), who was originally scripted to die while saving hero Crichton (Ben Browder). However, her undeniable charisma led showrunners to rewrite the script and keep her around until the series concluded.
8. Lila Marshall, ER
Introduced as a love interest for Dr. Luka Kovac (Goran Visnjic), Lila was slated to perish in a car accident caused by him. Yet, writer David Zabel couldn’t bear to kill off a character he named after his wife, leading to a narrative change that allowed her to live.
As any soap opera viewer knows, death is rarely permanent in the realm of TV. Characters can return through various plot devices, such as faked deaths or alternate realities. So, for those mourning McDreamy, remember that many beloved characters have found their way back against the odds.
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Summary
This article discusses several TV characters who were initially slated for death but were ultimately spared due to audience preference, production decisions, or creative changes. Notable examples include Jesse Pinkman from Breaking Bad, Sarah Dawson from Lost, and Katherine Lane from Law & Order: Criminal Intent. The discussion highlights how the unpredictability of storytelling allows beloved characters to continue their journeys.