5) Doyle (Angel)
This list could also be filled with the works of Joss Whedon, who’s turned killing off beloved characters in shock twists into an art form. The one that still rankles us the most, though, is the death of Irish half-demon Doyle only nine episodes into Angel’s first season.
Loveable rogue Doyle really impressed as a lead character in that short time, but we were denied the chance to get to know him better. Thankfully, he did get a great heroic exit, and his absence did leave room for the terrific Alexis Denisof to take over.
Some say this was Whedon’s plan all along, while others claim that Glenn Quinn’s drug problems made his continual employment impossible. One thing’s for sure though, and that’s that Quinn’s time on the show was far too short. Especially considering that he tragically died three years later.