The Worst Character Exits in TV Show Histories

TV shows are not just about the plots and the storylines but also the characters that make it what it is. Well, sometimes, poorly executed character exits can make lasting impressions that are oftentimes negative. Let's explore some of the worst character exits from famous TV shows.

Three's Company: A Poor Exit for Terri

Three's Company, a classic sitcom from the 80s, faced a challenging task in transitioning its cast to a sequel series. However, the show's handling of character exits left much to be desired. Terri, played by actress Sally Struthers, was one of the more disappointing exits. Her last episode left viewers with a far too clichéd and poorly thought-out storyline. In her final scene, Terri declared her dream to tend 'the needs of the poor sick natives on a remote island.' She then quickly announced that this island would, ironically and rather unsurprisingly, be Hawaii. The sudden and unimaginative line was followed by an uncomfortable giggle, a laugh that only seemingly mocked Terri's noble aspirations. This exit went down as one of the worst, a testament to the show's inability to properly conclude its characters' arcs.

The Use of Fake Shemps: A Digression from Quality Television

For a brief time, fake Shemps were a popular yet questionable solution to a production's budgetary constraints. The use of a substitute character during scenes where the real actor's back was turned became an almost overlooked trope in certain shows. However, one series that employed this tactic in a particularly egregious manner was the short-lived TV show Las Vegas. Created and produced by Gary Scott Thompson, the show featured a regular supporting role played by Dean Cain and a regular cast member, Nikki Cox, before resorting to this method for such a lengthy period.

Thompson's decision to use fake Shemps for the supporting role of Dean Cain and regular cast member Nikki Cox was not only lazy but also disrespectful to the audience. In the second season, the show moved the exit of the character Mary Connell by leaving her to a similar disembodied exit, further exacerbating the issue. The sheer volume of these hastily executed character exits led to a significant drop in ratings, ultimately leading to James Caan's exit from the show before its cancellation. This never-ending reliance on this approach had such a detrimental effect on the show that it was shifted to a timeslot typically reserved for shows that aren't expected to last, indicating just how much viewers and the network itself had lost faith in the production.

The Forgotten Chuck Cunningham

From the original Happy Days series, Chuck Cunningham, Howard and Marion Cunningham's eldest child, faced one of the most abrupt and heartbreaking character exits in television history. In the first season, an explanation was given for Chuck's absence: he had gone to serve in the Vietnam War and Vietnam was still predominantly seen in the public eye as a place of conflict and unrest. However, when the show returned, despite information being disseminated about his return, Chuck was nowhere to be found. Not a single storyline or episode saw him return, nor were there any hints at an unexpected casualty or death, or explanation for his sudden disappearance.

This abrupt ending left viewers with a nagging sense of dissatisfaction and betrayal, given the character's original arc and introduction. It felt almost like the character was erased or forgotten. Howard's passing reference, 'I have two children,' and details about when they were little, served to remind the audience that they had lived a life without Chuck and that he was indeed a part of the Cunningham family, eventually becoming just another erasure in the show's timeline.

For any show, a good character exit is one that resonates with the audience, even if the character's arc is at an end. Whether it was direct lines that encapsulated a character’s legacy, a memorable spectacle, or subtle hints leading up to an unexpected exit, these were actions that left a lasting impact. In contrast, the displays of poor execution in Three's Company, the use of fake Shemps in Las Vegas, and the mysterious disappearance of Happy Days ' Chuck Cunningham highlight how pivotal and meaningful a character's exit can be. These cases serve as cautionary tales when handling character arcs and exits.